Zapata Visitors Guide 2013

www.ZapataChamber.com

Off icial Visitors Guide

FR EE

2013 A Publication of ZAPATA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Where We Have It All Events • Restaurants • Entertainment • Hotels & Lodging

Table of Contents Welcome to Zapata. Where we have it all!............................................6 - 7 Zapata, Texas - Birding Paradise.........................................................................10 Zapata County Fair...................................................................................................12 Zapata County Museum of History..................................................................14 Zapata History Markers....................................................................................16 - 17 Zapata County Parks.........................................................................................16 - 17 Los Ebanos Golf Course.........................................................................................16 Winter Texan Haven................................................................................................17 Zapata County Technical and Advanced Education Center..............18 Zapata High School..................................................................................................18 Falcon State Park.......................................................................................................19 Falcon Lake World Premier Bass Fishery......................................................20 Zapata Rising................................................................................................................21 Zapata Chamber of Commerce........................................................................21 Day Trips - Half of the Fun is Getting There...................................... 22 - 23 San Ygnacio, Texas................................................................................................. 24 Hunting Season In Zapata, Texas.................................................................... 25

Welcome to Zapata!

From San Ygnacio’s rustic historic buildings to the fine feathered gems known as the WhiteCollared Seedeater to the lush blue waters of the world-famous Falcon Lake, Zapata beckons you to explore! Walk along San José F. “Paco” Mendoza, Jr. Ygnacio’s historic streets, featured Zapata County Chamber of in the Marlon Brando film classic, Commerce President/CEO “Viva, Zapata”! Take a hike along the shores of Falcon Lake and catch a glimpse of a rare bird species that might very well complete your life list!

Engage in the sport of kings, the hunt! Zapata boasts a wide array of game, including deer, javelina, doves and quail. Along with our unique heritage and natural beauty, Zapata also knows how to celebrate its enchanting mix of American, Texan and Mexican cultures by way of the Zapata County Fair, arguably the best little county fair in South Texas. Billed as the unofficial family reunion capitol of the world, the Zapata County Fair attracts scores of relatives from all throughout the United States and Mexico who make the annual trek to visit family and friends alike. Then, there’s the food. Zapata boasts some legendary cuisine, including some of the best Chicken Fried Steak around.

Of course, Tex-Mex fare remains popular. Appetites, beware!

Zapata aims to satisfy!

But, it’s the Big Mouth Bass at Falcon Lake that reel in the visitors! Beneath these clear blue waters swim Bass behemoths, some large enough to rival the biggest fish tales. In fact, Falcon Lake holds the record for the largest big-mouth bass ever caught.

Whether it’s for the bass, the birding or the bucks, we proudly welcome you to Zapata!

Zapata Health: Close to home, close to you!..........................................26 Zapata Community Directory...........................................................................26

José F. “Paco” Mendoza, Jr. President/CEO The Official Zapata Texas Visitors Guide magazine is provided as a service by the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce / Convention and Visitors Center / 601 N. Hwy. 83 | PO Box 1028 | Zapata, TX 78076 | 956.765.4871

José F. “Paco” Mendoza, Jr.

Celia Balderas

President / CEO

Membership Services Coordinator Published by:

Graphitiks Advertising Design , Inc.

www.ZapataChamber.com

Publisher:

Jose A. Garcia Account Manager:

Yolanda M. Garcia

About the Cover A beautiful sunset serves as a backdrop to a very popular pastime in Zapata, Texas, Home of Falcon Lake!

It clearly shows the commitment the Chamber has had all these years and its impact on the community.

Zapata has been recognized as one of the top 20 fishing towns in the U.S. as well as being voted the #1 best bass fishing lake in the nation by Bassmaster Magazine.

Please browse through this edition for information on hotels, restaurants and all the events we host throughout the year, from fishing tournaments to “The Biggest Little Town Fair in Texas.”Visit our website at www.zapatachamber.com for updates.

We are also celebrating 65 years since the founding of The Chamber, and proudly brag that our very first member is still a very active one 65 years later.

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As we often say, “Get here fast, then take it slow. Zapata is where we have it all!”

Contributing Writers:

Jennifer Garcia Damian A. Garcia

Contributing Photographers:

Account Executive:

M. Lizeth Flores Jose Garcia

Editorial & Advertising Design:

Al Perry, Bill Gozansky, Cathy Illg, Dale Franz, David Bechtol, Frank Zurey, Joy Barnes, Rolf Nussbaumeer, Todd Steele, Tom Ulrich.

Elena Arriaga Olegaria Plasencia Yolanda M. Garcia M. Lizeth Flores

The Zapata Texas Chamber of Commerce is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes made after November 1, 2012. Every effort has been made to provide accurate information at the time of publication, yet this is not guaranteed. All advertising is the sole properly of Graphitiks Advertising Design, Inc. unless otherwise specified and is protected by copyright law.

Laredo, Texas San Antonio, Texas 5415 Springfield, Suite 6A 800 Dolorosa, Suite 202 (956) 723-4389 Toll free: +1 866 733-2147 www.graphitiks.com • www.southtexasfestivals.com

Welcome to Zapata Here in Texas, it’s understood that bigger is better. But a true Texan understands that what’s smaller is pretty special too!

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apata is one of Texas’ small treasures, earning its increasing popularity with more than just down home cooking and South Texas weather. Zapata’s Falcon Lake has been ranked the #1 Bass Fishing lake in the nation, according to Bassmaster magazine. The manmade lake offers its residents and avid fishermen prime reeling fun and sport!

Zapata has something for everyone. Dubbed “The biggest Little Town Fair in Texas,” Zapata’s county fair is what brings families together. Literally. The county fair reunites family members with welcoming food, great live music and family festivities.

Of course, no great small town in Texas would be complete without its dedicated bird watchers. Zapata offers its residents and tourists a rare and unique species, known as the White Collared Seedeater. Bird watchers come from all over the world to marvel in this special creature’s remarkable beauty.

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Where we have it all!

Falcon State Park features camping, swimming, fishing, water skiing and boating. While you’re there, take a stroll on the 1 mile nature trail and appreciate the beauty of South Texas’ vast landscape.

Along with its county fair, bass fishing and bird watching, Zapata will be hosting a celebration of its 65 year Anniversary of the Chamber of Commerce this year, as well. Not to mention, that the biggest family reunion in the world is slated for October of 2013, where Zapata Rising will reunite families from all over.

Imagine a nostalgia of simpler times. Petticoats, malt shoppes, pompadours and doo-wops. A simpler time, when families left their front doors unlocked and children jumproped in the streets. Zapata Rising hopes to bring a little of that nostalgia back.

Whether you come for the day, or come to stay, Zapata has all the charm of a small Texas town that keeps people coming back for more!

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Zapata, Texas

Birding Paradise Birders flock to Zapata from all over the U.S. to experience the ultimate bird-watching adventure.

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Birding Sites: TPWD Boat Ramp County Road Zapata, Tx. Zapata County Bravo Park 201 West 9th Ave. Zapata, Tx. Texas Lower Coast Birding Trail Site #87 U.S. Hwy 83 San Ygnacio, Tx. Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary End of Washington St. San Ygnacio, Tx. 10

here was never a more dedicated love of sport than that of the avid bird watcher. Zapata has observed this admiration through the dedication of its ever faithful bird watchers who visit every year to seek that perfect glimpse of their treasured specie. Zapata boasts with 290 species of the 600 recorded species in Texas, making it the ideal site for bird enthusiasts to partake in their favorite hobby. Bird watchers have traveled from all over the globe to get a glimpse of Zapata’s precious jewel the White-Collared Seedeater.

The White-Collared Seedeater is without a doubt Zapata’s most treasured, feathered friend.

The White Collared Seedeater is without a doubt the most popular specie, as it is a rare and unique creature found only in this region. Bird watchers come from all over the world to experience the marveling beauty of this bird, along with the Red-Billed Pigeon, Audubon’s Oriole, Cassin’s Sparrow and the Varied Bunting. Even if that list is not enough to meet the needs of our feather watcher friends, there is also the Green Jay, Great Kiskadee, Vermillion Flycatcher, Hooded Oriole and Black Phoebe.

There are many sites throughout the county that offer glimpses of these beautiful birds. Whether at a park or by the lake, visitors are sure to delight in a catching of Zapata’s treasured feathered friends. So bring your camera, find your binoculars and get ready to experience the bird adventure of a lifetime.

Come see what makes Zapata a birdwatcher paradise!

Zapata County offers many great sites for birders. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for more information at 956.765.4871 or 800.292.LAKE • customercare@zapatachamber.com

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OF ZAPATA

OF ZAPATA

Mission Revilla A Visita Courthouse Plaza, US 83

Old Falcón US 83, R.O.W., Falcon.

Old Lopeño US 83, R.O.W., Falcon.

Old Ramireño From San Ygnacio, take US 83 SE about 5 miles.

Site of Uribeño 4 miles north of Zapata on US 83 right-of-way

Old Zapata Courthouse, US 83, Zapata.

Winter Texan Haven

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ere in South Texas, residents are not only accustomed to seeing birds migrate down South in the winter, but what Texans have warmly pegged, “snow birds” as well. In Zapata, these Winter Texans travel from all over the U.S. to leisure in the genuinely warm sunshine of the not uncommon warm winters here. With their RV’s packed for months of travel, they routinely make their way to Zapata looking for warm

climates, warm people and warm welcomes.

Residents of Zapata know their winter friends have arrived when they begin to see Michigan, Minnesota and countless other state license plates fill their streets. Zapata always looks forward to the arrival of these “snow birds,” and hopes to bring new ones every year with their prime bass fishing, lush golf course and unique bird watching experiences.

RV Parks Beacon Lodge & RV Park Box 6304 313 Lakeshore Dr. Zapata, TX 78076 (956) 765-4616

Four Season Mobile Home & RV Park 126 Sunshine Circle Off Hwy. 3074 Zapata, TX 78076 (956) 765-4241

Lakefront Lodge & RV Park 5901 Stop 59 493 Oak St. Zapata, TX 78076 (956) 765-4346

New Harbor Lodge & RV Park 6405 Stop 64A 209 Lake Shore Dr Zapata, TX 78076 (956) 765-3095

Sabins RV Park PO Box 15072 End of FM 496 Zapata, TX 78076 (956) 765-8524

San Ygnacio RV Park PO Box 100 1109 N. Hwy. 83 San Ygnacio, TX 78067 (956) 763-1320

Sunshine RV Park FM 3074 Zapata, TX 78076 (956) 765-4827

Stinson RV Park PO Box 68 3299 S. Hwy. 83 Zapata, TX 78076 (956) 765-5162

Winter Texans routinely make their way to Zapata looking for warm climates, warm people and warm welcomes.

For more information please contact The Zapata County Chamber of Commerce (956) 765-4871 or 800-292-LAKE (5253)

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he county has taken an energetic position to enhance Zapata’s quality of life and has invested on building new parks and upgrading existing ones.

These parks feature a variety of beautiful natural settings that are open year-round and include playgrounds, jogging trails, birding sites, sport facilities, picnic tables complete with barbecue grills that are perfect for an afternoon cookout with the family.

For more information please visit www.ZapataChamber.com 17

Zapata County

Technical and Advanced Education Center

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“We want to give our students the opportunity to take college level courses without having to make the expense of leaving home.”

n the area of higher education, the ZTAEC enjoys solid academic partnerships with five institutes: Texas A&M International University in Laredo; the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, Laredo Extension; UT-Pan Am; Texas State Technical College-Harlingen; and Laredo Community College. Dr. David Malcolm Brown, Dean of ZTAEC, hopes to include other colleges and universities, such as Harvard, Notre Dame and UCLA, and even international campuses.

At this state of the art campus, students experience distance learning in a unique manner. The classes are taught in real time and are completely interactive.

Brown, explained that the surround sound rivals that of the best theater and the microphones used by the students to communicate with their instructors transmit clearly. “It’s as though our students and teachers are in the same room.”

Brown credits the foresight of both Zapata leaders and elected officials in turning this vision into a concrete reality.

Zapata High School

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apata High School takes great pride in maintaining high academic standards and quality educational programs for each student. They are committed to help all students develop academically, emotionally, and physically in a safe, respectful, and student-oriented environment, which includes parents and the community as partners in the learning process.

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At Zapata High School the students will be able to further their education to become productive citizens, ready to start their college career.

Falcon

State Park Nature lovers are sure to enjoy the countless activities that Falcon State Park has to offer.

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hether its camping, swimming, fishing, water skiing or boatingFalcon State Park has a little something for everyone. The park’s gentle rolling hills are flourished with mesquite, wild olive, huisache, cactus, ebony and native grasses.

With Falcon Lake nestled nearby, Falcon State Park attracts boaters, fishermen, and water sport enthusiasts. However, with its wide array of bird species ranging from American Southwest to tropical species, the park also draws in many avid bird watchers.

The park is also home to many colorful butterfly species and hawks.

It is not uncommon to find the small Green Kingfisher and the Varied Bunting while trekking in the park. Campers can also expect to find many four legged creatures inhabiting the area such as javelina and deer. The park is also home to many colorful butterfly species and hawks.

Visitors should plan to camp for their trip, as the park offers many developed campsites for the novice and pro-camper.

Falcon State Park is open year round, seven days a week, with its busiest seasons being spring, summer and fall.

Visitors and local tourists claim that the sunsets of Falcon State Park are without a doubt, the perfect finale to a wonderful day of experiencing all that nature has to offer in this eco-wonderland.

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Falcon Lake

World Premier Bass Fishery

With it’s record setting bass caught year round, it’s no wonder Falcon Lake has attracted attention from around the country.

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ere in Zapata, Falcon Lake offers more than just amazing landscapes; it offers unsurpassed prime bass fishing. Falcon Lake has been named one of the Top 20 Fishing Towns in the USA by the World Fishing Network. With its record setting bass harvested through year-round tournaments, it’s no wonder Falcon Lake has attracted attention around the country.

Anglers can expect to find monster- size largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and channel bass. Of course, it is by far the largemouth bass that lure in the anglers to this paradise. According to James Bendele, co-owner of Falcon Lake Tackle Shop, “this is heavy duty, full contact fishing. These are the strongest, most jacked up fish you’re ever gonna catch.” Bendele says most first time anglers should expect to purchase the required tackle and gear to catch these “jacked up fish” or they may come back defeated by the fish.

For more information please contact The Zapata County Chamber of Commerce (956) 765-4871 or 800-292-LAKE (5253) 20

With its estimated 87,300 acres, along the Rio Grande, Falcon Lake offers shallow fishing areas which span over roughly 432 miles of shoreline. Falcon Lake is a direct by-product of the completion of the Falcon Dam and Reservoir in 1953. Since then it has continued to bring the county of Zapata, anglers and travelers from across the country. Visitors and anglers should consider spending the weekend when visiting the lake to revel in all of its natural beauty and first class prime fishing.

Falcon Lake officials strongly encourage all anglers, professional or leisure, to familiarize themselves with the regulations of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Falcon Lake named #1 Bass Lake in the USA

by BassMaster Magazine

1.)online NPR article dated from June 26, 2012

Zapata Rising: a solemn commemoration and family reunion

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apata, Texas is home to Falcon Lake, a man-made reservoir built to irrigate the fertile agricultural fields of the lower Texas valley. The construction of Falcon Dam and lake in the late 50’s forced the sudden relocation of six communities to a new site, creating the new Zapata and other smaller communities. 2013 will mark the 60th anniversary of when 3,000 men, women and children were forced to move 3 years earlier than planned, due to torrential rains that inundated the area and caused the lake to flood prematurely. Many families lost everything: their ancestral homes, their pets and farm animals, their rights to any claim and were even forced to

abandon their beloved dead at cemeteries flooded by the new lake. Although some of the families of the affected communities made the move to the new Zapata, many others relocated elsewhere, making their new homes throughout the U.S. and Mexico. On October 19, 1953, the community officially dedicated the new Falcon Lake.

Zapata Rising is a commemoration to those families. In 2013, the families will reunite in Zapata, Texas for the “biggest family reunion in the world” in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the creation of Falcon Dam and the experiences suffered in the name of “progress”. Some of the

highlights planned for the event are the installation of a time capsule at the county’s courthouse, public showing of movies of the time, a grand parade of the families and the reenactment of the original dedication with U.S. and Mexico presidents meeting in the middle of Falcon International Bridge and Dam. Historians are urged to document and interview the families attending for sources to their history projects.

Join us the weekend of October 19, 2013, 60 years to date of the dedication of Falcon Dam and lake. Visit us at www.ZapataRising.com for updates.

Zapata Chamber of Commerce

L Sixty five years later, the first registered business member continues to be active with the Chamber and the community.

et’s go back to 1948— the Frisbee was invented, the first McDonalds opened in San Bernardino, California and the U.S. was at the onset of the biggest economic boom to date. The economy of Zapata County was also in the upswing with the development of Highway 83 connecting Zapata to both North and South and construction of Falcon Dam, the first international dam, had been authorized.

The economic activity within the county and Zapata as its county seat, saw the need of organizing businesses to further their collective interests, and advance the community. July 2,

1948 marks the charter of Zapata Chamber of Commerce with Eloy Insurance being its first paying member. Sixty five years later, that very first business still continues to be an active member of the chamber as well as of the community.

The Zapata Chamber is a non-profit entity operating almost exclusively from paid memberships and the County’s Hotel Motel Tax Fund and represents members on local, state and federal issues.

Please visit our website at www.zapatachamber.com for updates and activities planned for the year.

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Day Trips Half the Fun is Getting There Wildlife Refuge A Sanctuary for birds and other wildlife nestled just outside of Falcon State Park. The world famous and elusive White Collared Seedeater can often be seen here. Bring plenty of memory cards for your camera. You are going to need them. Open daily 8am - 4pm. Call World Birding Center (956) 849-4930.

Guerrero Viejo A thriving city in its day, was abandoned

Laredo, Texas Laredo’s his-

tory and architecture is a reason for a visit. The atmosphere of old-time Laredo pervades side streets around Plaza San Agustin area where settlers first located in 1755 to form one of the first Spanish colonies on the north bank of the Rio Grande. Get your historic bearings straight at the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, 1003 Zaragoza St., (956) 727-3480.

with the sudden filling of Falcon Reservoir in 1954. The city presents an archeological paradise to history enthusiasts who visit every year. One can still admire the Spanish architecture of the old city, which until recently, had been under water. Only 25 minutes south of Zapata on the Mexico side.

San Ygnacio, Texas The oldest

town in Zapata County, was settled in 1830 by former residents of revilla (now Nuevo Guerrero, Tamaulipas) under the leadership of Jesus Treviño. The site was in the southwest corner of the original Hacienda de Dolores, a grant made in 1750 by Col. José de Escandón to José Vázquez Borrego and was named for the patron saint of Guerrero, Saint Ignatius Loyola. In 1830 Treviño built a sandstone home, known as Fort Treviño, 100 by 140 feet. Jose Villarreal placed a sundial at the home in 1851 and has become a tourist attraction.

Falcon State Park

Rio Grande City In the City

is located the Chachalaca Wildlife Refuge. Chachalacas are tropical birds indigenous to Central America, Mexico and the extreme reaches of South Texas. The Chachalaca Refuge is a lush and placid 94.2 acres reserve discretely nestled in the middle of the town. Birdwatchers travel to the RGV to spot Chachalacas as they perform their rancorous mating chorus from where they derive their name. Another place La Puerta Tract is the eastern entrance to the 11 sites in the Lower Rio Bravo section of Starr County. Within La Puerta’s large encampment can be found several rare species of plants and animals.

Roma, Texas The World Birding

La Gloria The area newest form

of entertainment is bloodless bullfighting, featured October-March at the 900-seat Santa Maria Bullfighting Arena, one mile east of La Gloria.

Matadors train here for matches in Mexico and Spain. Margo Ranch at La Gloria , provides a lodge, B&B accommodations, native plant, nature and historical tours, (956) 487-3827.

Center can be found on the old plaza of a once-thriving steamboat port.

Part of a national historic district it includes a riverside nature area of 3 acres. The gateway to unforgettable birding adventures. Diverse activities such as walking tours, to birding float trips along the RG are operated by Friends of the Valley Wildlife Corridor.

For information call (956) 849-4930.

at the southern end of the International Falcon Reservoir in Starr and Zapata Counties. The park was leased from the International Boundary and Water Commission in 1949 and opened to the public in 1965.

The waters of the Rio Grande River have formed a beautiful 60-milelong lake behind the dam. This dam was built for conservation, irrigation, power, flood control, and recreational purposes. The park features camping, swimming, fishing, and water skiing. There is a 1-mile, self-guided nature trail. Campgrounds and cabins available for reservation by calling Falcon State Park Office (956) 848-5327.

Hebbronville Located slightly northeast of Zapata County

lies the tiny hamlet of Hebbronville, Texas. The seat of Jim Hogg County, Hebbronville boasts a rich treasury of history, rustic buildings and a culture all its own. Rich in history and lore, Hebbronville beckons visitors to explore its treasures and, perhaps, bring out their “inner vaquero”.

For more information please visit our websites at www.VisitHebbronville.com & www.VaqueroFestival.com

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King Ranch Museum

Kingsville, Texas Founded in 1853, the King Ranch is a living legend, the birthplace of the American Ranching industry, and a National Historic Landmark.

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n guided tours, you can see the Santa Gertrudis breed and the Santa Cruz composite breed of beef cattle and the King Ranch Quarter Horses that have garnered Championship fame.

The 825,000 acre Ranch is a little larger than the State of Rhode Island, and manages both livestock and wildlife. Trophy size white-tailed deer, turkey, feral hog, javelina, nilgai, and quail include some of the wildlife that can be seen on the Ranch. For more information on available hunts on the Ranch, visit their website at: www.king-ranch.com/hunting_ overview.html.

The Museum in Kingsville is in an historic ice and electric plant, and is a window in time through the photographs of Toni Frissell. Ranching artifacts include saddles from all over the world, branding irons, carriages that date back to Captain King’s time, and mounts of some of the wildlife found on the Ranch. The museum is open seven days a week .

The Ranch also offers daily historical/agricultural tours, seasonal nature tours, with full day and half day birding trips as well. 356 species of birds have been recorded here, including the largest known population of ferruginous pygmy-owls in the United States. Tours depart daily from the Visitor Center just inside the gates of the Ranch at Highway 141 and Santa Gertrudis Street. Less than a 2 hour drive from Zapata, a King Ranch excursion can be the perfect day trip, or a several day adventure!

For tour information and reservations, call:

361-592-8055 Fax 361-595-1344 Kingsville, Texas

Scan with your Smart phone to visit our website

www.king-ranch.com/guided_tours.html

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SAN YG NAC IO ~ TEXAS ~

Jesus Treviño Fort Complex

Time Gently stands still in the small village of San Ygnacio

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ne does not merely drive through San Ygnacio, Texas. One needs to stroll around its storied streets, explore its beautiful architectural treasures and soak in the history and mystique that is this enchanting, small South Texas hamlet.

Founded in 1830 by Don Jesus Treviño, this historic village boasts some of the most pristine, historical houses in South Texas. These houses, over 10 in number, feature typical early Spanish-Mexican architecture, commonly known as Spanish vernacular. Its original architecture and timeless ambience made San Ygnacio the natural choice for the filming of several Old West motion pictures, including: Viva Zapata, starring the legendary Marlon Brando. It’s this kind of atmosphere that enchants the imagination and takes one to a long ago time and place.

During Christmas, San Ygnacio comes alive with the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Homeowners offer guided tours of their residences, allowing visitors to get the full experience of the village’s historical beauty.

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Hunting Season

In Zapata, Texas

Come see what makes Zapata County and its wildlife a favorite spot for hunters in South Texas!

A Whether by bow and arrow or rifle, hunters always expect a big bounty in Zapata!

ll along the Texas trail, hunters can find a wide array of game to call their own. In Zapata, hunters can enjoy the abundance of trophy whitetail deer, white wing doves, javelina, feral hogs, turkeys, and quail- just to name a few. For years, hunters have been loading up their trucks and heading to Zapata to partake in one the state’s long lasting traditions of hunting.

Outdoor Life and Field and Stream magazines have named Zapata County as one of the best places to hunt in Texas. Zapata takes pride in all the game it has to offer throughout the year with its tolerable, year-round climate. In the winter months, quail, deer and doves can be hunted. While javelina and feral hogs can be found all year long in the brush country. Hunters will also be pleased to know that they can pursue their game at night, as feral hogs and javelina are nocturnal creatures.

Trophy deer hunters can expect to find that Zapata’s white tail deer range from 8-12 point bucks, ranging from a spread of 17-24 inches. Although most deer hunting is done from blinds, Zapata is also home to local ranches who stock exotic game or offer archery hunting. Whichever way you prefer to hunt, it’s no question that deer hunters will not return empty handed from Zapata. The state of Texas requires all persons wishing to hunt, regardless of age, must carry a hunting license. Feral hogs and coyotes are exempt from the need of a hunting license. For more information, visitors are urged to visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website to review all rules and regulations before hunting. Not just a birder or fisher’s paradise, Zapata is also heaven to the novice and professional hunter. Get your hunting gear and come visit Zapata for all the game you can handle!

Guides and Hunting Leases Information: Zapata Wildlife Outfitters David Dodier • (956) 763-1266 www.zapatawildlifeoutfitters.com Ricky Martinez 1803 N. Alamo St. • Zapata, TX 78076 (956) 765-5253 Las Lajas Game Ranch Robert Vela • (926) 728-9090 • (956) 237-3883 La Laja Ranch Jose Vidaurri • (956) 645-6326 Varal Ranch Contact Martin Volpe • (956) 580-9769 www.varal.com El Tepozan Ranch 6 miles S. Zapata on the E. of U.S. Hwy. 83 Contact Gil Gamez (512) 426-4255 Palomas L&M Ltd. San Martin & Humaran Ranch David Volpe & Diana Volpe Contact David Volpe (956) 337-7808 www.zapatahunting.com

For more information on the Upcoming Texas Hunting Seasons for Zapata County please contact The Zapata County Chamber of Commerce (956) 765-4871 or 800-292-LAKE (5253) www.ZapataChamber.com

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Zapata Community Directory Zapata Churches:

Zapata Health

Close to home, Close to you!

Zapata’s health care is bridging the gap on finding quality health care closer to home. Residents of Zapata no longer have to travel to big cities to get the health care they need.

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iving in Zapata used to mean travelling to larger cities like Laredo or McAllen to receive medical care. Now, residents no longer have to make the day long journey going from doctor offices to labs, and spending hours waiting at out of town pharmacies. Zapata now delivers the health care its residents need.

Zapata County offers a wide array of medical services to its community. For the past 9 years, Zapata Medical Center, an affiliate of Community Health Systems, has been providing care such as family medicine, x-rays, lab work, screenings and DOT physicals. Zapata also offers many home health providers. Of course, the purpose of these services is to provide health care in the privacy of a patient’s residence, receiving skilled nursing care and other specialized treatments. In addition to the ZMC and home health providers, Zapata also has two pharmacies: the Medicine Shoppe and Garcia’s Pillbox. With its growing population, Zapata feels comfortable meeting the needs of all its families, in order to provide the best medical care possible.

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Abiding Savior Lutheran Church 14th & Mier St. • Zapata, TX (956) 750-3165 Casa de Dios y Puerta del Cielo 1201 Hwy 16 • Zapata, TX (956) 333-9090 or (956) 754-8567 Church of Christ 1506 Alamo St. • Zapata, TX (956) 765-4716 Falcon Heights Baptist Church 540 FM 2098 • Falcon Heights, TX (956) 848-5794 First Baptist Church 1401 Glenn St. • Zapata, TX (956) 765-4294

Horeb Centro Cristiano de Adoracion A Ministry of Iglesia Cristiana Misericordia 5102 Pena Lane • Zapata, TX (956) 750-3249 Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida 2002 Jackson St. • Zapata, TX (956) 765-9393 Iglesia Pentecostes Rosa de Saron Madion St. • Zapata, TX (956) 765-9643 Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall 189 Madison St. • Zapata, TX (956) 765-4725 King’s Way Church 34 Hawk St. • Zapata, TX (956) 765-0123 Lakeshore Tabernacle 102 Lincoln St. • Zapata, TX (956) 765-6549

Nuestra Senora Del Refugio 407 Washington St. • San Ygnacio, TX (956) 765-4940 Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 1609 Glenn St. • Zapata, TX (956) 765-4216 Templo Camino de Salvacion 402 Hawk St. • Zapata, TX (956) 765-1300 United Methodist Church 2nd & Guerrero Sts. • Zapata, TX (956) 765-5818 Zapata Community Church 105 Madison Dr. • Zapata, TX (956) 750-1266 Zapata’s Spanish SDA Church 5402 Sean Lane • Zapata, TX (956) 765-4883

Nearby Airports:

South Connections:

• Laredo International Airport - 50 miles - (956) 795-2570 • McAllen International Airport - 95 miles - (956) 581-1500 • Harlingen Valley International Airport - 135 miles - (956) 430-8600 • Corpus Christi International Airport - 142 miles - (361) 289-0251 • Brownsville/South Padre Island Airport - (800) 433-7300 • San Antonio International Airport - 214 mile - (210) 207-3411

McAllen – Harlingen – Brownsville Zapata’s Bus Location – Arrivals/Departures: Stripes - 102 N. Hwy 83 (956) 765-5536

Bus Service:

Laredo San Ygnacio Location – Arrivals/Departures: Pepe’s Grocery on Hwy 83.

North Connection:

Valley Transit – Greyhound

Zapata County Schools: Arturo L. Benavides Elementary School (956) 765-5611 P.O. Box 219 Zapata, TX 78076

Zapata High School (956) 765-0280 Home of Hawk Pride Box 3750 Zapata, TX 78076

Fidel and Andrea R. Villarreal Elementary School (956) 765-4321 3637 stop 36 B Zapata, TX 78076

Zapata Middle School (956) 765-6542 Box 3636 Zapata, TX 78076

Zapata North Elementary (956) 765-3724 Box 3224 Zapata, TX 78076 Zapata South Elementary School (956) 765-4332 Box 2030 Zapata, TX 78076

Zapata County Parks Falcon State Park US 83, 30 miles south of Zapata • Park Entrance fee requiered • Picnic Areas • Camping • Restrooms • Cleaning Stations • Handicap Access • Boat Ramp - Arroyo Veleno • Ramp will accommodate all boat types • Open all year Romeo T. Flores Park 101 Delmar • Basketball Court • Children’s Play Area • Picnic Area • Swimming Poll • Stage

Zapata County Chamber of Commerce

Zapata County Pavilion 404 East 23rd Ave. • Basketball Court • Children’s Play Area • Picnic Area • Walking Path • Stage Zapata County Baseball Park 2402 Hidalgo St. San Ygnacio Baseball Park Valle Verde St. AL Benavides Elementary Baseball Park • 307 Lincoln St Zapata County Bravo Park 201 West 9th Ave. • Children’s Play Area • Picnic Area • Walking Path • Bird Watching

Zapata County Siesta Shore Park 704 Monterrey Lane • Basketball Court • Children’s Play Area • Picnic Area • Walking Path Zapata County Pct. 4 Recreational Park 1909 Fresno St. • Basketball Court • Children’s Play Area • Picnic Area • Walking Path Zapata County Pct. 4 Children’s Park 1609 Glenn St. • Basketball Court • Children’s Play Area • Picnic Area

Voice: (956).765.4871 • Fax: (956).765.5434 P.O. Box 1028 • 601 N. U.S. Hwy 83 • Zapata, Texas 78076

www.zapatachamber.com

HAWK

READY MIX

CHAP ACCREDITED Brush Country Home Health is licensed by the State of Texas and is certified by Medicare.

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