2/28-3/3 - Borderfest 2013 - Hidalgo

 

 

This year's theme is "Celebrating the Cultural Treasures of Mexico."

 

Gate Admission* and Ticket Information:

• Thursday & Friday, February 28 - March 1 - $12.00 for Adults ; $5.00 for children 10 & under ; Toddlers under 3 Free
• Saturday & Sunday, March 2 & 3 - $10.00 for adults, $12.00 after 4pm ; $5.00 for children 10 & under ; Toddlers under 3 Free

*Gate Admission does not include  Zac Brown Band Concert

Buy your tickets in advance at any STRIPES and get a 2-Day Super Pass for $13.00!

Parking Fee is $5.00 and is not included in your Arena event ticket price.

•  Zac Brown Band Concert, Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. - Visit ticketmaster.com, select HEB stores, or the State Farm Arena box office for tickets. Ticket prices range from $42 - $160. Your Arena event ticket for the Arena event is your admission ticket (except print at home tickets) into the BorderFest grounds. You will use your ticket to enter the grounds through the Arena entrance at each of the BorderFest gates. One person, per ticket is permitted to enter the grounds for FREE for the entire day.

Tickets will be hole-punched upon entrance, please be sure to get "stamped" if you plan on re-entering as "hole-punched" tickets will be not permitted for re-entry.

Parade Information:
• Budweiser BorderFest Grand Parade - Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. ; Travels north on Hwy #336 (10th Street) from Produce Rd to State Farm Arena
• 3 Illuminated Evening Parades - Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
• SPI BikeFest Bike Parade - 9:45 a.m. Saturday morning before the Grand Parade

Festival Times:
Thursday, February 28th, 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Friday, March 1st, 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Saturday, March 2nd, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Sunday, March 3rd, 10:00 am – 12:00 am

 

Other activities and events: 

• More than 20 Entertainment Areas

• 100′s of Entertainers
• Action 4 News British Stage
• Cocina Kraft
• Double Decker Bus on Display
• Harry Potter Magician
• Knights and Princesses Puppet Show
• Country Music
• Tejano Legends
• HEBuddy Friends & Kids Club
• World Stage
• Strolling Acts
• Ventriloquist & Magicians
• Wild about Monkeys
• and much more!

http://www.myborderfest.com

2/27-28 - USAF Band of the West Jazz Ensemble On Tour - McAllen, Weslaco

 

 

Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Dimensions in Blue, the jazz ensemble from the United States Air Force Band of the West, will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. on February 27th at the South Texas College Cooper Center for Communication Arts in McAllen. The performance is free of charge and open to the public. Free tickets can be downloaded at www.bandofthewest.af.mil.

 

Dimensions in Blue features 18 talented musicians from around the country and tours more than 30,000 miles and entertains more than a million people a year.

 

"The jazz ensemble from the United States Air Force Band of the West to present a concert Feb. 27 in McAllen." The Monitor 07 Feb 2013: 12E. In Print.

 

 

Dimensions in Blue will also perform at 7:00 p.m. on February 28th at the Alfresco Weslaco-Jazz on the Street Festival in Historic Downtown Weslaco.

 

 

2/24 - 3/3 - Charro Days - Brownsville

:

PARADES

Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 2 p.m. - B.I.S.D. Children's Charro Days Parade

Friday March 1, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. - Illuminated Parade

Saturday March 2, 2013 at 12 noon - Grand International Parade

CHARRO DAYS CARNIVAL

Charro Days Carnival offers 20th Century Rides with a World's Fair Midway featuring over 40 rides and attractions. Something for everyone, amazing rides, games, food and fun!

For the thrill seekers, there is the Zipper, Orbiter, Ring of Fire, Storm and the Drop Tower.

We have all the popular family favorites like Bumper Cars, Starship, Pharaoh's Fury, Giant Wheel, Tilt-A-Whirl and the family thrill ride Moby Dick and more.

Dates: February 28 – March 10, 2013

Hours: Opens at 5:00 pm on weekdays / at 1:00 pm on Sat. & Sun.

Location: Amigoland Grounds, 325 Mexico Blvd. in Amigo Land

Admission to Carnival is $1 ; All-you-can-ride wristbands available for $20 to use on weeknights (M-F) from 6 - 10 p.m. and on weekends (Sat & Sun) from 1 - 5 p.m.

For more information, call (956) 542-42

OTHER CHARRO DAYS FESTIVITIES & EVENTS

Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 9 a.m. - 56th Annual Charro Days Golf Tournament

Fort Brown Memorial Golf Course - Brownsville Chapter of the Pan American Golf Association. For more information, call (956) 346-4518

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. - Celebrating 25 years of Grupo Folklórico Tizatlán

The Arts Center, UTB & TSC Campus

 A special performance featuring dances from Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Sonora Bronco, Veracruz, Nuevo Leon, Nayarit Costa and Jalisco.

Admission: Adults $8, Students $5, Children $4

Tickets will be available at HHP Dept. in the REK Center and The Arts Center

Phone: 882-8290 or email Zelma.mata@utb.edu or bertha.mujica@utb.edu

Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. - Hands Across the Border

Gateway International Bridge

CHARRO DAYS DANCES

Purchase tickets for the follwing dances at Charro Days Headquarters, 455 E. Elizabeth Brownsville, Tx 78520 ; 956-542-4245
   
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013 from 6 - 11 p.m. - Noche de Fiesta w/Noe Pro & The Band and El Mariachi Mexico Lindo
Jacob Brown Auditorium, 600 International Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520

Food & Forkloric Dancers with Special Appearance by Mr. Amigo
Admission- $20 per person

Friday, March 1, 2013 from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. - Noche Internacional with La Original Sonora Dinamita and Take Two variety Band, El Mariachi Mexico Lindo
Jacob Brown Auditorium, 600 International Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520

Admission- $30 per person

Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. - Fiesta Mexicana with Tejano Boys, Los Dos Gilbertos, Roy Torres & Buckn' Crazy, Los Bad Boys del Valle also Mariachi Mexico Lindo
Amigoland Convention Center, 1010 Mexico Boulevard  Brownsville, TX 78520

Admission: $20 per person

Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. - Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán - "El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo"
The Arts Center UTB & TSC Campus

Purchase tickets online at UTBTickets.com or call (956) 882-8587

For more information or ticket purchase, call (956) 542-4245

- http://www.charrodaysfiesta.com

2/23 - Pioneer & Ranching Crafts Day at the Museum of South Texas History - Edinburg

"Valley residents and visitors alike should mark their calendars for Pioneer and Ranching Crafts Day, to be held at the Museum of South Texas History, Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. “This is our most popular event at the museum,” notes organizer Melissa Tijerina.

“Visitors will be able to tour the museum’s outstanding exhibits and enjoy a full day’s worth of activities. Artisans will demonstrate numerous crafts traditional to South Texas and northeastern Mexico, ranging from horsehair braiding and wood carving to quilting, spinning, weaving or butter churning. Visitors to the event should plan to stay for lunch, too, as vendors will be selling freshly-made food, including such specialties as pan de campo, or camp break cooked outdoors over hot coals, and aguas frescas, or fresh fruit drinks.”

As always, this year’s event will appeal to all ages, with craft demonstrations, musical and dance performances, as well as special activities for children. “Although we have a full slate of activities, we are always looking to feature other crafts that are unique and historic to the region,” suggested Tijerina, who asked that interested artisans contact her at the museum. She added that the event features artisans from both the United States and Mexico.

Admission to the event is included in the regular museum admission fee: $7 for adults; $5 for seniors over 62 or active military with ID; $5 for students 12 and over with ID; $4 for children 4 to 10 years; and free admission for children 3 years and under. FRIENDS of the Museum are admitted free as a benefit of FRIENDships. For information on the event or becoming a FRIEND of the Museum, call 956.383.6911 or visit www.mosthistory.org. The Museum of South Texas History is located at 200 North Closner Boulevard on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square in downtown Edinburg."

Admission Fees:
Adults: $7.00
Senior Citizens (62 and older): $5.00
Active Military (with ID)$5.00
Students (12 and over with ID): $5.00
Children (Ages 4-12): $4.00
Children (Ages 0-3): Free
FRIENDS of MOSTH: Free  

- http://www.exploremcallen.com/events/calendar/details/2013-02-23/pioneer_and_ranching_crafts_day.aspx

- New and returning features at Pioneer and Ranching Crafts Day, February 23 (MOSTH website)
 

2/23 - Birdathon - Weslaco



Birdathon 2013 is a one-day, 12-hour event, held on Saturday, February 23, 2013. The event is like a walk-a-thon, but instead of collecting pledges for miles walked, Birdathon participants collect pledges for finding and counting bird species across the Rio Grande Valley. It’s a competitive and educational event for any level of birdwatcher and a fun way to help protect birds and habitat! You can join one of our teams, organize your own team, or count independently. You can also participate simply by making a Birdathon donation!

Teams for kids and adults, beginners to experts will be formed, or you can form a team of your own!

The deadline to FORM a team has already passed (Monday, January 28th), but there are still ways you can participate:
• Participate as an individual
• Join a group
• Make a general donation or sponsor a participant**
• Celebrate with us on Feb. 24th for the Birdathon 2013 Picnic and Awards Ceremony from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.

** You can pledge for one or more teams, either with a specific amount or by number of species that team(s) is able to see on February 23rd. For example, if you pledge 20 cents per species and the team sees 80 species, your contribution would be $32. You can also send us a lump sum or pledge a specific amount per bird for the total number of species seen by all teams. Whether you pledge modestly or generously, we are grateful for your support. Ask your family, friends, and co-workers to pledge as well. If you have any questions call Chris or Sarah at 968-3275.

- http://www.fronteraaudubon.org/Birdathon2013.html

2/23 - Children's Arts & Literacy Festival - McAllen

 



The Junior League of McAllen presents the

10th Annual Children's Arts and Literacy Festival

12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

McAllen Public Library

4001 N. 23rd Street

 

The event features art & crafts, free books, music and a magic show for kids of all ages.

Admission is free.

For more information, call 956-453-6482.

"Calendar of Events." The Monitor 17 Feb 2013: 2E. Print.

2/23 - Donna Texas Chisholm Trail Festival

 



The Donna Texas Chisholm Trail Festival, to be held at the Donna Square City Park, will celebrate the city's heritage, culture, and rich history. The festival theme will be country western going back to the glory days of the vaqueros/cowboys and the longhorn cattle. Events include a Trail Ride & Parade starting at 10:00 a.m., Pan De Campo and Chili Cook-Off, Country / Tejano music, food and drinks, kiddie rides an other related activities. For more information, call the Donna Hooks Fletcher Historical Museum at 956-464-9989. 

 

"Calendar of Events." The Monitor 17 Feb 2013: 2E. Print.

 

 





2/23 - Viva el Arbol Tree Celebration - Edinburg

 

The EWBC will be hosting a plant sale of herbs and native plants! We welcome all ages to come and explore what we have to offer to help make your green spaces amazing.

PLANT SALE: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

 

We also invite you to come and celebrate our native RGV trees! Learn which trees grow best, how to plant & care for them along with other useful tips & techniques! Tree seedlings will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. During our celebration of trees bring the family and enjoy nature crafts and a guided walk in the afternoon.

CELEBRATION: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

FREE entry all day.

 

There will be a $5 parking fee after 12 pm due to Fiesta Edinburg; EWBC parking lot will be closed. However, the East-side and West-side gates will be open, along with the front gate.

Information from http://www.edinburgwbc.org/events.php

2/23 - Fiesta de La Feria - La Feria

The 20th Annual Fiesta de La Feria will be held Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Join us for a wonderful day of fun and entertainment.  It is Free Admission!!!

The Fiesta provides a variety of live bands, plenty of food, arts & crafts, and family oriented games.

There are various dance contests held in the afternoon, as well as a Grito contest.  Prizes are awarded to the top winner in each category.  Part of the fun is the annual Pie Bake-Off and Cup Cake Contest.  The top prize in each receives a cash award and the ribbons are awarded to the first, second, and third place winners.

The Cultural Arts Center at 122 E. Oleander Avenue is the place to go to see art from local students and to have fun with Karaoke, as well as enjoy other activities.  Last year the City began a competition for children vying for the title of Tiny Mr. & Miss Fiesta de La Feria and Lil’ Mr. & Miss Fiesta de La Feria.  It was very successful and the 2nd Annual Tiny and Lil’ Mr. & Miss Fiesta de La Feria will be held again in the Cultural Arts Center.  See the schedule of events in the 2013 Events Program and Visitor’s Guide for times of the events.

One of the entertainment groups at the very first gathering was the group known as “Los Angeles del Sur” (English translation:  “The Angels of the South”).  “Los Angeles del Sur”  have played every year the Fiesta has been held and will be performing for the 20th Annual Fiesta de La Feria from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.  

The Event Planning Committee will be selling raffle tickets for wonderful prizes as a fundraising effort to offset some of the expenses of the festival.  Buy your tickets early or purchase them at the Information Booth on Fiesta Day.

Anyone wishing to participate in our Fiesta de La Feria may do so by downloading the appropriate form below and submitting the completed form and appropriate fee to City Hall.

For more information or for contest registration forms, visit: http://www.cityoflaferia.com/2013/02/06/la-feria-celebrates-the-20th-annual-fiesta-de-la-feria/

2/23 - Mission Winter Fiesta

Mission Thanks their Winter Texans!

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) will be hosting its Annual Mission Winter Fiesta. Join us at this family friendly event that will include FREE food, entertainment, door prizes, and exhibitor booths. This celebration is our way to thank our Winter Texans and our local community for making Mission their home. Free lunch will only be available to the first 3,000 guests with a valid food voucher. You may pick up your free food voucher at the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce located at 202 W. Tom Landry in Mission starting on Monday, February 18, at 9:00am. One voucher will be available per person and you must be present to receive your voucher.

There will be live entertainment by the BJ Brothers, Glen and Buddy -- Levi Country, Jay & Tammy Roy, The Punches Family, The Prowell Family, Memories Band, and Richard Bellert.

- http://services.missionchamber.com/Events/details/winter-texans-fiesta-821
- The Monitor February 10th print edition

2/22-23 - Smokin' on the Rio Texas State Championship Bar-Be-QueCook-Off - Mercedes

From http://www.smokinontherio.com

Smokin’ on the Rio State Championship BBQ Cook-Off was established in 2004 by a group of local businessmen with the goal of raising money in support of youth agricultural projects in the Rio Grande Valley. The profits generated from the event have been used to purchase student projects at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show’s Sale of Champions.

The 2012 event yielded a record breaking 150 cooking teams from as far away as San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas and over 6,000 attendees.

Smokin’ on the Rio is held every year during the last weekend of February at the RGV Livestock Show Grounds in Mercedes, Texas.

2/22 - SPI Market Days - SPI

The South Padre Island Convention will host the SPI Market Days from

Friday, February 22 till Sunday, February 24, 2013.

Arts, crafts, jewelry, trade show items and specialty foods will be for sale.

Doors open at 9 AM till 5 PM. $1 at the entrance.

For more information please call (956) 554-9899.

2/22 - "America's Beloved Tenor" (the Singing Policeman from 9/11) performance - Harlingen

Daniel Rodriguez & Marla Kavanaugh
Friday, Feb. 22, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Christian Fellowship Church in Harlingen

 To those who have come to know him as the “singing policeman,” the New York City cop who helped bring the country an uplifting spirit of promise and hope with his stirring rendition of “God Bless America” after the September 11th terrorist attacks, it is no surprise that Daniel Rodriguez is known as America’s Beloved Tenor.

Visit www.harlingenconcert.com to read more about his fascinating experiences.

For tickets or more information you may also call Lois Day at 956-428-1993.

Source
http://www.harlingenconcert.com/shows.html

2/21-??? - Frontera's Thursday Evening Vulture & Hawk Watch - Weslaco

photo by Brian Plath

 

"Hundreds of Turkey Vultures spiral downward over South Texas Boulevard in Weslaco every evening in fall and winter, creating a funnel effect that looks like a slow moving tornado of soaring birds.
“It’s quite a spectacle to watch them come in for the evening,” says FAS president and neighbor Jim Chapman, “To see the sheer numbers of them roosting in nearby trees is kind of mind-boggling.”
These magnificent birds of prey glide slowly down to their night roosting spot in the tall trees at the Frontera Audubon Society (FAS) nature preserve and surrounding areas."

"The public is invited to view the phenomenon during “Frontera’s Thursday Evening Vulture & Hawk Watch” on Thursday evenings beginning February 21^st at 5 p.m. at FAS, located at 1101 S. Texas Blvd., for as long as the vultures remain in the area. A video about Turkey Vultures will also be shown in the Historic Skaggs House.

Frontera Audubon Society is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the environments of the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and offering opportunities for all people to enjoy and discover nature. FAS is located at 1101 S. Texas Blvd. in Weslaco Texas. It is also the home of the Skaggs House, a Texas Historic Landmark built in 1927 by R. Newell Waters. For more information, call 956-968-3275 or visit http://www.fronteraaudubon.org."

- from the Frontera Audubon Society's blog




2/21-24 - Fiesta Edinburg

Fiesta Edinburg is the Edinburg Chamber’s largest celebration. Besides being a fun, quality of life event for the city of Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley, Fiesta Edinburg also symbolizes an important moment in Edinburg’s history. Fiesta Edinburg is known as a big party that was initially created to commemorate Edinburg’s County Seat.

Fiesta Edinburg celebrates more than 40 years of family fun. Currently, Fiesta Edinburg is a week-long celebration that takes place at the Edinburg Municipal Park. Major attractions such as the Heart of America Carnival, regional food, arts/crafts plus top notch entertainment are a large draw to the community festival.

Visit the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Website for parade entry and vendor application forms.

Excerpted from http://www.edinburg.com/fiesta.html

2/19 - Iwo Jima Parade - Harlingen

 



"Marine Military Academy (MMA) will host its annual Iwo Jima Parade on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 4 p.m. on the MMA Parade Grounds. Open to the public, this event is a tribute to the courage and sacrifice made by The Greatest Generation to preserve freedom around the world. There will be special reserved seating for all World War II veterans in the parade stand, which is directly in front of the Iwo Jima Monument. During the parade, all veterans of all branches and wars will be recognized and asked to join the MMA superintendent for the ceremonial pass in review.

In addition to honoring America’s veterans, the parade recognizes the historical significance of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.
 
Event-goers are encouraged to stop by the Iwo Jima Museum & Gift Shop either before or after the parade to watch a video depicting the Battle of Iwo Jima.

For more information on the Iwo Jima Parade, call (956) 421-9235, or e-mail at atkinson@MMA-TX.org. For more information on the Iwo Jima Museum & Gift Shop, contact Gloria Boling at (956) 421-9234 or e-mail visitorcenter@MMA-TX.org"

excerpted from:
"MMA to host Iwo Jima Parade on Tuesday." The Monitor 07 Feb 2013: 2E.

2/16 - Starr County Fair Parade and Great Steak Cook-Off - Rio Grande City

 



The public is invited to attend this event. Come on down after the parade which will be held on Main Street at 9 a.m. There will be no admission to enter the arena area.

2/16 - Tails & Trails 5K Run/Walk - Edinburg

 

Tails & Trails 5k RGV is a 5k run/walk open to the public and their dogs! This year the net proceeds will go to Palm Valley Animal Center, Harlingen Humane Society & Laguna Madre Humane Society. Join us for a family fun event and help us spread awareness of the importance of animal adoption!

 

8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Edinburg Municipal Park

Register at http://www.active.com/running/edinburg-tx/tails-and-trails-5k-rgv-2013

Cost is $20 for early registrants, $25 after February 9th. Registration closes on the 15th.

2/15-16 - May the Force be with the RGV: Jedi training camp headed to the Valley

Inspired by a Jedi training camp in Austin, a few Rio Grande Valley natives are set to bring the "Force" to South Texas next year.

The Outer-Rim Jedi Training Camp will gather a Jedi army this February at the Estero Llano Grande State Park on Feb. 16 and Feb. 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Boys and girls between the ages of seven-years-old and 17-years-old may register online at outer-rim-Jedi-training.com for $125 per child.

The day camp encourages participants to attend in full costume and in character as they learn about the force through selected reading materials, which will be provided by organizers along with training lightsabers which will be used to prepare participants for battle.

If you have any additional questions please e-mail camp director: Renee Dyer at rdyer71@gmail.com or call her at 956-969-6845

Registration is not complete until payment is received. Renee Dyer will contact you once payment is received via Pay Pal to confirm your completed registration.

Excerpted from:  May the Force be with the RGV: Jedi training camp headed to the Valley - Your Valley Voice

2/16-17 - 23rd Annual Jalapeño 100 Bike Ride / Runs

 

 

Bikers and runners from near and far can participate in the Jalapeño 100 Bike Ride / Run. Participants of the 23rd annual bike ride can register for one of five different bike routes (12, 25, 50, 62.5 and 100 miles) and/or for the kid’s run (one mile), 5K or 10K the following day.

Registration includes a free ride t-shirt for the first 500 ride registrants or first 200 run registrants, and free dinner including burgers, drinks and more for cyclists at the post-ride celebration. Proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Club of Harlingen.

Saturday, February 16, 2013
6:30 a.m. – registration and packet pickup
7:30 a.m. – 100 mile and 62.5 mile routes begin
7:45 a.m. – 50 mile, 25 mile & 12 mile routes begin
11 a.m. – post ride celebration
4 p.m. – course closes

Sunday, February 17, 2013
6:00 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. – Late registration
7:30 a.m. – Kid’s one-mile Fun Run begins
7:55 a.m. – National Anthem, Opening Prayer Invocation
8:00 a.m. – 5K and 10K begins
9:30 a.m. – Awards Ceremony

NOTES: For more information or to register online visit http://www.jalapeno100.com/. You may register for the bike ride at any Bicycle World in Harlingen (956.423.3168), McAllen (956.682.7454) or Brownsville (956.541.9712) and for the run at Footworks in Harlingen (956.423.3131).

http://www.jalapeno100.com/

2/15-17 - Footloose - The Musical - Brownsville

Of course by now we are all very familiar with the story told to us by the 1984 film, the 1998 Broadway musical, and the 2011 movie remake. The new kid in school causes quite a ruckus when he moves from Chicago to a world where dancing has been banned.

After the huge success of last year’s hit musical comedy “Xanadu,” the Camille Playhouse decided to follow that up with another cult classic. What do we remember most from that motion picture? The dancing. Arikka Fears, whose choreography was last seen in “Legally Blonde,” returns with dances that will be sure to energize you and have you running for the dance floor.
With some of the Rio Grande Valley’s most talented actors, sensational dancers, and amazing technicians “Footloose” is destined to be another Camille Playhouse hit! So forget that MTV remake. The Camille will take you right back to the 80s rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score, in a way that only live theatre can! So kick off your Sunday shoes and join the Camille for its first show of 2013, Footloose.

“Footloose” at the Camille Playhouse will run through Feb. 17. For information call 956-542-8900 or visit camilleplayhouse.org.

Excerpted from http://www.valleymorningstar.com/coastal_current/news/around_the_valley/article_663fe618-7147-11e2-b09f-0019bb30f31a.html

2/12-17 - Rio Grande Valley Music Festival - Mercedes

The Rio Grande Valley Music Festival is a non-profit (501c3) organization dedicated to three goals. First, to provide a venue for musicians of all levels of ability to perform in a professional setting. To that end we provide a "jamming tent" where players can gather in small groups and jam in an unstructured manner. The stages have scheduled performances. These are mainly working professionals who have other commitments and are generously donating their time for the festival. Open mic time is available on all stages. Open mic performers sign up with the Stage Manager for ten minute segments.The Acoustic/Bluegrass Stage is mostly open and uses a rotation system.
Secondly, the RGVMF provides an opportunity for Valley residents and visitors to enjoy good, live music for a very reasonable price. The admission is unchanged for 2013 at $8 per person with NO charge for parking. Music fans under 12 come in free. The Sunday Gospel jam is also free. As before, weekly tickets will be available for $25.
Last, but not the least important, is to help support music education for young people. To that end all proceeds over expenses are donated to local youth music programs. $25,000 has been made available from the 2012 festival.

From their official website at http://www.rgvmf.com/

2/9 - Southern Fried Barbershop with the Magic Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines - San Juan



 

Award-winning Magic Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines International invites you to join us for a delightful afternoon of musical entertainment on Saturday, February 9, 2013 when we present "Southern Fried Barbershop".

The show will be at the PSJA High School Theatre of Performing Arts, corner of "I"(Veterans) and Ridge roads in San Juan.

Tickets are $8.00 in advance: call 956-682-8245 or 956-661-9926, and $10.00 at the door.

2/9 - Texas Outdoor Family at Estero Llano Grande State Park - Weslaco

Have you wanted to take your family on a camping trip, but you didn't feel you knew everything you might need to know to have a successful camping experience?

Texas Outdoor Family (TOF) workshops are hosted at state parks where your family receives hands-on experience learning basic outdoor skills. You will learn everything you need to create great memories enjoying the outdoors with your family, including:

• How to set up and break down camp (including your tent)
• Fire starting
• Outdoor cooking
• Guided walks
• Nature activities
• How to use a GPS
• Geocaching
• Introductions to a wide range of outdoor activities (such as fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching) depending on the site location, facilities and the season of the year

Best of all, no experience is necessary and you get all the help and advice you need from highly skilled outdoor specialists and trained volunteers!

Agenda & Activities
Saturday
Credible Campers & Campsites:
Adults: Learn Leave no Trace principles, how to pitch your tent and use stoves safely
Junior Rangers: PEAK Program “Promoting environmental awareness in kids” to leave no trace

Building Base Camp: Families come together, gather equipment and build base camp for the weekend.
Caching in on State Park Trails: Trail adventure and exploration through GPS and Geo-caching
Fire Building and Outdoor Cooking Tips: How to safely build fires and cook on open flames / grills
Experience the natural wonders at night: Celebrating nature’s natural night noises at State Parks

Sunday
Coffee and chat with a Park Ranger: Q&A – Learn more about parks through conservation
Know Before You Go ... Breaking Camp and Leaving No Trace of your stay

Additional Site Specific Activities
Birding Tram Ride: Enjoy an amazing variety of birds from the comfort of the state park tram as we explore their habitat.

Additional Curriculum
State Park Junior Ranger Certification Programs – Targeted Audience: 5-12 years of age
Environmentally-friendly program which adopts and teaches the 'Leave No Trace' philosophy and practices
Additional programs specifically for use and enjoyment of a state park

Meals
A shopping list/menu will be provided; you will need to bring your own food. Click here to see the suggested shopping list: TOFPre-Materials
Instructors will teach you how to enjoy family camp cooking

Fees
$65 per family (up to 6 individuals) - includes all entry and camping fees.

How to Register
Call 512-389-8903 and ask to speak to one of our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. They can answer any questions you might have and also can provide the contact number for partner site workshops.
You will be e-mailed a confirmation packet with directions and additional items.
Please note that all reservations and full payment must be made at least four business days in advance of the workshops. All fees are non-refundable.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/calendar/texas-outdoor-family-estero-llano-grande-rio-grande-valley

2/9 - Arbor Day Challenge Run Race Tour - McAllen

 



If you are fond of trees and love a challenge, the City of McAllen welcomes you and your family to the Arbor Day Challenge "Run, Race, Tour", set for February 9, 2013, at McAllen Municipal Park. Free t-shirts and free tree saplings for the first 300 registered. 

You can run a timed 5K, a timed 10K, or compete in our 30-mile, closed course, Bike Race. Or, you can register for the non-competitive, 20-mile Bike Tour, or the Family Fun Run, a non-competitive family walk/run on the Bicentennial Hike and Bike trail.

Register online here, or you can stop by the following locations and fill out a paper a registration form. (Be prepared to pay with a check!)

• Valley Running Company
• Bicycle World of McAllen
• Bike Masters
• City of McAllen Recycling Center

Registration fees vary per event ($15 - $25). Price increases $10 after February 6th.

www.keepmcallenbeautiful.org

2/9 - Barnes & Noble Valentine's Storytime - McAllen

Barnes and Noble Valentine's Story Time
11:00 a.m. in Barnes & Noble stores nationwide
Featuring a reading of Joanna Walsh's "The Perfect Hug", fun activities, and treats!

2/9 - Rio Grande Valley Mennonite Relief Sale - Edinburg

Festival, Auction, Garage Sale, and more! This family event is free for everyone. Come and shop the garage sale, enjoy activities for children, live music, a food court featuring "comida tipica" (traditional Mexican food) and delicious baked goods, a cake walk with fabulous prizes, and the international artisan and fair-trade goods displayed by Ten Thousand Villages.

The Auction starts at 10:30 and includes handmade quilts, woodcrafts and more! The purpose of this event is to raise money for local and international relief efforts of the Mennonite Central Committee. (mcc.org) Over the past 12 years volunteers have raised more than $200,000 for relief efforts through this local event.

This event takes place February 9th, 9 a.m. -2 p.m. at Rio Grande Bible Institute, 4300 S. Business Highway 281 (S. Closner Blvd.), Edinburg

For more information call 956-664-0112 or 956-332-2106

2/9 - Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo - SPI

Sponsored by St. Andrew’s by the Sea Episcopal Church, the Feb. 9 event features a live raptor show and more than 20 seminars about the natural wonders of the Laguna Madre area and South Texas.

Topics include fly fishing, bay fishing, birdwatching, dolphins, turtles, butterflies and native plants.

There will also be exhibits by non-profit environmental and wildlife organizations.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Laguna Madre.

Expo takes place at the South Padre Island Convention Centre. Expo Doors open at 8 a.m. with presentations starting at 8:30 a.m. Admission is $3, and there will be a raffle and silent auction. It ends at 4:00 pm.

For more information contact Ralph Ayers at 956-943-3630 or ayers.re39@gmail.com.

http://m.valleymorningstar.com/coastal_current/news/around_the_valley/article_f1a623a8-55c6-11e2-a19d-001a4bcf6878.html

2/7 & 8 - RGV Coastal Expo 2013 - Edinburg

The 2013 Rio Grande Valley Coastal Expo will be held on February 7th and 8th, 2013 at the Municipal Park in Edinburg, Texas. The RGV Coastal Expo is a FREE, fun, and educational hands-on event that teaches children about coastal ecosystems, South Texas wildlife and outdoor adventure. We would like to invite the elementary school children, grades 1-6, from schools across the RGV to this exciting hands-on, exploratory program.

If you know of particular teachers who would be interested in this event and would like more information, please have them contact Lily Cruz at lcruz@cityofedinburg.com or (956) 381-9922 at your earliest convenience. We can schedule individual classrooms or entire grades. However, space is limited, so contact us as soon as possible.

We need your help to make this awesome event happen! If you're interested in volunteering, visit our volunteers page, email Monica Barrera at mbarrera@cityofedinburg.com, or call (956) 381-9922 for more information!

http://www.edinburgwbc.org/events.php

2/28 & 4/4 - Valley Symphony Orchestra Concerts V & VI - McAllen, Edinburg

VSO Concert V - McAllen Civic Center Thursday, February 28, 2013 - 8PM Featuring the Valley Symphony Chorale
	Bernstein Bernstein Rimsky-Korsako	Candide Overture Chichester Psalms Scheherazade, op. 35
VSO Concert VI - Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance Thursday, April 4, 2013 - 8PM
	Schubert Bizet Rachmaninov	Rosamunde Overture Carmen Suite Piano Concerto No. 2, op. 18, C minor Adam Wodnicki, piano

From http://www.vsomusic.org/

1/12-5/25 - Kids' Nature Club at The Valley Nature Center - Weslaco

A fun and educational opportunity for kids to explore nature.
Field Trip Dates & Locations:
January 12, 2013 - Quinta Mazatlan and Old Hidalgo Pump House - 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
February 2, 2013 - Salt Lake Area - 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
March 2, 2013 - Biking at Resaca de la Palma State Park - 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
April 6, 2013 - Weslaco Adventure Day & Camp Out - 3 p.m. - 11: a.m.
May 4, 2013 - Canoe Trip to Bentsen State Park - 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
May 25, 2013 - Adio Party / Ice Cream Social at VNC - 6 p.m.

For children ages 8 to 12
Cost for the entire season is $90 / child. There is a limited number of scholarships available. Contact Marissa Latigo at (956) 969-2475.

2/2 - City of Edinburg 10K Run and Fun Run

The 10K Run and Fun Run race starts next to the Edinburg Parks & Recreation Department at 315 E. Palm Dr.

Entry Fee (NO REFUNDS!)
10K Run - $10.00 for ages 19 & Over | $5.00 for ages 18 & Under
Fun Run - $5.00 for all ages

Visit http://www.cityofedinburg.com/10kRun for registration, race packet and chip information and more.

2/2 - Music Fest 2013 - Edinburg

16th Annual Music Fest 2013
Saturday, Feb 2 1:00p to 4:00p
Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance
Edinburg, TX

Music Fest is here and the producers are proud to present for the very first time in the RGV, directly from Branson, the Sons of the Pioneers as the headliners. The show promises to be a great entertaining experience that you cannot miss. Proceeds will benefit the Rio Grande Children’s Home (RGCH) in Mission.

The RGCH is a loving and caring home for 36 abused and neglected children. RGCH is committed to provide the best possible care for children in a loving and Christian environment.

 http://www.zvents.com/edinburg_tx/events/show/300421005-16th-annual-music-fest-2013

10/13-4/13 - Family Fun Days at Resaca de la Palma State Park -Brownsville

Every second Saturday of the month bring the family over from 2:30 - 4:00 pm for a variety of great activities!

2/1-3 - 13th Annual SPI Kite Fest - SPI

February 1st, 2nd & 3rd 2013
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ~ Special Performances to be announced

Fun For Everyone - Kite Displays,
Special Performances, Silent Auction, Kite Raffle & Hourly Prizes

OUTDOOR KITE EXHIBITION - FREE ADMISSION
Saturday & Sunday - Feb 2nd & 3rd - 10:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m.
On the flats near the South Padre Island Convention Centre

INDOOR KITE EXHIBITION
Friday Evening - Feb 1st, 2013 - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission - $6.00 Advance tickets required ~ South Padre Convention Centre

BANQUET & LIVE AUCTION
Saturday Night - Feb. 2nd - Isla Grand Beach Resort - 6:30 p.m.
Advance tickets required!

For more information or advance tickets:
Contact B&S Kites @ (956) 761-1248

Excerpted from http://www.spikitefest.com/

2/1-3 - SPI Kitefest Indoor Kite Exhibition - SPI

February 1st, 2nd & 3rd 2013
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ~  Visit spikitefest.com for more info!!

 FREE ADMISSION!
Fun For Everyone - Kite Displays,
Special Performances, Silent Auction, Kite Raffle & Hourly Prizes

INDOOR KITE EXHIBITION
Friday Evening - Feb 1st, 2013 - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Advance tickets required! ~ SPI Convention Center

BANQUET & LIVE AUCTION
Saturday Night - Feb. 2nd - Isla Grand Beach Resort - 6:30 p.m.

Advance tickets required!

 For more information or advance tickets:
Contact B&S Kites @ (956) 761-1248

See http://www.bskites.com/ for more information.
Advance tickets required
For more information contact: B&S Kites ~ 956-761-1248