Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council July 2014 Newsletter

Tourism Talk The Quarterly Newsletter for the Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council Produced by Real Hometown Media, LLC

Vol. 2, Issue 3 Mission Statement The purpose of the Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council is to promote tourism in the South Texas Coastal Bend region.

2014 Officers President Nancy Deviney

Lake Corpus Christi, Executive Director Texas Tropical Trail Region Heritage Tourism Program

Vice President Sandy Jumper

Chamber of Commerce

Coastal communities recognized statewide

W

ord is that some of the area attractions experienced recordbreaking attendance over the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend; we all hope this trend continues through the summer months!

Some of our Coastal Bend communities have recently been recognized in print and in social media as well. Kudos to Goliad and Rockport for being named by citiesjournal.com as part of the Top 15 Small Cities in South Texas.

Port Aransas was featured in Texas Highways magazine in their “Look What’s Cooking” segment with an emphasis on the fresh seafood of this coastal community. Texas Monthly magazine selected Baffin Bay (Kleberg County) and Rockport as sure bets for “13 Summer Weekends”. And, Corpus Christi and

Secretary Claire Barnhart Korth

0wner of Barnhart Q5 Ranch & Retreat in Goliad County

Executive Director Ann Neese

Corpus Christi Contact us at 361-241-7323 Email at info@ txcoastalbend.org

July 2014

In April, members of the TCBRTC toured the Cinnamon Shore planned community.

Port Aransas made Texas Highways list of Texas’ Top 40 Travel Destinations.

Gee, we are so fortunate to live in such a great part of Texas!

Where we’ve been…

April In April, new member Cinnamon Shore planned community on Highway 361 near Port Aransas played host to our meeting in one of their beautiful rental properties. Thanks to Willma Harvey for making this visit possible.

Some of the Cinnamon Shore corporate staff happened to be in town that day and took a few minutes to speak to our group about their home sales, vacation rental properties and amenities.

After their presentation, we were given a tour of some of their homes

Around The Bend

By Nancy Deviney

that could also double as corporate retreats and/or meeting spaces.

During our business meeting, it was approved to be a Trendsetter sponsor at the upcoming May 8 National Travel and Tourism Week Luncheon presented by the Corpus Christi CVB. It was also announced that, thanks to Toni Nagel Mason of the King Ranch Visitor Services Program, the historic files and records of TCBRTC, some dating back to 1988, are now a part of the South Texas Archives on the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

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Director of Tourism and Events Rockport-Fulton

www.txcoastalbend.org

Nancy, Next Page

Vol. 2, Issue 3

Page 2

July 2014

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Nancy, From Page 1

Those who attended the May meeting of the Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council in Rockport were treated to a bay tour by Captain Tommy Moore.

May Rockport-Fulton was the site of our May meeting with Sandy Jumper as our host.

Our meeting and educational program was held at the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce with the program presented by field representatives of the GO TEXAN program, part of the Texas Department of Agriculture.

During the business meeting, Wilfred Korth, chair of the 2014 TCBRTC Educational Seminar, asked the membership for suggested topics for the seminar and announced that the seminar will be held in October, date and site to be announced.

A summary of the National Travel and Tourism Week Luncheon was also discussed ending with an informal recommendation to participate as a sponsor again next year.

Following lunch at Charlotte Plummer’s Restaurant in Fulton, a complimentary bay cruise was offered by Captain Tommy Moore aboard his craft,

Jason Ott, AgriLife Extension Agent, gave the program in June.

Skimmer. Several members did enjoy the cruise.

June Our June meeting was held at the Richard Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Robstown hosted by Joe Guzman and the Robstown Area Development Commission.

Jason Ott, Nueces County AgriLife Extension Agent, spoke to the group about the resources of the Texas A&M AgriLife program, the agronomics of the Robstown/Nueces County area and the fact that the AgriLife Extension Service is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

During the business meeting, Nicole Perez Morris of Real Hometown Media reported that advertising sales and content development for the 2015 TCBRTC Tourism Guide will begin soon.

Educational Seminar Chair Wilfred Korth announced that Sandy Jumper has agreed to work with him on the planning and coordination for the

Refugio County was well represented at the June meeting, which was hosted by the Robstown Area Development Commission. seminar which is set to be held in the Rockport-Fulton area in October.

Where we’re headed…

We hope you’ll join us for the July 22 meeting to be held at the Barnhart Q5 Ranch & Nature Retreat near Berclair in Goliad County hosted by Wilfred Korth and Claire Barnhart Korth, the August 26 meeting to be held in Alice and

hosted by the Alice Chamber of Commerce or the September 23 meeting held in Port Aransas and hosted by the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce.

I look forward to seeing you “around the Bend”….

Nancy

Vol. 2, Issue 3

Page 3

July 2014

National Tourism Week Luncheon National Tourism Week Luncheon - American Bank Center and Selena Auditorium in Corpus Christi.

Presented by the Corpus Christi CVB L-R (TCBRTC table) - Marlett Bahn (King Ranch), Tony Morris (Real Hometown Media, Alice), Ann Neese (TCBRTC), Richard Bullock (Council of Governments), Juanita Freudiger (Refugio Co Community Development Foundation), Irene Muguerza (Refugio County Chamber of Commerce) and Victor Garza (Refugio County Community Development Foundation)

Texas Tropical Trail Partner Events

By Nancy Deviney, Executive Director

T

he monthly Partner Events continue to be a major focus of the Texas Tropical Trail Region heritage tourism organization. These events move around the 20-county Region each month exploring the attractions and history of each county and town.

Thirty to forty friends and partners travel with us for a full day of educational fun, tours and lunch.

In April, we visited Port Isabel for a tour of a working shrimp boat (complete with a complimentary shrimp boil brunch), a stop at the Sea Life Center (where we learned about the local dolphin tribe) and then enjoyed Champagne Mimosas for lunch at Marcello’s Italian Restaurant. We also learned how one local shrimping company is making the transition from the shrimping industry to shrimping and tourism.

Kingsville was our destination in May beginning with a

visit to the downtown 1904 Train Depot Museum followed by a tour of the 1909 HM King High School that is currently being renovated to serve as the Kingsville City Hall. After lunch, we spent the remainder of our day in Kingsville at the King Ranch Museum/Henrietta Memorial Center. Our educational programs were varied – “King Ranch and South Texas during the Civil War”, “An Overview of NAS Kingsville”

and “Moving/Relocating Historic Buildings”.

Our June event was held in Rockport-Fulton and included tours of the Texas Maritime Museum and the new History Center of Aransas County.

After lunch at eclectic Eleanor’s General Store in Fulton, we moved on to the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site Education and History Center for our educational programs.

Marsha Hendrix, Site Manager for the Fulton Mansion, gave us an update on the renovations/restorations currently underway at the Mansion, and Diane Probst, CEO of the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, reviewed her new book, “Chamberology”, a guide to the art of running a Chamber of Commerce.

In July, we will visit Raymondville and Lyford in Willacy County.

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8545 S. Staples Street

Corpus Christi, Texas 78413

July 2014

361-852-2100

F 361-852-7875

www.stxbot.org

April 24, 2014 MEDIA RELEASE Contact MaryJane Crull, Communicatons/Marketing Director Dr. Michael Womack, Executive Director 361-852-2100 mjc@stxbot.org

Botanical Gardens & Nature Center offers six kids half-day Summer Nature Camp sessions; with SCRAPDADDY exhibit on-site!

Camps underwritten by NavyArmy COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

CORPUS CHRISTI— The Botanical Gardens encompasses a unique mix of flower gardens, floral exhibits and plant collections; plus vast acreage of native habitat and natural wetlands, which children love to learn about and explore. This summer, let the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center Kids Summer Nature Camps, for ages five through 10, gift your child with a visual love of nature; understanding of our natural resources; conservation of our fragile environment; plus positive insights into stewardship of native habitats, bird and wildlife, and natural wetlands of this unique South Texas ecosystem.

This year, campers learn from the Botanical Gardens summer-long art exhibit, ‘Scrapdaddy—METAL IN MOTION 2, a mega-collection of magnificently mind-blowing, ingenious scrap metal creations by internationally-known Mark ‘Scrapdaddy’ Bradford. Two of the camp sessions have a recycling theme and projects. Kids Summer Nature Camps are sponsored by NavyArmy Community Credit Union.

Approximately half the daily sessions are held outside, with interactive class time and projects in new, air-conditioned Education Station on Botanical Gardens grounds at 8545 S. Staples St. Besides their ‘walk on the wild side,’ campers take home hands-on projects and Nature Camp t-shirt. Campers will need comfortable, cool clothing and shoes; hats, sunglasses and sunscreen each day. Maximum class size is 20.

DATES June 9-13

AGE 5-7

HOURS 9-Noon

June 23-27

5-7

9-Noon

July 14-18

5-7

9-Noon

June 16-20

8-10

9-Noon

July 7-11

8-10

9-Noon

July 21-25

8-10

9-Noon

(recycling theme/projects)

(recycling theme/projects)

Hours for all sessions are 9 am to noon, Monday through Friday. Tuition for each camper each session is $75 members; $90 non-members. Full payment and parent/guardian signature is required to register campers.

Visitors Center hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Nature Camp and Membership applications may be downloaded at www.stxbot.org. For more information, call the Gardens & Nature Center, 361/852-2100.

Vol. 2, Issue 3

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July 2014

Metal in motion 2 by Mark ‘Scrapdaddy’ Bradford May 9-Labor Day

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

MEDIA ADVISORY June 25, 2014 CONTACTS BOTANICAL GARDENS

MaryJane Crull mjc@stxbot.org Michael Womack wmwomack@stxbot.org 361.852.2100

SCRAPDADDY Mark Bradford 985.969.7071

scrapdaddy@me.com

Scrapdaddy’s METAL IN MOTION 2 at Botanical Gardens through Labor Day! ‘Recycled’ is just too small a word …

CORPUS CHRISTI—The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center METAL IN MOTION 2, a mega collection of 60-plus magnificently mind-blowing, ingenious, over-the-top scrap metal creations by internationally-known Houston artist Mark Scrapdaddy Bradford, continues at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center through Labor Day. The exhibit includes art cars Eele, Amblin’, Mr. Green, La Rancha and Tompson, the latter of which appeared and won a trophy in the Buc Days Illuminated Night Parade May 3!

Bradford is best-known for his large, robotic, recycled metal creatures which often move by pneumatics and hydraulics, some breathing fire and opening their jaws! Two of his art cars are covered by wings and scales made from spoons which became scrap when an airline changed out its flatware, discovered by Bradford at the Houston Ship Channel one day before scheduled shipment to China. He took a few college art classes, but is mostly self-taught, crediting his inventor great-grandfather for his love of this creative art form. “I always wanted to be like my great grandfather and invent cool contraptions,” says Bradford with a smile.

Bradford’s work has been shown live and on television throughout North and South America, and Europe. He and his “contraptions” have appeared in the Houston Art Car Parade 24 years, on Junkyard Wars—TLC England, Guiness Primetime Live-FOX, Battle Bots—Comedy Central, Scrapyard Scavengers--History Channel, Competition—A&E, This is how We Roll—Japan TV, Sled Racing by Invention--ESPN, at the Essen Motor Show—Germany, and in Smithsonian Magazine.

Scrapdaddy in Corpus Christi—first time at a botanical garden!

The South Texas Botanical Gardens Scrapdaddy adventure, which May 9 continuing through Labor Day, showcases nearly 70 medium to giant-size Scrapdaddy pieces including Bradford art cars, robotic works, and outdoor-scale artistic sculptures. The Art Museum of South Texas’ gallery full of delightfully whimsical, lighter-scale Scrapdaddy sculptures closed June 22.

Other stars among Corpus Christi’s grand “daddy” of all recycling events include names like Giddy-Up, Puffer Fish, Free Bird, Tally Ho, Manta, Cable Couple, Constant Gardener, Propellor Head, Steer, Bits, and What Did I Do. Just before shipment to Corpus Christi, Bradford completed four new sculptures created especially for the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center—the first botanical garden exhibit of his career.

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July 2014

Botanical Gardens - Upcoming Events

NEW PLUMERIA PASSIONS Saturday, July 12, 10-noon.

Plumeria Society president Frank Eicholz will discuss tips on purchasing and raising these exotic, tropical beauties, lead a tour of the Gardens & Nature Center 100-plant Plumeria Garden & Willoughby Viewing Platform. Winter hibernation also is covered. Limited plants may be for sale. This seminar will give newer plumeria growers basic knowledge before the Plumeria Society’s annual sale 10 am to 2 pm, Saturday, July 19, at the Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely. Seminar FREE for members! Non-members free with General Admission.

BLACKLOCK’S INTRODUCTION TO THE

FASCINATION WORLD OF BIRDS Short Course: BASIC BLACKLOCK SHORT COURSE Class Session: Friday, September 12, 6:15-9:15 p.m; Fieldtrip: Saturday, September 13, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

A short course and basic introduction designed especially for beginning birders. Study some of the more than 450 known bird species in South Texas, with acclaimed birder and naturalist Gene Blacklock.

The Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is a Texas Coastal Birding Trail site. Class session held in Botanical Gardens new Education Station. $45 members; $60 non-members.

Class maximum 30, minimum 12. Prepaid registration fee required by September 5. Curriculum questions 361.558.1829.

BLACKLOCK’S HAWKS IN FLIGHT, IDENTIFICATION Short Course Class: Friday, September 26, 6:15-9:15 p.m.; Field Trip: Saturday, September 27, 9:30 a.m.-1p.m.

Just in time for fall migration and Corpus Christi Hawk Watch, local naturalist Gene Blacklock discusses the common ‘birds of prey’ in an evening class; and leads a Saturday field trip. Class session held in Botanical Gardens Education Station. $45 members; $60 nonmembers. Class maximum 30, minimum 12. Prepaid registration fee required by September 19. Curriculum questions 361.558.1829.

BLACKLOCK’S BEGINNING BIRD ID 101 SERIES—10 CLASSES & 3 FIELD TRIPS Begins Monday, September 22, running through December 6; Classes: Mondays, 6:159:15 p.m.; Sept 22, Sept 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov 3, 10, 17; Dec 1.

Field Trips: Saturdays, Oct 18,

Nov 15, Dec 6.

With award-winning & entertaining birder/naturalist, Gene Blacklock, co-author of Birds of Texas-a Field Guide & Birds of the Texas Coastal Bend; former environmental educator for Welder Wildlife Foundation; Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program; and Texas Parks & Wildlife field biologist in colonial water bird management.

This series is designed for people who wish to know more about bird identification but have little or no experience in the sport of field identification.

Class sessions held in Botanical Gardens new Education Station. The Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is a Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail site. Class maximum is 18, minimum 12. $165 members, $200 non-members, including all Botanical Gardens general admissions. (Non-member fee includes one-year Botanical Gardens individual membership.)

Prepaid registration required

by September 22. For curriculum questions, call Blacklock, 361.558.1829.

Texas State Aquarium Announces Monumental Expansion H-E-B contribution of $3 million leads way in effort for Caribbean Journey to More Than Double Size of Aquarium

he Texas State Aquarium is excited to announce the largest expansion in its 24 year history. Bringing the sights, sounds, and vibrant wildlife of the Western Caribbean to the shores of Corpus Christi, this $50,000,000 Caribbean Journey addition – which completes the final two phases of the Aquarium’s original

T

master plan – will transform the Texas State Aquarium from a leading regional aquarium to one of the one of the top aquariums in the nation.

In late 2012, the Texas State Aquarium launched the leadership phase of Campaign Caribbean, a capital campaign to raise the necessary funds for construction of the Caribbean Journey wing. The Continued partner H-E-B announced a lead gift of $3 million to Campaign Caribbean, which has now reached the crucial midway point of the $50 million

goal, enabling the Aquarium to commission final construction documents and move forward with groundbreaking scheduled for late this year. Rob Hall, Group Vice President of H-E-B Gulf Coast Region stated, “The Texas State Aquarium is one of the most significant educational resources in our state.

H-E-B is pleased to continue our partnership with the aquarium because we believe this investment represents our passion for education and our commitment to the communities we serve.”

At 65,000 square feet, the new Caribbean Journey wing will be significantly larger than the original Gulf of Mexico exhibit building. “The new wing will be 50 percent larger, however, in terms of indoor exhibit space, it will more than double what we currently have,” said Aquarium President & CEO Tom Schmid. “This is going to be a multi-level, highly immersive, state-of-theart experience.”

Visit texasstateaquarium. org/caribbean to take the Caribbean Journey.

Vol. 2, Issue 3

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July 2014

Memorial Day Rains Bring Rise to Coleto Creek

Coleto Creek — A 3-foot rise to Coleto Creek Reservoir caused by Memorial Day rains may be cause for increased activity at the park and reservoir.

Coleto Creek Park received about 2 inches of rain during that time.

“This increase in reservoir level is a welcome sight as the reservoir approaches its busiest time of the year with many families bringing their watercraft out to enjoy the reservoir,” Wilfred Korth, GBRA chief ranger said.

Prior to May 30, the reservoir was approximately 4 feet

below normal. The reservoir is full at 98 feet mean sea level (msl) and it has been at or below that level since 2010.

However, with the recent rainfall, the reservoir is within 0.75 inches of full capacity. This substantial increase will allow boaters to use the reservoir’s boat ramps easier and fishing conditions should improve significantly.

For more information, contact the Coleto Creek Park Office at 361-575-6366 or visit the Coleto Creek’s website at www.coletocreekpark.com.

Oberle Earns “Best” in Coleto’s Photo Contest

4th will be $10 per vehicle.

For those who have not visited the Park before, it offers a large picnic area with tables and bbq grills, a marked swimming area, sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, hike and bike trials, group use pavilions, a lighted fishing pier, and overnight camping facilities; plus the only public access to the 3,100 acre Coleto Creek Reservoir. For more information contact the park office at 361-575-6366; visit the park’s website at www.coletocreekpark; or email coleto@gbra. org.

Front Row L to R: Abie Fagg, Goliad; Gaje Majefski, Victoria; Samantha Ramirez, Adkins; Darrell Gibson, La Vernia; Hunter Ruffin, Victoria; Anthony Pressley, McFaddin; Kylee Kenney, Victoria; Haylee Haug, Victoria; and Maylee Howard, Victoria. Second Row L to R:Hays Henke, Hallettsville; Jacob Hahn, Victoria; Blane Tupa, Victoria; Frank Rucio, Victoria; and Alyssa Blain, Cuero.

Results of 21st Annual Coleto Creek Kid’s

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Fishing Tournament

n Saturday, June 7, approximately 160 kids tested their fishing skills at the GBRA/TPWD Coleto Creek Parks’ 21ST Annual Kid’s Fishing Tournament, located between Victoria and Goliad on Highway 59. Fishermen ranged in age from 2 to 16, and came from as far away as Spring Branch; Kyle; Scott, LA; and Austin with kids from 21 different communities.

The overall heaviest stringer weighed in was caught by

Blane Tupa of Victoria, which weighed 10.64 pounds. The first place winners in the three other age groups for heaviest stringers were Hunter Ruffin of Victoria in the 2 to 6 age group with a stringer weight of 5.71 pounds; Trinity Harrisom of Victoria in the 7-9 age group with a stringer weight of 6.39 pounds; and Gage Majefski of Victoria in the 10 - 12 age group with a stringer weight of 5.28 pounds. Gage also weighed in the largest catfish which weighed in at 2.78 pounds. Other winners included Frank Rucio of Victoria who weighed in the largest fish and largest bass which weighed

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COLETO CREEK – While the quality of so many excellent photographs this year made selecting winners for Coleto Creek Park’s Annual Photo Contest difficult, Mark Oberle of Victoria earned “Best of Show” for his shot of one of Coleto Creek’s resident pelicans. Oberle also collected “First Place” for his photos in the Birds/Insects, Creative, People/Recreation Activities, and Landscape/Wildflowers categories. He placed second in Reptiles/ Amphibians and People/Recreation Activities; and third in Creative and People/Recreation Activities categories.

Fain Zimmerman of Victoria took home “First Place” honors in the Animals/Fauna and and “Second Place” and “Third Place” in the Birds/Insects categories.

Dave Van Leeuwen, of Victoria, claimed “First Place” in the Reptiles/Amphibians; and “Second Place” in the Creative categories. Roger Zimmerman, of Victoria, won “Second Place” and “Third Place” in the Animal/Fauna, “Second Place” in the Landscape/Wildflowers, and “Third Place” in the Reptiles/Amphibians categories. Kaysi Neuvar of Victoria placed “Third Place” in the Landscape/Wildflowers Category. Valerie Vazquez of Cuero earned top honors in the Student category.

This year’s contest judges were members of the Victoria Photography Club and all photos submitted were in a digital format.

All winning photos will be on display at the Coleto Creek Park office. The Coleto Creek Park uses submitted photos to help promote the many different activities, animals, and natural habitat that make the park unique.

GBRA’s Coleto Creek Park to Host Fireworks Display On July 4th

On Friday, July 4, GBRA’s Coleto Creek Park, located on the shores of the Coleto Creek Reservoir between Goliad and Victoria, will hold a low altitude fireworks display over the reservoir starting at approximately 9 p.m.

The Park is able to offer this year’s Fireworks Display through a generous sponsorship

by GDF Suez - Coleto Creek Power.

The Park entry fee on July

kids, Next Page

Vol. 2, Issue 3

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July 2014

Coleto’s Bow Hunts Rapidly Approaching

Annual Drawing Deadline August 22

Fannin – Rangers at GBRA’s Coleto Creek are making plans for another successful bow hunting season. The deadline for submitting entries for this year’s bow hunts is noon on August 22, 2014. The 17th Annual Bow hunt for white-tail deer and feral hogs will take place from the end of September to the beginning of January.

The bow hunts are restricted to the use of archery equipment and will be held on 15 consecutive weekends beginning on the weekend of September 26, 2014 and ending on the weekend of January 2-4, 2015. On the first weekend of archery season legal hunting is only allowed on

Saturday and Sunday. For the remaining weekends, hunters selected by random drawing will be allowed to pre-scout and begin hunting assigned areas on Friday of their hunting weekend, and continue through Sunday.

“These yearly hunts began in 1999 to help reduce the size of the deer herd that has continued to grow beyond the carrying capacity of the reservoir’s lands, and to reduce the numbers of feral hogs that continue to increase in numbers and damage reservoir property.

Each year the drawn hunters see a lot of deer,” said GBRA Reservoir Ranger and Hunt Coordinator, Curtis Seiler.

The annual hunt takes place on more than 1,400 acres

managed by GBRA around the reservoir, but not a part of the Coleto Creek Park. Hunters will be allowed to harvest two antlerless deer and an unlimited number of feral hogs.

Hunters may apply for the hunts individually or as a group of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 per party.

Each individual or group will be assigned a specific hunt area dependent on the size of the group.

The fee to hunt per weekend will be $150.00 per hunter.

To enter the random drawing for the hunts, send a 3.5” X 5.5” postcard that includes a name, address, daytime phone number, email address, and all names of those in the hunting party. Each hunter may submit a postcard in his/her own

name. Please note preferred hunting date(s) or if you will take any weekend; and send to GBRA-Bow hunt, Coleto Creek Park, P.O. Box 68, Fannin, TX. 77960 or drop off at the Coleto Creek Park office at 365 Coleto Park Rd, Victoria, TX. Each individual is limited to only one postcard entry. No email entries will be accepted. Only those applicants drawn will be notified of the results of the annual draw. For more information, contact Wilfred Korth, Chief Ranger, at the Coleto Creek Office at 361-575-6366, or email to coleto@gbra.org.

Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority’s Coleto Creek Park and Reservoir is located between Victoria and Goliad, Texas off of Highway 59.

GBRA Coleto Creek Offers Kids Fishing Class will be July 19

Fannin— A children’s fishing class will be offered on July 19 from noon until 2 p.m. at GBRA’s Coleto Creek Park, located between Goliad and Victoria off of Highway 59.

GBRA’s Coleto Creek Park, which is a participating partner in the “Nature Rocks - South Texas” network, a part of the “Texas Children in Nature” initiative, is offering classes

to help encourage families to spend more time outdoors this summer.

The class will be open to children ages 8-14.

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kids, From Page 7

in at 6.37 pounds; Anthony Pressley of McFaddin in the 7 – 9 age group who caught the smallest perch in his age group, and Haylee Haug of Victoria in the 6 and under age group who caught the smallest perch in her age group. Everyone went away a winner from this annual family oriented tournament Presented By The Guadalupe Blanco River Authority,

and Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Association, and Sponsored By Academy Sports & Outdoors. Plans are already underway for the 22nd Annual Tournament to be held Saturday, June 6, 2015. If you would like to help support this annual event for kids please contact the Coleto Creek Park at 361-5756366 or email wkorth@gbra. org.

There is no charge for the class but pre-registration is required to ensure enough materials for all participants.

The class is limited to a total of 10 participants.

A certified Texas Parks and Wildlife Department instructor will teach the basics of fishing.

All equipment will be provided, but participants are strongly advised to bring drinking water and sun protection.

This class will be held outdoors.

To register for the class, or for more information, contact the park office at 361-575-6366 or visit www.coletocreekpark.

com.

To find out more about the “Nature Rocks – South Texas” network, visit “www.naturerockssouthtexas.org”.

Vol. 2, Issue 3

PASSPORT TO PALACIOS - Palacios hosted an event this past Saturday the 21st  called Passport to Palacios in which employees newly hired at local companies in the county we invited and we showcased Palacios for the evening.

The event was a great success with the help of all the volunteersshowcasing our beautiful town with the driving tours, walking tours, booths with: Palacios ISD, local Churches, Realtors, Home Builders, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Palacios Community Medical Center, Fishing, Birding, Palacios Yacht Club and Beach Side Subdivision with lots ready to build. STP, Tenaris, Oxea and Matagorda Regional Medical Center had some of their newly hired employees in attendance.

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July 2014

Vol. 2, Issue 3

News from ‘Port A’

Texas SandFest (April 11-13) This family event offered attendees a weekend of fun on the beach while viewing magnificent works of sand art. SandFest is known as the largest Master Sand Sculpting Competition in the U.S. Unique “island-style” jewelry, art, crafts, food and music will be available.

Sunset Sounds (through October) Musical performances by local artists will be held on the second Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public at Robert’s Point Park. For more informa-

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tion, call the Port Aransas Parks & Recreation Department, 361749-4158.

Adopt A Beach (April 26) The statewide event is held twice a year, in the spring and fall. Participants gathered and documented debris from area beaches. Call 800-45-COAST for more information or visit our website at www.portaransas.org Spring through Fall – Fishing tournaments almost every weekend – there’s sure to be one to lure you to Port A! Visitwww.portaransas.org for more information.

Art Fiesta de Mayo Weekend (May 16-18)

The Port Aransas Art Center held its annual Fiesta de Mayo weekend beginning with a dinner and entertainment. A fine array of arts and crafts were for sale, wrapping up with the Songwriters’ Showcase.

Whooping Crane Festival Dubbed the most successful festival ever, bird enthusiasts learned about the entire conservation and reintroduction efforts directed toward the Whooping Cranes during the annual Whooping Crane Festival in February. Visitors from more than 30 states and two countries participated in this unique celebration, touring by van, boat and afoot. Many workshops, field trips, guest

July 2014

speakers and a nature related trade show rounded out the event. The festival is always held during the last full weekend in February. Mark your calendar for February 19-22, 2015!

Spring Break Despite the Coastal Bend’s inclement weather, the beach, restaurants and shops were all very popular destinations for thousands of spring breakers in Port Aransas.

USA TODAY named Port Aransas a top 10 Spring Break destination. Port Aransas ranked as the #5 beach destination for college spring breakers, according to Facebook checkins last year.

Vol. 2, Issue 3

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July 2014

Don’t Miss This New Exhibit!

Visitors to the U.S.S. Lexington will see something new aboard the vessel.

The Battle of Coral Sea – the Newest Exhibit Aboard LEX - is located at the entrance to the ship.

Come by and take a look.

Vol. 2, Issue 3

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July 2014

Coming up in Rockport-Fulton

Warriors Weekend Heroes Cup Rockport-Fulton will host the Warriors Weekend Heroes Cup Sept. 3-5.

2014. The event is a fishing tournament for wounded soldiers still active in the military. Visit www.warriorsweekend.org AquaFest Labor Day weekend event 3rd Annual Aquafest will be held Aug. 30-31, 2014 will benefit the Aquarium of Rockport Harbor games

for all ages, food, music, drinks, vendors, more fun activities. 361-727-0016. Go to www.rockportaquarium. com for more information.

HummerBird Celebration Rockport celebrates the tiny winged ones Sept. 1821 2014 with workshops, bus tours, and lectures presented by world-renowned experts. 361-729-6445. Go towww.rockporthummingbird.com for more information.

HummerBird Celebration. www.rockporthummingbird.com

Join us for the celebration!

September 18 - 21, 2014 @ visitrockportfulton 1-800-242-0071 Photography by Juan Bahamon

45th Annual Rockport Art Festival July 5 - 6, 2014 Since 1969, the Rockport Art Festival is the best place to be on every July 4th holiday weekend! The event – hosted by the Rockport Center for the Arts - is located on Aransas Bay where more than 120 exhibiting

juried artists from Texas and around the nation have been selected to showcase their work. The quality of artists creating painting, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, glasswork, metal sculptures, furniture, and more has become synonymous with the festival, one of the most prestigious and fun art shows in the southern U.S.

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Big Fish...Big Fun...

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n Saturday, May 17, Aransas Bay was filled with women! The event was the annual Jim Ehman Memorial “Babes on the Bay” fishing tournament. The tournament is the largest one day unrestricted fishing tournament in the United States. The ladies who fish the tournament range from elementary school students to greatgrandmothers. Along with the fishing tournament, the

event also features a Food Vendors Court and a Babes Shopping Mall where vendors sell everything from fishing rods to jewelry.

Fulton Harbor came to life on June 13 and 14 when the Texas Game Warden Association brought their well-known tournament to Fulton, Texas. Along with the tournament was a two-day “Musicfest” featuring Brandon Key Band, Cory Morrow, Jason Boland and the Stragglers,

GRAND OPENING - The Grand Opening of the History Center for Aransas County was held on Saturday, May 17, 2014, 10 a.m. until noon. Visitors are able to view the exhibits focusing on the three men who once owned this home. The History Center’s future exhibits will emphasize the history of Aransas County and the local region along with information about the people inhabiting this area. It is located at 801 E. Cedar Street. The home will be open for visitors from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

The home and gardens will also be available for private special events e.g. receptions, weddings, and meetings. For additional information, visit www.aransashistorycenter.org.

July 2014

and Turnpike Troubadours.

Big Fish Tales will be told when the John Uhr Memorial Billfish tournament comes to the Rockport-Fulton area on July 9-12. The kick-off on July 9 will have entertainment provided

by The Pictures, July 10.

July 11th is the Luau. Scott Taylor band will provide entertainment on the 11th and Charlie Robison on the 12th.

Photo by: Larry Bozca CHAMBEROLOGY - Diane Probst, President and CEO of the Rockport-Fulton Chamber has just published a book. In her 25th year at the Chamber, Diane hit another milestone, kicking off the sale of her new book “Chamberology” at the TCCE convention in College Station.

“It sort of makes it full circle ... born and raised in Bryan/College Station!

Ironically, the year she was president of TCCE, the convention was held in New Braunfels.” says her husband, Mike. Everyone at the Rockport-Fulton Chamber is proud of her accomplishment on this project.

The book details Diane’s life and her ambition to rise to the top in her field. She uses her own experiences to offer advice to others with similar situations.The book answers questions that arise in the daily running or working within a Chamber or Visitor Center. In her book, Diane helps the reader learn how to get beyond difficult circumstances. She emphasizes the steps that will enable someone to get their arms around a situation and take it to the next level!

Vol. 2, Issue 3

Page 14

July 2014

RADC Celebrates With Awards Banquet

T

he Robstown Area Development Commission (RADC) held their annual Installation of Officers and Awards Banquet on Thursday, June 12th. Keynote speaker was Port Commissioner Ms Barbara Canales.

After a great presentation on the Port’s initiatives in the area and the impact Eagleford Shale is having in our area, RADC President County Commissioner Oscar Ortiz and RADC Executive Director presented the following awards:

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD Coach Steve Castro for being inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in January of 2014 and in appreciation for 35 plus years of coaching our Robstown CottonPickers baseball team to five state tournament appearances and two back to back state titles. During his tenure the CottonPickers won 705 baseball games.

• Victoria Longoria for being selected as Valedictorian of Robstown High School • Alyssa Tobias for being selected as Salutatorian of Robstown High School

EDUCATION AWARD • Robstown ISD Superintendent and Board of Trustees and school staff in recognition for their “forward thinking” in establishing educational programs and events to enhance their student’s knowledge and skills to help them in their career development • Coastal Compass Education & Career Resource Center for promoting economic growth to the Coastal Bend by providing residents with education and training information to

prepare them for in-demand jobs in the area and eliminating barriers to education and employment • Justice of the Peace Bobby Gonzalez in recognition for promoting education in Nueces County by helping students obtain their high school diplomas by court ordered GED classes and through career centers such as Coastal Compass Education and Career Resource Center

TOURISM AWARD • Rev. Ines Ramon in appreciation for the founding and many years of dedicated service to the Robstown Historical Museum • Jo Ann Pattillo in appreciation for the founding and many years of dedicated service to the Robstown Historical Museum

Approximately 300 people attended the event and enjoyed a Chicken Cordon Bleu dinner and few hours of networking.