“On the road with Jo”

Hidalgo celebrates Christmas

The little town of Hidalgo takes center stage every December celebrating in a big way with the Hidalgo Festival of Lights. Festivities began on December 1 with the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of the Arena Box Office. The celebration continues through January 2nd but will be closed on December 24th, December 31st and January 1st.

This year will mark 30 years that the town has gone all out to present a trail of lights that is now two miles long. The event has become so popular that a bigger area was needed this year for all the displays and booths. Be prepared to travel to the Payne Arena for this spectacular event.

Narrated trolley rides will be offered for a small per person fee or if the trolley is not your thing you can drive the same trail in your private vehicle with the purchase of a special ticket. No buses, motorcycles, limos, or motor homes can be accommodated on the trail.

Anyone hungry or ready to purchase art objects won’t be disappointed. Vendors have set up booths for your shopping pleasure. When you tire of shopping, take a break, and enjoy some of the offerings presented by the many food booths.

To many the best of all is the live entertainment that begins around 7:30 p.m. On some nights the entertainment may start a little later. Singers and dancers all decked out for Christmas will surely put you in the Holiday Spirit. All activities are outside so dress warmly.

If driving at night is a concern, you might want to check to see what local tour companies are offering tours to this festive occasion. Whatever you do, visit the Hidalgo Festival of Lights. You will be glad you did.

Only three more shows

The delightful, and ever popular, group Razz Ma Tazz only has two more shows this season. They are performing several classic winter hits, such as "White Christmas," "Santa Baby," "Need a Little Christmas," as well as other contemporary versions of classics. In between each song, Razz members tell a fun story through skits. Remaining shows are December 8, Bit O Heaven, 7 p.m.; December 12, Winter Ranch, 2 p.m.; and December 12, Trophy Gardens, 7 p.m.

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Rainbow Rooms, Raindrop Rooms and Hero’s Closet – on-site emergency resource centers designed to provide CPS caseworkers with emergency supplies for the children and families they serve.

This year, their 10th Annual Christmas Toy Drive, helps them in making sure every child still believes in Santa, no matter their circumstances. The toy drive supplies toys to the most vulnerable members of the community.

“We just want all of our kiddos to experience a little bit of Christmas,” said Emma Menchaca, a Rainbow Room coordinator.

“Sometimes the needs of the family don’t always involve abuse,” she added.

“If a child is suffering due to economic impact to a family, they can find themselves involved with the agency,” she said. “We are here to help provide hope. That is what we ask of our community.”

Menchaca’s region covers 19 counties for South Texas. This is why the need of toys and other items are of such a big need during this time.

Toys will be accepted through December 17th. Coats and Blankets are being accepted through December 15. They ask that all donations be unwrapped and that you remember the teenagers in need as well. They need items for ages 0-17.

Time is limited, you only have a week, but if you decide to be a drop off location, they will pick up the items from your park. All CPS offices in the Valley are drop off locations.

Menchaca said to call her for any additional information, to sponsor a family, or to arrange a pick up. You can reach her at (956) 270-2284. Due to the sometimes-high volume of calls, she encourages you to leave a voicemail if you don’t get through to her. Menchaca noted that they love the Winter Texan community and have really appreciated the help they have received from you in the past. “Thank you in advance for all your love and support you have given the kiddos over the years. We don’t know where we would be without your love,” she said.

“Thank you for believing in us and for gifting hope to our children and families of the Rio Grande Valley.”

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