Events Calendar

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Park Directory RIO GRANDE VALLEY MOBILE HOME & RV 2021-2022 EDITION

2021 Park Directory

Winter TexanTIMES Serving Winter Texans From Mission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Published By:

2021-2022 Edition

WinterTexanTIMES Serving Winter Texans From Mission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Published By:

WELCOME

Whether you prefer nature and the out-doors, historical sites, parks, fishing, boat-ing, or parasailing over the surf at South Padre Island, the Rio Grande Valley has it all. Visitors can enjoy all the Valley has to offer year-round due to the Valley’s mild winter weather. Over 100,000 Winter Texans stay for the winter season to enjoy our warm, subtropical climate with an average temperature of 65-70 degrees. Winter Texans are not the only ones who have discovered the Rio Grande Valley. Birding, butterfly, and nature enthusiasts from all parts of the country come to the Valley every year, attracted by the 545 species of birds and 330 butterfly species that are either native to the area or that migrate through the Valley each year. Because of its neo-tropical climate, the Rio Grande Valley is home to many tropical birds that can be seen nowhere else in the United States. It is also a major bird migration corridor with two major flyways converging here. The Rio Grande Valley is also a place full of history. From battle sites to the only lighthouse on the gulf shores, to museums with artifacts, to chapels, historic homes, and old Page 4 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide Vol. 24, No. 1 2021-2022 Edition Published by Nexus Publishing, LLC 1217 N. Conway Mission, Texas 78572 (956) 580-7800 www.wintertexantimes.com © Copyright 2021 by Nexus Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express consent of the publisher. All rights reserved. Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2021-2022 ABOUT THE COVERTop Photo: SpaceX has arrived at Boca Chica. Tours are not available, but visitors can keep up to date with their launches on their Facebook, livestream videos, and website. You can find more information and links at www.sopadre.com/ spacex/. Photo download provided courtesy of SpaceX at www.flickr.com/photos/spacex/. Bottom Photos: The US-Mexican War was fought at several locations in the Rio Grande Valley. This cannon, and others, are scattered along the property at Palo Alto National Historic Park in Brownsville. When visiting the park, you can learn about the war and the role it played for the Valley, along with walking its trails and seeing some of the Valley’s natural habitat and wildlife.Dancing is a big part of the culture of the Rio Grande Valley. Events throughout the Valley highlight the varied cultures and dancing that can be found. Pictured is UTRGV’s Ballet Folklorico – Alegria.The Rio Grande Valley is a popular area for birding and Quinta Mazatlan is just one of the many birding sites open to visitors. This Pine Siskin is one of many species of birds that can be found in the Rio Grande Valley.

To The Rio Grande Valley stores. Every Valley city has a story to tell. Whether you are a Winter Texan, a family with young children, or just someone that enjoys the outdoors, his-tory and culture, the Rio Grande Val-ley has something to offer everyone. In our Visitor’s Guide this year you will find something new. We have included beautiful maps that pinpoint featured locations through the Valley. We have broken up the area into eight regions, so whatever area you are visiting, you have a map to see what is close to you. With all there is to see and do in the Rio Grande Valley, we hope you en-joy your stay! Inside this guide Points of Interest ............................................6Valley Birding & Nature Events ..................31Valley Chamber Offices ...............................32Golfers’Paradise ...........................................33World Class Birding & Nature Sites .......51-54 2021 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide

CALENDAR

November 22-January 16, 2022

SPI will have their Holiday Light Show with synchronized festive music that is played in 15-minute intervals, daily from 6 to 9 p.m. at the SPI Convention Center.

November 22 – January 1

Brownsville Holiday Village will be on display at Dean Porter Park. Houses will be lit up at 6 p.m. every night. There will be entertainment throughout the period and Santa will be available for pictures on the weekends. Visit http://www.holidayvillagebrownsville.com/ for their full schedule of events.

November 24

The South Pole Illuminated Festival returns to the McAllen Convention Center. Tickets are already available at southpoleoftexas.com or at McAllen Convention Center Box Office.

November 25

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park will hold their Thanksgiving Tram Tour. Check out the park with a naturalist from the comfort of a park shuttle.

November 27

Gelman Stained Glass Museum will be hosting an Adults Organ Workshop with Concert Organist Dan Miller between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The workshop will take place at 411 Virgen de San Juan Blvd., in San Juan. In this workshop, Miller will guide participants through the incredible world of organ playing. Learn about this instrument in a one-of-a-kind workshop nestled in a cathedral-like chapel. Miller will offer tips and practical suggestions to organists. Cost is $30 per person and will include a one-hour private tour of the museum afterwards with the museum director.

November 27

Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce hosts La Cebollita Mid-Valley Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will feature local homegrown products including produce, unique artesian items, specialty goods, and more. There will also be live entertainment and a comfortable environment to enjoy with family and friends. The event will be located in Downtown Weslaco at 501 S. Kansas Ave. For more information, call (956) 968-2102 or visit www.weslaco.com.

November 28

Estero Llano Grande State Park will have an Electric Tram Tour. Join them on a narrated ranger-driven, two-hour tour of the park in a quiet electric tram. Reservations required. This is a weekly event.

November 28

The Gelman Stained Glass Museum invites you to an evening of concert music with internationally renowned concert organist Dan Miller at 5 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m. The event will take place at 411 Virgen de San Juan Blvd., in San Juan. Tickets start at $25. Enter WINTERTEXAN at checkout to receive 20% off general admission. For more information, visit www.gelmanmuseum.org.

December 1

SPI’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at SPI City Hall at 5 p.m.

December 1 – Fiesta Mercedes will be held in conjunction with the Welcome Back Winter Texan Reception at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds, 1000 N. Texas Ave., Mercedes. Music will be presented by Chris Marshall. The event is free. It will be held from 4 to 6 p.m.

December 3

Edinburg’s Food Trucks and Tunes will be held at the McIntyre Promenade. Parking at City Hall, 415 W. University Dr., 6 to 10 p.m. There will be food trucks, music and more. For more information, call (956) 3836246, or visit www.edinburgarts.com.

December 3

SPI will host their 32nd Annual Christmas Street Parade at 6 p.m. beginning on Mars St. to Kingfish St.

December 3 – The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and City of Edinburg proudly present their Annual Night of Lights Parade. The parade will take place at 7 p.m. in the Edinburg downtown district.

December 3

City of Mercedes presents A White Christmas Parade, on Texas Ave., starting at 6 p.m. Visit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season along with food.

December 3-5

The Harlingen Community Theatre, located at 1209 Fair Park Boulevard, presents the charming and fast-paced Off-Broadway smash hit, The Marvelous Wonderettes. Performances are presented Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 p.m. Adults $25 and Children (under 18 yrs.) $10. Tickets are sold at the Box Office on performance days: Friday and Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday 1:30 p.m. HCT accepts credit/debit cards, cash, and checks. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. HCT