Coastal Bend
September 2011
traveler
Vol. 1, Issue 1
Opry a little
STOP AND STAY A WHILE – DISCOVER THE TREASURES IN THE COASTAL BEND
in Goliad A Bit of History Alice’s Hispanic Heritage Festival
Vettes and Jets Remembering 9-11 aboard the Lex
Nature at its Best Rockport’s HummerBird Celebration A complimentary publication for the Coastal Bend
About Us... At the Coastal Bend Traveler, our mission is to highlight the tremendous amount of attributes, events, attractions and people that make our lives special. Our goal is simple: to encourage tourists to visit and stay a while as well as showcasing to local residents what wonders they may experience in their own backyard. By working closely with local event organizers, Chambers of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureaus, the Coastal Bend Traveler provides up-todate information on area happenings in each monthly edition as well as around-theclock updates online at www.coastalbendtraveler.com. The Coastal Bend is a unique, special place, and the Traveler tells our story better than anyone.
Nicole D. Perez Owner/Publisher
Brenda Poe Sales/Graphics
Lois Stephens News/Graphics
Larry & Lanette Smallwood Consultants
Ph: 361- 668-NEWS(6397) Fax: 361- 664-3875 www.coastalbendtraveler.com Owned/Operated by Real Hometown Media, LLC
2 - Coastal Bend Traveler - September 2011
To New Beginnings The Coastal Bend Traveler’s goal is to promote the wonderful people and places that make up the Coastal Bend and help encourage and grow local tourism. The coverage area encompasses the counties of Nueces, Bee, Aransas, Refugio, San Patricio, Kleberg, Kenedy, Brooks, Live Oak, Jim Wells, McMullen and Duval. Some 10,000 copies of the Coastal Bend Traveler will be distributed throughout these counties and beyond – from Pleasanton to Harlingen and Victoria to Freer encouraging travelers to visit our area and fall as much in love with the Coastal Bend as we are. The Coastal Bend is a unique part of Texas, and we want to share that with our readers. The Coastal Bend Traveler is modeled after The South Texas Traveler, which was owned and operated by Larry and Lanette Smallwood for 18 years. The Smallwoods are lending their expertise and advice in the area of tourism to the Coastal Bend Traveler. Join us as we begin our journey at the Coastal Bend Traveler. We accept your suggestions and appreciate your support. – Nicole
also this issue
The Heart of the Coastal Bend
The King Ranch, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend, offers a glimpse into Texas’ rich history and offers an escape into the wild. Page 8
Dove Season Opens Local hunting enthusiasts get prepared as Dove season opens in the South Zone Sept. 23. Page 7
On the cover... Ryan Stark plays the fiddle at the second Goliad Country Opry held Aug. 8 at the Goliad Fairgrounds. The 10 year old performs with his older brother and sings with his mother as well. Page 5
Celebrating
J ALICE,
TEXAS
Del Centro Sept. 9 & 10 downtown
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Heritage Month with a backyard barbecue. During the next several years, the annual backyard barbecue and celebration grew larger with more friends and invites; then in 1998, Rojelio joined with John Farias to plan the first organized Hispanic Heritage Festival. With the help of the Alice South Texas Museum, the event was held in downtown Alice and was the first of what would become an annual gathering, with live music and food vendors. Soon after that first event, a small group of people became interested in it and the Alice Hispanic Heritage Committee was officially organized. The committee’s sole purpose is to plan and put on the Alice Hispanic Heritage Festival Fiesta del Centro. The committee includes more than 35
Featuring live music & vendors No charge
Call 664-3454 for information t
What started as a small, backyard family get-together has grown into a major event in downtown Alice every September. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hispanic Heritage Committee has planned yet another event of fun, family entertainment. This year’s Fiesta del Centro is Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10, in downtown Alice. “This is a free event that benefits local students and the Meals on Wheels Program,” said Rojelio Cuellar Jr., an organizer. “The event begins at 6 p.m. with Mariachi Mexicanismo, live entertainment, great TexMex food and a huge kids’ area.” In 1994, Cuellar's friends and family gathered in September to celebrate Hispanic
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Hispanic Heritage
ALICE FIESTA DEL CENTRO
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members with many volunteers that help during the event. Proceeds raised go to youth scholarships for continuing education and to the local Meals on Wheels Program. The two-day event includes live music, exhibits, food vendors, arts and crafts and an IBCA sanctioned barbecue cook-off. Last year, 43 teams competed for the best brisket, pork spare ribs and chicken. This year’s musical guests include Ruben Ramos & The Mexican Revolution, Roberto Pulido y Los Classicos, Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers and many more. “On Saturday morning, cooks will be cooking for the best brisket, chicken, ribs and fajitas,” Cuellar said. “If you’re lucky, you might even get a taste of barbecue. A Kid’s Pork Chop Cook-off will also follow Saturday morning.” For information, email Cuellar at rojeliojr@yahoo.com or call the Alice Chamber of Commerce at 361-664-3454 or 361-701-6865. “Come to Alice and check out South Texas music, amazing authentic food and fun for the whole family. Bring your lawn chairs and no ice chests please,” Cuellar said.
Fishing + Golf = Family Fun
Alice, Texas We aren’t what you thought, and we aren’t stopping now. Lake Findley offers picnicking, and fishing on the shores of 288 acres in Alice. Call (361) 668-7260.
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The Alice Municipal Golf Course features 18 holes and is located at Anderson Park on North Texas Boulevard. It features a total of 5,911 yards of fairways and greens. Call (361)664-7033 for more information.
A Little Bit Of Country & Company J
GOLIAD, TEXAS
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When Ryan Stark took to the stage to join his mother Stacey for a song, she quickly pointed out the 10 year old would likely rather be playing baseball. With a big grin on his face, Ryan quickly shook his head "no," and the pair jumped into a rendition of “Hey Good Lookin’” highlighted with a bit of choreogGoliad raphy. Country Opry They are two of several singers and Next Show: Sept. 12 musicians who par$5 Entry Fee; Goliad ticipate in the Goliad County Fairgrounds, Country Opry featurState Hwy. 183 South ing the Stampede Meals served at 6 p.m. Band, held the secfor $5 donation ond Monday of Show starts at 7 p.m. every month at the Goliad County Fairgrounds. Nita Krahn and her husband are supporting the new venture, with the hopes of sharing their love of country music with local and area residents as well as those just passing through. “I wanted an opry here in Goliad because of the love of country and gospel music I have, and I live here in Goliad County now,” Nita said. “My sister, Betty Thompson, and I sing at several surrounding country opry shows. We noticed that the opry shows draw a lot of repeat show attendees. “I have noticed that some cannot travel as far as
Top, Eddie Maxwell strums out a little ditty at the Goliad Country Opry. The band plays back up for local talent like Ryan and Stacey Stark, right. September 2011 - Coastal Bend Traveler - 5
‘
I’ve been singing for 53 years, and I gotta tell you these men are professional and good.
’
– Local Rancher and Country Opry Performer Walter Scott on the Stampede Band
Left, Nita Krahn welcomes the crowd. Top, Levi Stark plays his fiddle. Below, John Buehler, who always has a joke, on bass.
my sister and I do for shows and thought this was a good place for one.” Nita has gathered local and area talent for the show, including the house band, the Stampede Band, which includes Eddie Maxwell on Lead Guitar, John Buehler on Bass (a sometimes-comedian as well), Shane Lala on Drums and Buddy Boehm on Keyboard. On Monday, Aug. 8, the Julie Wimberly Memorial Building was full of music lovers who enjoyed a homemade meal courtesy of the Goliad Senior Citizens Center and who clapped and sang along to songs like “Route 66” and Stacey Stark’s rendition of Patty Loveless’ “Blame it on your Heart.” Performers included local longhorn rancher Walter Scott, 79, who told the crowd, “I like to sing, and I think I can,” before going into “Driftwood on the River.” Also gracing the stage that August night with Ryan was his older brother, Levi. The two thrilled the crowd with their fiddle playing. “I have been blessed by having such great friends that are so talented that come out to sing,” Nita said. “Some travel a long distance for a meal and to perform. I thank each one for their time and hope the crowd makes them feel at home.” Story & Photos By Nicole D. Perez 6 - Coastal Bend Traveler - September 2011
South Texas Hunting
2011-2012
SHOOTING HOURS: Unless otherwise noted, one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. DAILY BAG COMPOSITION: Mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves in the aggregate, to include not more than 2 white-tipped doves. POSSESSION LIMIT: Twice the daily bag limit.
NORTH ZONE
REPORT DOVE BANDS Texas and other states across the U.S. are banding doves to determine the effects of changes in habitat and hunting. Hunter reports of bands on doves taken provide valuable information on the proportion that survive from one year to the next and the proportion taken by hunters. High reporting rates maximize return on hunting license dollars spent. Please check doves you shoot for bands and report them. The bands are very small and easy to overlook.
SEPT. 1 – OCT. 23, 2011 DEC. 23, 2011 – JAN. 8, 2012 Daily Bag Limit: 15
CENTRAL ZONE SEPT. 1 – OCT. 23, 2011 DEC. 23, 2011 – JAN. 8, 2012 Daily Bag Limit: 15
Rushing & Gonzalez Your Hometown Pharmacy & More
GENERAL DOVE HUNTING REGULATIONS
SOUTH ZONE SEPT. 23 – OCT. 30, 2011 DEC. 23, 2011 – JAN. 23, 2012 Daily Bag Limit: 15
Doves will be marked with metal leg bands containing a unique number and a toll-free telephone number: (800) 327-BAND [2263]. Please call this number or you can report bands on the Internet at www.reportband.gov. You keep the band and receive information on when and where the dove was banded. Thank you.
SPECIAL WHITE-WINGED DOVE AREA SPECIAL SEASON DATES: Sept. 3, 4, 10, 11, 2011 SHOOTING HOURS: Noon to sunset. DAILY BAG LIMIT: 15 white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves in the aggregate, to include not more than 4 mourning doves and 2 white-tipped doves. REGULAR SEASON DATES: Sept. 23–Oct. 30, 2011 and Dec. 23, 2011–Jan. 19, 2012 SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset. DAILY BAG LIMIT: 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, to include not more than 2 white-tipped doves. PWD PR W7000-075A (6/11) In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. TPWD receives federal assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies and is subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and state anti-discrimination laws which prohibit discrimination the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any TPWD program, activity or facility, or need more information, please contact Civil Rights Coordinator for Public Access, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop: MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA 22203.
Dry conditions don’t necessarily equate to bad dove hunting, wildlife biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department suggest. An extended drought across much of Texas could be beneficial for dove hunters as birds will have to rely upon limited resources. Water, especially in close proximity to dove feeding areas, should be at a premium heading into the Sept. 1 dove season opener. Biologists say the drought will have some impacts on dove populations, with the greatest being on juveniles. However, they do not expect significant impacts to what hunters will see this fall. Texas boasts fall dove populations in excess of 40 million birds and its 300,000 dove hunters harvest about 6 million birds annually, or roughly 30 percent of all doves taken in the United States.
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Texas dove season in the North and Central Dove Zones will run from Thursday, Sept. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 23, and reopen Friday, Dec. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 8, with a 15-bird daily bag and not more than two white-tipped doves. The South Zone dove season will run Friday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 30, reopening Friday, Dec. 23 through Monday, Jan. 23, with a 15-bird daily bag and not more than two white-tipped doves. The Special White-winged Dove Area will open to white-winged dove afternoon-only (noon to sunset) hunting the first two full weekends in September running from Sept. 3-4 and 10-11 and reopen when the regular South Zone season begins on Friday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 30 and again from Friday, Dec. 23 through Thursday, Jan. 19. The Special White-winged Dove Area season takes four of the allowable 70 days, so when the regular season opens, this area must close four days earlier than the rest of the South Zone. During the early two weekends, the daily bag limit is 15 birds, to include not more than four mourning doves and two white-tipped doves. Once the general season opens, the aggregate bag limit will be 15. For general license questions, please call TPWD Headquarters in Austin at 800-792-1112. - Courtesy TPWD September 2011 - Coastal Bend Traveler - 7
Growing Up King Ranch – Relive a Part of History Lolo Treviño, a lifelong kineño
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Above, King Ranch tour guide Janelle Rand checks on baby alligators on the ranch. Left, all types of wildlife can be seen on the ranch including deer, and the King Ranch’s Santa Gertrudis cattle also add to the scenery. Below, Caracara falcons are a staple on the ranch as well.
KINGSVILLE, TEXAS
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As a child Lolo Treviño told his mother he wanted to be a cowboy. It was a logical choice, since his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had all been cowboys on the King Ranch. “If you want to be a cowboy, you better learn to eat in the dirt,” his mother told him. That was more than advice, it was fact. There were days spent rounding up cattle, when the men would sit in their saddles from dusk to dawn. Riding home at the end of the day, sometimes the only way to recognize one cowboy from another was by their horse as the men were covered in dirt. From breaking horses to branding cattle, Lolo has spent his entire life on the ranch. Now 81 years old, Lolo looks back over his lifetime on the ranch with fond memories. “I miss my horses,” he said, “and all the people who taught me. Sometimes those days just rush through your mind.” Lolo began breaking horses at age
10 alongside his twin brother. He remembers the day in 1943 when at 13 years old he was placed on the back of Assault, which went on to become the only Texas horse to win the Triple Crown. He and his six brothers were all kineños, King’s men, and his sisters married men on the ranch, too. The years spent under the South Texas sun are etched into Lolo’s face, a reminder of the part he played in building a South Texas Dynasty. Being a kineño was a lifestyle. It was fulfilling. And, it was a time marked in the history of South Texas created by a dream of a man with humble beginnings. Captain Richard King was the spark for this empire that began as a 15,500-
acre Mexican land grant and grew into an international company known for its unique breed of cattle and award-winning quarterhorses. Lolo is a staple of the King Ranch today. He meets visitors touring the Ranch in the Weaver’s Cottage and explains different brands the Ranch has used. On a warm August afternoon, there were visitors from Canada and Arizona touring the ranch. Lolo charmed them as he pulled his harmonica from his pocket and said, “Let’s see if you can all sing along to this one” before playing “You are my Sunshine.” “I pray and thank God every time I see the bus coming,” he said. That bus is one of many that offers a wide variety of tours on the King Ranch. Depending on the time of year, the Ranch offers birding tours, wildlife tours and nature tours. At any given time you may spot a Caracara, or Mexican Eagle, a White Tail deer prancing through the brush or even baby alligators in a pond. There are five types of dove on the
Story & Photos By Nicole D. Perez September 2011 - Coastal Bend Traveler - 9
Love Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Alice has the Outdoorsman and Wrangler to fit any need.
1259 East Main Street • Alice, Texas • 361 664-9955 www.lovechryslerdodgejeep.com #! A??3@6 -D35 FD3@E87D 53E7 ;E E?AAF: 3@6 CG;7F K7F FAG9: 3@6 4778K EA KAG 53@ F35=>7 5:3>>7@9;@9 F7DD3;@ I;F: 5A@N67@57 ,F3@63D6 A@ >
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Captain Richard King
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The King Ranch Museum 405 N. King Street in Kingville. Call 361595-1881 King Ranch, 8 Mile W Highway 141, Kingsville - 361592-8055 King Ranch Saddle Shop, Downtown Kingsville. Call 361595-1424
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The story starts in the mid-1830s with an 11-yearold boy indentured by his destitute family to a jeweler in New York City. The jeweler was a difficult man and the boy, practically enslaved by him, was chafing under the man's mistreatment. Nascent greatness would not be shackled or ever satisfied with such circumstances. At this tender age, the restless and adventuresome young Richard King made contacts on the Manhattan wharves and soon stowed away on a ship heading south toward his destiny. In the mid 19th century, Captain King traveled north from the Rio Grande to Corpus Christi. He traversed a region then known as the Wild Horse Desert. His eye for an opportunity was at its sharpest when, after well over 100 miles of riding over the wild lands, he and his party came to the refreshing waters of Santa Gertrudis Creek. King saw this place that nourished so much wildlife could also sustain domestic stock, and King's vision for a great cattle ranch began to take shape. He and business partner Gideon "Legs" Lewis purchased the 15,500-acre Mexican land grant then known as the Rincon de Santa Gertrudis – the first foothold of what would become the legendary King Ranch.
Ranch, including Mou13rning Doves and Inca Doves. A pair of elusive Burrowing Owls were also recently discovered. Tour guides such as Janelle Rand are well-versed in the wildlife living on the Ranch, and their enthusiasm is infectious. The winter months are the best time to participate in a wildlife tour as the heat of summer keeps many of the animals under cover during the day. One should also visit the King Ranch Museum where Toni Frissell's award-winning photographic essay of life on the Ranch in the early 1940s brings history to life in breathtaking black and white photos that remind us of a time long gone, but continues to beat in the hearts of cowboys in South Texas - cowboys like Lolo Treviño. “I am happy to have worked with cattle,” he said. “I am happy to have been a King’s man.”
12 - Coastal Bend Traveler - September 2011
These two longhorns, Pancho and Sancho, greet visitors to the Ranch on W. Highway 141. For King Ranch Tours, call 361592-8055.
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Vettes & Jets on the Lex Story by Lois Stephens, Photos contributed
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This Sept. 10 and 11, Corvettes from across the country will converge on Corpus Christi for the annual "Vettes and Jets on the Lex" event held by the Corpus Christi Corvette Club to recognize and remember 9-11. In an effort to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project™, 350 cars will be put up on the flight deck. Proceeds from the event are donated to the Wounded Warrior Project™. Stephen "Maverick" McCravy, the club's event coordinator and master of ceremonies for this event, said, "Since we started this in 2007, we have raised a little more than $60,000 total and we are hoping to top $100,000 this year.
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J C O R P U S C H R I S T I, Texas Not bad for a club of 73 people." The club was formed in 1984 and is proud and honored to host this charitable event each year, McCravy said. The group adopted the Wounded Warrior Project™ as its charity and has donated the proceeds to it each year. Several wounded warriors will attend this year from Brooks and Walter Reed Army Medical Centers. They will be treated as V.I.P. guests, with all meals and lodging paid. During the event, club members will sell raffle tickets for a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro RS to be raffled off on Sept. 11. "Tickets are $10, and we're only selling 5,000 tickets, so your odds are pretty good. Donating $10 for a chance at a $33,000 car is a pretty good deal," McCravy said. The raffle winner does not need to be present to win. The winner will be responsible for pickup and delivery as well as all taxes, title and registration fees. Advance Auto Parts is the major event sponsor and has been with the project since its inception. "A lot of people don't know it, but Advance Auto Parts is very militaryfriendly. They do a lot behind the scenes to help military families and when they found out we were going to do this, they jumped right on board," McCravy said. This is the largest Corvette show in Texas and the only show in the country that is held aboard a military ship of any kind. It will feature everything from classics to current, 1954 to 2012, models. This year's event includes cars from all over
[Continued on Page 19] One look at his car lets you know club member Maverick is proud to be an American, above left. Club member Buzz shows off his 1966 Corvette Convertible, below left.
The Wounded Warrior Project™ The Mission of the Wounded Warrior Project™ is to honor and empower wounded warriors in order to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded warriors in this nation's history. The purpose is to raise awareness; enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members; to help injured service members aid and assist each other; and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members. The Project began when several veterans and friends, moved by stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq, took action to help others in need. What started as a program to provide comfort items to wounded service members has grown into a complete rehabilitative effort to assist warriors as they recover and transition back to civilian life. Tens of thousands of wounded warriors and caregivers receive support each year through WWP programs designed to nurture the mind and body, and encourage economic empowerment and engagement. For more information about the Wounded Warrior Project™, please visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Information courtesy of the Wounded Warrior ProjectTM. September 2011 - Coastal Bend Traveler - 15
Jewels of the Sky HummerBird Celebration Sept. 15 - 18 J R O C K P O R T , Texas
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“Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.” If you are hearing that characteristic “whirrrrrr-ing” noise in the air, and it looks as though jewels have taken flight, it must be time for the annual Rockport-Fulton HummerBird Celebration. The event celebrates the annual fall migration of Ruby-throated and other hummingbirds through the area, as well as providing information and education about other birds and wildlife of all kinds. This year’s event will take place Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 15 through 18, in and around the Rockport-Fulton area. The original developers of the event, Betty Baker and Jesse Grantham, wanted everyone to enjoy the hummingbirds, but not to forget about all of the other birds during the fall migration. Thus the name “HummerBird Celebration” evolved. The event, albeit enjoyable, is intended more as an opportunity to learn than as a carnivaltype atmosphere. Krystal White, director of Tourism and Events at the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, said, “This year’s event will be unique as we have two different film companies coming in.” A British company will be filming with high-definition cameras, which will actually be able to capture clear slow-motion video of the humming birds. “Also, we have as our main speaker James Currie, the host of Nikon’s ‘Birding Adventures,’ which airs on Versus/NBC Sports,” White said. “He has traveled all around the world – the Amazon, Australia and New Zealand, and will speak about his recent involvement in a Hollywood movie, 16 - Coastal Bend Traveler - September 2011
The event offers plenty of opportunities to take photographs of hummingbirds. ‘Birding Adventures TV: The Big Year Movie.’ It opens in October and stars Angelica Huston, Jack Black and Steve Martin.” The celebration is one of the largest nature events in the United States; and every year it’s a little bit different to keep it alive and changing, White said. “We may have anywhere from five to 10 thousand people – birders are very loyal, but every other year there is another big event, I think in New Mexico, that kind of splits the crowd up. Of course, it also depends on the weather. In 2007 or 2008 we had a
‘scare-a-cane’ that forced us to cancel the event, which was just devastating,” White said. During the three-day event, speakers will make presentations on all aspects of nature watching, from Tom Kuenzli with “Optics, What You Need to Know (choosing your binoculars and birding scopes),” to David and Jan Dauphin’s “Butterflies of the Coastal Bend” and “Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Lower Rio Grande Valley,” as well as many other diverse speakers and topics. A special treat will be Friday
Please visit www.rockport hummingbird.com, email: tourism @1rockport.org or call the Rockport Chamber of Commerce at 800242-0071 for more information.
evening’s “Live Birds of Prey” show presented by Last Chance Forever, a raptor rehabilitation center based in San Antonio. The homes featured as “Hummer Homes” during the celebration are designated by signs and feature landscaping and foliage designed to attract and feed hummingbirds as they prepare to make their journey southward. Viewers may pick up a self-guided tour map at any information booth and may spot as many as 100 hummingbirds in a yard. Those who would prefer a guided trip may join the Hummer Home Bus Trip to visit three homes and see hummingbird banding demonstrations. Banding (also called ringing) is a process in which a small ring or band with identifying information is attached to the bird’s leg. These bands or rings are usually made of aluminum or another lightweight material and do not hurt or adversely affect the bird. “There are a large variety of things to do – there’s a butterfly demonstration garden, birds of prey and the hummingbird banding is very popular. We have a Master Bander working, because the banding process is important.” The banding documents the birds’ ages, sexes, weight, fat and diversity of population to help track the birds and migration patterns. “The birds get startled and kind of ‘freeze up’ during the banding – a little like a fish when you catch it – so people can actually hold the birds in their hand while they recover from the startle, and then release them,” White said.
A “Birds, Wine and Dine” pre-event activity will begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 14 and 15, with a two-hour morning birding trip to Fennessey Ranch, then moving to the SouthWind Winery for a tour and wine tasting. In a second wine tasting room, participants will be fêted with a four-course gourmet lunch, four-plus wine pairings and a souvenir glass. The day will end at 2 p.m. at the Rockport Bay Education Center with the “Science on a Sphere” show. Several trips to nature “hotspot” locations around the area will be available, kayakers will enjoy a two-hour guided birding trip around the bird rookery islands, boat and bus birding trips will be made to observe birds from shorebirds to raptors, and photography classes will be held for those interested in beginning or improving their wildlife photography. About 100 vendors will be onsite during the celebration. It is a requirement of the event that all vendors have at least 50-percent nature-related items; and a large variety of bird, butterfly, dragonfly and, of course, hummingbird-themed items are always available. As all classes, tours and trips have limited seating and availability, it is recommended but not required to register in advance.
Story By Lois Stephens Photos Contributed
Event T-shirt logo September 2011 - Coastal Bend Traveler - 17
E CLECTIC Events EVENTS ( Eclectic
ec·lec·tic /iklektik/ - Adjective: Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
he I n t ht tl ig o p S
)
Saturday, Sept. 24 - Corpus Christi - 8th annual Conquer the Coast bicycle ride - Scenic 10-, 25- and 65-mile bicycle rides along Corpus Christi Bay. The 65-mile ride includes the Toughest 18 Miles in Texas Time Trial. Whataburger Field, 734 E. Port Ave. http://www.conquerthecoast.org/ Ph: 361-881-1800 “We ride for fitness, for fun; we ride for the bridges, beaches, ocean breezes, and for the benefit to the Corpus Christi Chamber Foundation which supports local programs such as Leadership Corpus Christi, CC under 40, and the Texas A&M University-CC Islander Athletic Fund.” – Conquer the Coast organizers
Every Tuesday in September - Corpus Christi - Open Mic Night - All kinds of entertainment, including comedians, acoustic acts and full bands. House of Rock. Phone: 361-882-7265 http://www.texashouseofrock.com
a.m. at Riverside Park - phone 361-485-3200.
Sept. 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 - Aransas Pass - “Harvey” performed at the Rialto Theater, 327 S. Commercial. http://rialtotheater.org/rialtotheater.htm
Saturday, Sept. 10 & 24 - Aransas Pass - Farmers Market/Trade Day - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vegetables, arts & crafts, and animals - In the parking lot of the Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Center, 130 W. Goodnight, off Hwy. 361. http://www. aransaspass.org/farmers_market.cfm
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10 - Alice Hispanic Heritage Festival 17th annual Fiesta Del Centro - Includes wild hog, fajita and brisket cookoff, live music, food booths and family entertainment. Downtown Alice. http://alicehhc.weebly.com/ (See article on page 3 this issue) Friday, Sept. 9 - Port Aransas - Champagne Cruise/Mini Taste of Port A - Enjoy samples from local restaurants, cruise the city harbor and enjoy live music. Fisherman’s Wharf, 900 N. Tarpon. Phone: 361-749-5448 Friday through Sunday, Sept. 9 through 11 - Beeville - Celebration of Diez y Seis de Septiembre Festival - Fiesta Bee County - 361358-9124. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 & 11 - Corpus Christi - Vettes and Jets on the Lex - Corpus Christi Corvette Club hosts car show with 350 Corvettes on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Lexington. (See article page 14 this issue.) Saturday, Sept. 10 - Robstown - cRude City Roller Derby Girls, 7 p.m. Central Pavilion Arena, Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds. Phone: 361-387-9000 Saturday, Sept. 10 - Victoria - Get Fit 5K - 7 to 11
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Sunday, Sept. 11 - Corpus Christi Chocolate Pathway to the Gods: The Sacred Realm of Chocolate in Mesoamerica” Artist Ovidio Biberga in a panel presentation. Begins at 2 p.m. Art Museum of South Texas. Phone: 361-8253504 http://www.artmuseumofsouthtexas.com/
Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 15 though 18 - Rockport-Fulton - HummerBird Celebration: Celebrate the fall migration of the Ruby-throated hummingbird through the area and expand your knowledge of all birds and associated wildlife. http://www.rockporthummingbird.com/ (See article on page 16 this issue) Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 15 through 17 - Robstown - “The Hunt for Hogzilla” hog hunting contest & IBCA cook-off in Robstown, Texas. http://www.allaboutexotics.com/2011/08/ the-hunt-for-hogzillacook-off-sept-17th/ Friday through Sunday, Sept. 16 through 18 - Corpus Christi - Home and Garden Fall Expo American Bank Center - Phone: 361-826-4700 Sept. 23 through 25 - Corpus Christi Celebration of Flight Festival - Birding festival is held during the peak of raptor migration. Volunteers will be on hand to show and identify the
migrating hawks. Hazel Bazemore County Park. http://www.ccbirding.com Phone 361-881-1888 Sept. 23 through 25 - Corpus Christi - North American Wholesale Jewelry and Gift Show American Bank Center - 361-826-4700 Saturday, Sept. 24 - Corpus Christi - Third Coast Exhibit - Juried art show featuring artists from all over the country. K Space Contemporary Gallery, 415 Starr St. Phone: 361-887-6834 http://www.kspacecontemporary.org/ Sunday, Sept. 25 - Victoria - Czech Heritage Festival - traditional Czech music, cultural demonstrations, exhibits, and a homemade beer and wine show. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St. Phone: 361-575-0820 or 361578-6730 email: ddusek@suddenlink.net http://www.victoriaczechs.org/ Tuesday, Sept. 27 - Victoria Crossroads Country Opry: Jaycee Hall, 2905 E North St., Victoria, TX. The Victoria Jaycees will offer meals for $6 beginning at 5:30 pm before each show. 7 to 9:30 p.m. and admission will be $5 per person. http://crossroadscountryopry.com/ Wednesday, Sept. 28 - Corpus Christi - Hobo and Hot Dogs: Folk-Americana band Hobo performs. Enjoy free hot dogs. House of Rock. 361-882-7625 http://www.texashouseofrock.com/ Friday through Sunday, Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 - Port Aransas - MustangFest: Ford Mustangs from all over Texas and surrounding states arrive on Mustang Island for the Mile of Mustangs lineup, car shows, live music and other events. Plantation Suites, 1909 State Highway 361. Phone: 405-5630307 http://www.mustangfest.org/
[From Page 15] the country, with people coming from as far away as California and Pennsylvania. Corvette enthusiasts are also coming in groups – 48 from Tulsa, Okla., and 12 from Florida. All in all, 14 states will be represented this year. "This will be the biggest show we have had so far. Since we began, 32 states have been represented at the Vettes and Jets and there's even been one car from Canada; so we've actually had two countries," McCravy said. The event will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday
and Sunday, rain or shine. The actual car show begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, with trophies awarded at 3 p.m. Admission to the USS Lexington Museum grants admission to the show. This event is a major fundraiser for the museum, as well. “This is a one-of-a-kind show in America so don't miss your chance to see it and to help us remember and honor all of those who have served and are serving our country,” McCravy said. For more information, please visit www.vettesandjetsonthelex.org.
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