4/27 - Pledge to Fledge Bird Sit - McAllen

You’re invited to Quinta Mazatlan’s Pledge to Fledge Bird Sit. Visitors are welcome to bird watch with our knowledgeable staff for as long as they please; it’s a Bird Day for everyone, and a great way to get out and enjoy some of the Valley’s wonderful birds!

The event will take place at our Discovery Center Patio, a shaded patio that overlooks lush gardens, a trickling water feature, and our vibrant Ruby Pond. Pledge to Fledge is an International grassroots campaign to introduce people to the exhilarating world of birds, and people of all ages are invited!

Participants will be able to leisurely watch birds with a local birder for as long as they please, being comfortably introduced to some of the Rio Grande Valley’s spectacular bird life.

Visitors will get acquainted with local birds like Great Kiskadee, Clay-colored Thrush, and Plain Chachalaca, as well as some of the many migrating birds like warblers, hummingbirds, and buntings that pass through the Valley annually. At the end of the day, we will tally all the birds that we saw and enter them onto eBird!

Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those attending Birder’s Day, but participants are welcome to bring their own binoculars, guides and cameras as they desire. Feel free to bring out a packed lunch and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere while watching birds at the same time!

General Admission: $2/adult, $1/child or senior.

- copied from http://www.quintamazatlan.com/events/special/saturday.aspx

4/27 - San Isidro Festival

SAN ISIDRO FESTIVAL 2013 / 9TH ANNUAL BASH-IN-THE-BRUSH BIKER RALLY
Hosted by San Isidro Catholic Church, 956-481-3392

LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT ----- ALL DAY
Featuring “Rock N Roll James & Whiskey D", Roy Torres N Buck-N-Crazy,  Marshall Law, and Invazzion (Leo Perez)

EVENTS
Cook Off - 8:00 AM - visit cooking campsites, vote for best site
Trail Ride - 8:00 AM Morning ride & camp
Car Show - 8:00 AM see the beautiful antiques, race cars, etc
Parade - 11:00 AM Bikers, floats, Parade Marshalls, cowboys, etc
Bike Show - 12:00 Noon select the Bike of the Festival
Live Auction  - 4:00 PM one-of-a- kind items
Vendors - All Day Jewelry, wood & glass crafts, biker’s goods, & much more

Lots of food, drinks, funnel cakes, fruit and more. There will be games and activities for the kids and teens.

Free parking. No entry fee.

Contact Irma Ochoa 956-481-3392 or rangelcdob@hotmail.com for more information.
- www.sanisidrofestival.org

4/27 - Official Major League Baseball Youth Skills Challenge - McAllen

Official Major League Baseball youth skills challenge. Boys & girls compete separately in several age groups. Skills include pitching, hitting and running. Winners will advance to the sectional competition and could earn a chance to compete at a Major League Baseball Game.

DATE: Saturday, April 27
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
PLACE: Westside Softball Complex, 1000 S. Ware Rd.
AGE: 7 - 14
FEE: FREE!

Register online at https://webtrac.mcallen.net ; activity# 150011.13

For more information contact 956-681-3333
https://www.facebook.com/McAllenParks?ref=hl#!/events/617657024914876/

4/27 - Arbor Day / Earth Day Festival - Edinburg

Bring your bikes and helmets for a bike rodeo. Practice Zumba, Yoga, and Tae Kwon Do. Get your picture taken with HEB Buddy and Valley Proud Crabby. Tour the Birding Center. Encounter "green" vendors. Contact: Edward Kuprel, Edinburg Forester 956-388-8202 ekuprel@cityofedinburg.com

4/26 - Relay for Life of the Upper-Valley - Mission

Relay For Life of the Upper-Valley is an amazing, cancer-fighting event, bringing together the communities of McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Pharr, and the surrounding areas. The 2013 Relay For Life of the Upper-Valley will mark the 15th year for Relay in the McAllen area. This year's Relay will take place on Friday, April 26th at Tom Landry Stadium in Mission, Texas.

Relay For Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society and has been going strong for over 25 years. Each and every event across the nation focuses on CELEBRATING those battling and surviving cancer, REMEMBERING those who have lost the battle, and FIGHTING BACK to raise funds for a cure for this disease.

Relay For Life is an overnight event where teams are formed from businesses, clubs..., schools, churches, families, friends, and service organizations, with the goal of keeping a member of their respective teams walking around the track all night long.

Team members campout and walk throughout the night to signify the journey of anyone touched by cancer and the hope for an eventual cure as the sun rises and the event concludes. It is truly an incredible event that brings the community together for a great cause.

Relay For Life events across the Rio Grande Valley have raised MILLIONS of dollars over the years. This supports the incredible research and amazing local services provided by the American Cancer Society!

For a good overview of Relay, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LE0BJ-CSCM.
 

4/25-28 - Valley International Poetry Festival - Various Locations

4/25 - Opening Reception - Edinburg
4/26 - 7th Annual Poetry Pachanga - San Benito
Community Building - 210 E Heywood St. San Benito, TX
Private dinner, followed by public readings! (Doors open to the public at 6:45 p.m.) 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm - 7th Annual Poetry Pachanga (Public) Readings

4/26 - Youth / Adult Poetry Slam - McAllen
Schneider's German Gasthaus & Beergarden - 5507 N. Ware Rd., McAllen, TX
6:15pm - 6:45pm - Youth Poetry Slam Contest
6:45pm - 7:05pm - Featured Poet Reading: Emmy Perez
7:05pm - 7:15pm - Guest Poet Reading: Olga Valle-Herr, McAllen Poet Laureate
7:15pm - 8:20pm - College / University Poet Readings
8:20pm – 10:00pm - Adult Poetry Slam featuring HBO Def Poet Amalia Ortiz, Lupe Méndez, Tammy Gomez, and Featured Musician Kip Austin Hinton

*Note Schneider's offers dinner and alcoholic beverages
 
4/27 - Morning Workshops from 10:00am - 11:00am - Various Locations
Jitterz Coffee Bar - 1625 N Conway Ave., Mission, TX
Topic: Including sensory elements into poetry or fiction
This is open for registered poets and only to additional guests if space allows

Dustin Sekula Memorial Library, 1906 S. Closner Blvd., Edinburg, TX
Topic: "Letter Poems: 'Risking Sentimentality'" - for registered poets only

Pharr Library, 121 E. Cherokee St. Pharr, TX
Topic: Using poetry to make sense of traumatic events: combat, natural disasters, assault, abuse, etc.
Note: Meet in the North Star Meeting Room—a free-speech space. For registered poets; open to guests--if space allows

Weslaco Museum, 500 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco, TX
Topic: The Poetic Line: Sensual Poetry (For Women Only)
Note: For registered poets; pre-approved (by workshop leader) FEMALE guests only

Narciso Martínez Cultural Arts Center, 225 E. Stenger St., San Benito, TX
Topic: Ekphrastic Springboarding - Poetry based on art
For registered poets; open to guests--if space allows

4/27 - Morning Readings from 11:00am - 12:15pm
Jitterz Coffee Bar - 1625 N Conway Ave., Mission, TX

Dustin Sekula Memorial Library, 1906 S. Closner Blvd., Edinburg, TX

Pharr Library, 121 E. Cherokee St. Pharr, TX
Note: Meet in the North Star Meeting Room—a free-speech space.

Weslaco Museum, 500 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco, TX
Note: This event will run from about 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Narciso Martínez Cultural Arts Center, 225 E. Stenger St., San Benito, TX

Galeria 409, 409 E. 13th St., Brownsville, TX

4/27 - Lunchtime Readings
12:30pm - 2:00pm - Rio Grande Bar & Grill Restaurant, 417 W Van Buren Ave, Harlingen, TX
12:45pm - 2:15pm - Olivier’s Bakery, 1126 Pecan Blvd., McAllen
12:45pm - 2:15pm - LeeRoy’s Chicken & Burgers, 408 W Santa Rosa Ave. (Hwy. 107) Edcouch, TX
12:45pm - 2:15pm - El Hueso de Fraile, 837 E. Elizabeth St. Suite D, Brownsville, TX

Afternoon Workshop: 2:45 to 3:45 p.m.
Paragraphs On Padre, 5055 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX
Topic: Prepping your work for publication—an editor's advice
Note: Open to the public as space allows.

Afternoon Delight Readings
2:45pm - 4:00pm - Eagle Bean Coffee, 2236 W Trenton Rd, Edinburg, TX
3:00pm - 4:30pm - Weslaco Museum, 500 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco, TX
3:45pm - 4:45pm - Paragraphs On Padre, 5055 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX

4/28 - Dr. Gloria E. Anzaldúa Readings - Hargill
10:00am - Meet @ UT-Pan American Bookstore parking lot; depart at 10:05 a.m. to Gloria Anzaldúa burial site at Valle de Paz cemetery in Hargill. Readings onsite.
Lunch afterwards @ Luby's in Edinburg.
Note: Contact Daniel at rgvipf@hotmail.com to RSVP

4/20 - Du or Die Duathlon - Mission

South Conway, Mission, TX 78572, South Conway, Mission, TX 78572, Mission | April 20 | 08:00 AM
Hosted by: The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce

Description: Event starts with a 2 mile run. 11 mile paved bike ride, followed by a 2 mile run. The run is on a paved bike path. Male, female and team relay divisions offered. Post refreshments will be provided.

Fees: $25 / individual or $40 for a relay team

Registration Closing Date: April 18th

Location: On US-83 towards West. Take the Conway exit and turn left on Conway Ave. Stop at Mission Nature Park located on the west side of the street.

Packet Pick Up at Bike Masters on Friday, April 19th from 4-6:30 p.m.



- http://www.active.com/duathlon/mission-tx/4th-annual-du-or-die-duathlon-2013

4/20 - Annual Spring Cleanup - Brownsville

26th Annual Spring Cleanup – Boca Chica Beach
Boca Chica Beach, 111 Boca Chica, Brownsville | 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Hosted by: City of Brownsville

The Texas Adopt-A-Beach Program will kick off its 26th annual Spring cleanup at 9:00 am on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 29 sites along the Texas coast. This is your opportunity to make a difference by helping to preserve one of Texas’ most precious natural resources – our beaches. End of Highway 4 at the Beach. Fore more information about the Adopt-A-BeaView More

4/20 - Vida Verde Earth Day Festival - McAllen

Date: Saturday, April 20, 2013
Festival Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission: $2.00 Adults, $1.00 Children

Celebrate the wonders of Planet Earth during the fourth annual VIDA VERDE Earth Day Festival at Quinta Mazatlan! Vida Verde is a family-friendly event aimed to celebrate the Earth by educating, engaging, encouraging, and empowering the Community to lead a more sustainable existence.

Thanks to everyone who submitted designs for this year's T-Shirt Design contest! The winning design was created by Don Breeden from Brownsvillle, Texas, who attempted to highlight the beauty of the buzzard, our mascot bird for this year's Vida Verde.

Run Wild 5K
Before the festival opens, join us for a 5K at 7:30am!

Proof of bib number will get you into the festival for FREE after the run, and if you register in advance you will get this year's Run Wild 5K T-shirt, free! Click the link here for more info.

Festival Shows and Stages
Check out all the exciting shows, showcases and activities going on all day at Vida Verde! Different stages will feature different acts / activities / demonstrations:

The Healthy Living Stage 

• 7:30 am Run Wild 5K Starting Point
• 8:30 am Run Wild 5K Awards Ceremony
• Reinas de Saba Bellydancing Demonstration
• Hula Demonstration
• UTPA Trash to Fashion Show
• Children's Orchard Fashion Show

Front Lawn Stage
Live Vulture Shows with the Buzzard Whisperer, Ralph Fisher at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm
Magic Shows with the "Magic Dork, John O'Bryant" at 11:30 am and 3:00 pm

Birds of Prey Stage
Flying Shows at 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. with Jonathon Wood and The Raptor Project

Reptile Stage
Live Reptile Shows with Danny Conner's Reptile Adventures at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Best Valley Chefs Demonstrations

• 10:00 am Chef Max, Sahadi's, McAllen
• 11:00 am Chef Adrian, Miyagi Seafood & Sushi
• 12:00 pm Chef Lupita & Art, Naturalissimo
• 1:00 pm Chef Jesse, International Culinary Institute
• 2:00 pm Chef Larry & Jessica, House. Wine.
• 3:00 pmChef Elton, HEB

Music Under the Oak

• 10:00 am Ensamble la Mision
• 11:00 am Rumbo al Anaqua
• 12:00 pm Tin Can Roaders

Kids in the Kitchen sponsored by the Junior League of McAllen

• 9:30 am Healthy Breakfast
• 10:30 am Healthy Breakfast
• 11:30 am Healthy Snacks
• 12:30 pm Healthy Snacks
• 1:30 pm Healthy Family Meals
• 2:30 pm Healthy Family Meals

Storytime and Crafts sponsored by the McAllen Public Library and UTPA Office for Sustainability

• 10:00 am Where the Wild Things Are
• 10:45 am Be A Green Hero
• 11:30 am Ladybug Girl
• 12:15 pm Be a Green Hero
• 1:00 pm A Frog Thing
• 2:30 pm StellaLuna

Featured Showcases
Green Living - Vida Verde is the largest GREEN Festival in Texas! Join us and celebrate the Earth next Saturday with fun for kids AND adults! Our MAIN TENT will feature Green Exhibitors including several City of McAllen, TX departments (like the Recycling Center and the Compost Facility), H-E-B, Green Mountain Energy Company, UTPA Office for Sustainability, and much more!

USFWS Texas Wildlife Tent - The US Fish and Wildlife Service South Texas Complex is presents a Live Texas Wildlife exhibit featuring animals from The Texas Zoo, Sea Turtle Inc, and more!

Reading Rules - The McAllen Public Library will be sharing environmentally-minded books, selling gently-used books, and signing guests up for libary cards!

Green Art - Art in the House Marketplace features local artists exhibiting and selling green- and nature-themed work!

Green Food - Farmer's Market and Food Vendors sponsored by The Fooducator!

Green Gardening - Native Plant Sale

Green Play - Arts, Crafts, Science and Fun!

Green Transportation - McAllen Metro & Bicycle Valet


- Visit http://www.quintamazatlan.com for more information, flyers, added information, vendor applications, Run Wild 5K registration forms and more.   

4/20 - Jane Cozad Memorial "Lace Up 4 Learning" 5K Fun Run - Pharr

Jane Cozad Memorial "Lace Up 4 Learning" 5K Fun Run
Saturday April 20, 2013 - 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Frank Smith Toyota-Hyundai has partnered with The Good Samaritan Community Services of the Rio Grande Valley (Good Samaritan- RGV) to host the 3rd Annual Jane Cozad 5K Fun Run “Lace Up 4 Learning” in conjunction with PSJA ISD and the City of Pharr. This special event will take place on Saturday, April 20th at 8am at 210 W. Caffery, Pharr, TX, home of the Good Samaritan Community Services.

Proceeds from the run will benefit Good Samaritan-RGV after school and summer programs where high quality youth development services are available to youth ages 6-14 in the community. The 5K Fun Run will include live music and a Farmer’s Market courtesy of the Good Samaritan-RGV Gardening Program.

The registration fee for runners age 12 and under is $10, 13 and over is $15 (if registered by April 15th), and $20 after April 16th. Registration forms and checks, should be made out to Good Samaritan Community Services RGV, and may be mailed to P.O Box 1772, Pharr, TX 78577. Race fees are tax deductible.

All ages are welcome to participate in the 5K, but no pets are allowed on the course. In order to keep runners and walkers well hydrated, the course will provide water stations. Participants can register online at www.active.com or through the GSCS website at www.goodsamrgv.com . In person registrations will be taken at Fit Science LLC, 201 S. Cage Blvd. Suite D Pharr, TX 78577 or call Candace Foxx (956) 483-3246.

Good Samaritan Community Services
210 W. Caffery
Pharr Texas USA
For more information contact:
Candace Foxx
(956) 483-3246

- www.exploremcallen.com

4/20 - ACES3 5K Run & Fun Walk - Mission

Cost

Fun Walk $10
5K Run $15 *You can also participate in the walk.

 

Included with each registration:

• Participation in the registered event Run/Walk.
• Event T-Shirt while supplies last.
• Participation in Balloon release ceremony.
• Food and drinks while supplies last.
• Access to moon jumps, game trailers and vendor area.
• Commemorative ribbon.

Age Divisions:
The following male and female age division will be offered at the 5K Run:
under 18, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50 and older. 5K Run awards to top finishers in each age division.

Time/Place:
Event is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2013 at the Sharyland High School Rattler Stadium located at 1106 N. Shary Road in Mission Texas.
5K run begins at the stadium at 9:00am followed by the Autism Awareness Fun Walk at approximately 10:30am.

Race Packets, t-shirt, and race chip pickup:
Race chip and packet pickup at ACES3 offices, 1544 W. Dove Avenue McAllen TX 78501 (across GOLD's Gym) on April 18 and 19 from lpm to 7pm

Race Resources:

• Event Flyer
• Manul Registration Form
• Race Route

Register Online at http://register.aces3.org/.

4/20 - Meet the Creatures Earth Day Celebration - Mission

 

Meet the Creatures that make South Texas so colorful and wonderful at the National Butterfly Center's Earth Day celebration, Saturday, April 20, from 10 AM – 2 PM.

From tarantulas and horned toads, to Texas Indigoes and bobcats, a tremendous variety of insects, reptiles and mammals may be encountered in this 100 acre park, on any given day. For this reason, adults and children are invited to explore the gardens and hunt the Hackberry Trail, to discover the cool and creepy critters that inhabit this special section of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Conservation Corridor.

Take a guided tour with Cowboy Max, or become a butterfly and learn the lifecycle with Louie. NBC members will be on hand to teach basic bird identification, in our newly-redesigned observation station, and share "critter cam" videos of our truly wild night life! Enjoy our 'Hungry Caterpillar' recycled tire playscape, courtesy of Tire Corral; picnic under the palapa; and pin the tail on the swallowtail. Arts and crafts, as well as fun, educational activities await all who wish to participate; not to mention, Spike, the world's most spectacular non-butterfly.

4/20 - Fiesta del Mundo - Weslaco

Celebrate Earth Day 2013

Date: April 20, 2013

Location: Valley Nature Center

Timem: 10 AM - 2 PM

Admission: FREE

Learn about native birds, butterfiles, plants other animals as you walk through

"a Secret Garden in the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley."

  Lots of fun hands-on activities for kids.

 

For more informations contact Dr. Debbie Villalon at dvillalon@southtexascollege.edu

or Marissa Latigo at mlatigo@valleynaturecenter.org

4/19 - Once Upon a Mattress - Brownsville

Once Upon A Mattress
Camille Playhouse, 500 Ringgold Street, Brownsville | April 19 | 8:00 PM - April 21 | 9:45 PM

If you thought you knew the story of The Princess and The Pea, you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to recah Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larken’s love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar post haste? Or that, in fact, it wasn’t the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. This Youtheatre production will showcase the amazing young talented group of actors and singers of YOUR community! Chances are you’ll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again when Camille’s youngest and brightest present Once Upon a Mattress. (Not Included in Season Ticket). For ticket information call 956-542-8900 or email camilleplayhouse@aol.com

 

4/19 - Relay for Life - Mercedes

Relay For Life of the Mid-Valley Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds, 1000 N Texas Ave, Mercedes | April 19 | 6:00 PM - April 20 | 06:00 AM

Hosted by: American Cancer Society - Relay For Life

Description: Relay For Life of the Mid-Valley is an amazing, cancer-fighting event, bringing together the communities of Weslaco, Mercedes, Progreso, Donna, Edcouch/Elsa, and the surrounding areas. The 2013 Relay For Life of the Mid-Valley will mark the 13th year for Relay in the Mid-Valley area, with over $2 million raised for local patient services and lifesaving research of the American Cancer Society. This year's Relay will take place on Friday, April 19th at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds in Mercedes,Texas.

For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/midvalleytx or call your local American Cancer Society office at 682-8329.

 

4/19-21 - Adventures of Flat Stanley - Harlingen

When: April 19th - 21st

Where: Harlingen Performing Arts Theatre
1204 Fair Park Blvd.
Harlingen,TX78550

Contact: Harlingen Peforming Arts Theatre
Phone:956-412-7529

Our shows on Friday & Saturday are 7:30 pm and on Sunday at 2:00 pm
Tickets are $10.00
Students 2 - 18 years are $5.00

4/14 - 4/20 - National Library Week - Edinburg, Mission

Dustin Sekula Memorial Library in Edinburg:
Visit www.edinburglibrary.us for more information
 

 

Speer Memorial Library in Mission:
Visit www.facebook.com/speermemoriallibrary for more information

 

 

Both of these library advertised in Sunday's The Monitor...if you hear of other special National Library Week activities, please let me know!

4/13 - Daddy & Daughter Dinner Dance - McAllen

 

Experience a spectacular evening of dinner, dessert, and dancing. Includes a take-home photo of your night together.

 

Saturday, April 13

6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Lark Community Center

 

$30 / couple

$5 per additional daughter

Space is limited. Register in advance. Call 681-3340 for more information.

 

Take from the 2013 Spring McFun Activity Guide. See the rest here...

4/13 - Run for Dreams 5K and Family Fun Run - McAllen

A World For Children is hosting the 1st Annual " Run For Dreams 5K " and family fun run.

"Run For Dreams " is a statewide effort and there will be 13 5K runs across the state, with three goals in mind:

Increase awareness of the impact of child abuse in the communities we server

recruit new foster parents and volunteers to join in the fight against the cycle of child abuse

Raise funding for our summer camp for teens

The proceeds  will go to the summer camp, which is designed to motivate, inspire, and train the teens to make a new life for themselves and to stop the cycle of abuse. Make a day of fun for your family and register for the race, be a sponsor or make a monetary  donation.

Entry fees are $20 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under, $10 for dogs, and free for ages 2 and under.
For more information call 683-9917, or email medranom@awfc.org or visit www.awfc.info/ch/.

Register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=m54bm6fab&oeidk=a07e711yeylbaff3d9f.

4/13 - Jackson Street Classic Car Show - Harlingen

When: April 13, 2013, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Downtown Harlingen
Jackson Street
Harlingen,TX78550
Contact: Moses Mendoza

The 6^th annual Jackson Street Classic Car Show will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013, in historic Downtown Harlingen. The car show is being organized by the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America. Cars will be displayed along Jackson between 4^th and Commerce. The show is free and open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Registration for this “show and shine” car show will open at 8:00 a.m. on April 13^th. The first 100 entrants will get an event T-shirt. In lieu of a monetary entry fee, participants are asked to bring non-perishable food products for the Harlingen Neighborhood Food Pantry. Hot rods and classic cars that are 25 years old or older are welcome. More than 160 cars participated in the show last April.
There will be an awards presentation at 2:00 p.m. on April 14th, including a “Ladies’ Choice,” Exhibitors’ Choice,” “Texas Army National Guards’ Choice,” and other awards. Entrants must be present at 2:00 p.m. to win awards.

4/13 - Civil War Spring Symposium / Park Day - Palmito Ranch Battlefield NHL - Brownsville

Saturday April 13, 2013 - 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

The Cameron County Historical Commission (CHC) will host its annual Civil War Spring Symposium on Saturday, April 13 at the Cameron County Courthouse in Brownsville. In conjunction with the Cameron CHC’s symposium, the Texas Historical Commission (THC), and staff from Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park (NHP) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’sSouth Texas Refuge Complex will co-host Park Day at Palmito Ranch Battlefield National Historic Landmark (NHL) later that same day.

WHO: Cameron CHC, THC, Palo Alto Battlefield NHP, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Free and open to the public (For outdoor events at the battlefield bring a folding chair, sunscreen, working cloths and hat—bottled water will be provided).

WHAT: The main topic of the 2013 Cameron CHC Civil War Symposium is ‘Religion during the American Civil War.’Park Day activities include a trash pick-up, historic interpretation of the Battle of Palmito Ranch, and an orientation on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s local conservation efforts.

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 8:30 a.m. to 1pm.
Registration is from 8:30–9 a.m., at the Cameron County Courthouse in Brownsville.
(Maps to Palmito Ranch Battlefield will be distributed).

WHERE: The Cameron County Courthouse is located at 1100 E. Monroe Streetin downtown Brownsville. The Palmito Ranch Battlefield NHL core battlefield area (site of Park Day) is located 16 miles east of Brownsville on State Highway 4 (Boca Chica Hwy).

4/13 - Sizzling in the Tropics BBQ Cook-off - McAllen

Saturday April 13, 2013 - 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Come out and enjoy great BBQ and live music as 20 teams compete for the Grand Champion prize at the “Sizzling in the Tropics” BBQ Cook-off on Saturday, April 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, 1200 Ash Ave., McAllen. The event is presented by H-E-B, who will be providing the quality meats for each team.

This year, cooking teams will compete in the following categories: Beef Brisket, St. Louis Style Cut Ribs, Sirloin Fajitas, Chicken, Jackpot Beans and Pan de Campo! Tickets are $15.00 per person for a wristband that will allow attendees to sample “all you can eat” from each team. Kids 10 and under eat free!

Live entertainment includes Joe Vega and Midnight Run, 3 Man Republic, Eskala, Grupo Libre and Mario Aleman. Tickets are available at the McAllen Chamber. For more information, call Gerry Garcia at 682-2871.

- From www.exploremcallen.com

4/13 - Sounds of Downtown Tres - Brownsville

Sounds of Downtown Brownsville

Historic Market Square, 655 E. 12th st., Brownsville | April 13 | 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM | April 13

Hosted by: Historic Market Square Brownsville

Description: Sounds of Downtown is an annual event founded in 2011 to benefit worthwhile community non-profit organizations in Brownsville. A festive evening of music, food, fellowship and fun which includes a variety of live performances of local talented musicians and bands. The outdoor "concert" will celebrate and feature the rich cultural aspects of our downtown area at the historic market square.

Tickets $10 VIP Tickets $40.

Please call Jason Moody at 956.592.1174 or email at info@soundsofdowntown.com

4/12 - VeggieTales Live - Pharr

Place: Trinity Worship Center
Time: 7:00 p.m. - Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

"It’s a very Veggie birthday, and you are invited! Join Bob and Larry and the entire VeggieTales crew as they put on the biggest birthday party ever celebrating VeggieTales’ 20 years of stories, songs and fun. The show is filled with silly song favorites and memorable entertainment for the whole family! You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind celebration! The tour will feature fan-favorite songs like “The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything,” “His Cheeseburger,” “I Love My Lips,” “Song of the Cebu,” “The Hairbrush Song,” “Monkey” and “God is Bigger than the Boogie-Man.”

“This super special VeggieTales production is a must-see show for children and their entire family,” said Leslie Ferrell, General Manager of Big Idea Entertainment. “Bob, Larry and the VeggieTales crew will be there to help us celebrate 20 years of hilarious stories, silly songs and lessons to live by. You’re invited to come be a part of all of fun with us!”"

- http://rgvchristianevents.com/event/veggietales-live/

Buy your tickets HERE.

4/12-14 - Rio Grande Valley Home & Garden Show - McAllen

Rio Grande Valley Home & Garden Show
McAllen Convention Center
Friday, April 12, 2013 - Sunday, April 14, 2013
Friday: 3 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday: 11 AM - 6 PM

McAllen Convention Center
Exhibit Hall A & B
700 Convention Center Blvd
(956) 681-3800

4/9-13 - UTPA Guitar Festival - Weslaco

UTPA Guitar Festival
Dr. Kurt Martinez, Artistic Director

The UTPA Guitar Festival is a celebration of the guitar and the unique place it holds in the culture of the Rio Grande Valley. This year will mark the fifth edition of the Guitar Festival. This year’s festival will include an impressive roster of international guitarists from Brazil, Venezuela and a Flamenco show with artists from Spain. The Festival will take place from April 9th to April 13th all of the concerts will be held at the Mayor Eugene A. Braught Memorial Theater, 525 South Kansas Ave., Weslaco, Texas 78596.

The first concert will be held on Tuesday April 9th at 7:30 p.m. and will feature the Brazilian guitarist Flavio Apro. Flavio Apro is professor of guitar atMaringa State University in Brazil, he has given master classes and performances throughout Brazil and internationally. Flavio Apro’s appearance at the UTPA Guitar festival has been co-sponsored by the Brazilian Ministry of Culture, through the Programa de Intercâmbio e Difusão Cultural -MINC.

On Wednesday April 10th at 7:30 p.m. Luis Quintero will perform. Mr. Quintero is one of the most important Venezuelan classical guitarist’s who has achieved an impressive international professional career. Mr. Quintero's purity of technique, exceptional musicality and great virtuosity has earned him recognition among the most discerning audiences. At the age of 14, Luis Quintero made his debut at Carnegie Hall, in New York. Since then, he has been invited to the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa.

The Festival will close with the UTPA Cuadro Flamenco show. At 7:30 p.m. on Friday April 12th and again on Saturday April 13th. The UTPA Cuadro Flamenco is a concert choreographed by UTPA Professor of Dance, Fred Darsow, which features UTPA dance and guitar students performing alongside some of the most accomplished Flamenco artists. This year’s concert features special guest flamenco artists: Maria Bermudez-Dancer, Jose Tanaka-Guitarist and Vicente Griego- Flamenco singer.

For more info visit: www.utpa.edu/guitarmusicfestival

All Concerts are free and open to the public
For more Info contact Dr. Kurt Martinez 956-665-2992

The Festival would like to graciously thank its sponsors for making this event possible. Sponsors:The Marialice Shivers Endowment, The City of Weslaco, Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Aziz Showery of Farmer’s Insurance.

All concerts will be held at the Mayor Eugene A. Braught Memorial Theater, 525 South Kansas Ave., Weslaco, Texas 78596

Dr. Kurt J. Martinez, DMA
Associate Professor of Guitar
University of Texas- Pan American
Music Department
1201 west University Drive
Edinburg Tx, 78541
(956) 665-2992

Mayor Eugene A. Braught Memorial Theater
525 South Kansas Ave
Weslaco Texas USA

For more information contact:
Dr. Kurt J. Martinez, DMA
(956) 665-2992

- More information and schedule of performances on utpa.edu

4/9 - Kids Tri It Camp - McAllen

Kids Just Tri It Camp

Los Encinos Pool, 3300 Sarah Avenue, McAllen | April 9 | 5:00 PM - April 9 | 6:30 PM

Hosted by: City of McAllen Parks and Recreation

Description: USA Triathlon certified coach, Sandy Overly, will introduce young athletes to multi-sport training in a positive and fun environment. All athletes will receive training in swimming, bike handling skills and running as well as how to transition between events. Proper technique, safety, pacing and sportsmanship are emphasized.

Participant requirements: Participants must be between the ages of 7 -14 as of 12/31/13. Must be able to swim 25 yards unassisted, provide own bicycle, cycling helmet, appropriate swim wear and athletic running shoes.

Dates and Location: Tuesday & Thursday (April 16- May 16), 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. at Los Encinos Pool, 3300 Sarah Ave.
 
Registration Information and Evaluations: $75 per child or $135 for siblings. Registration and evaluations will be held on Tuesday, April 9th from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at Los Encinos Pool

For more information contact 956-681-3333

4/6 - Family Fish Camp - McAllen

 

FAMILY FISH CAMP with Fishing’s Future

It’s time for some fishing fun! Parents and kids will enjoy a day of learning the skills and methods to reel in their catch. Learn about knots, lure, rods, reels and fishing techniques as well as water and outdoor safety. Families with all levels of knowledge and skill are welcome to attend.

DATE: Saturday, April 6th

TIME: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

FEE: FREE Space is limited & advance registration is required.

Walk-in registration will be taken on a first come, first served basis, pending space availability. Register in person at Las Palmas Community Center (1921 N. 25th St.), Lark Community Center (2601 Lark Ave.) and Palm View Community Center (3401 Jordan Rd.) during normal business hours. Walk-in registration is not accepted at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office located on Ware Road. Advance Registration Required. We accept cash, check, Visa or Mastercard. Register online at https://webtrac.mcallen.net. Visa and Mastercard. are accepted forms of payment onlin

#150300.01

 

See the rest of the 2013 Spring McFun Activity Guide here...

 

4/6 - Run with the Law for a Cause - Edinburg

The Edinburg United Police Officer Association will be having their 1st Annual Run with the Law for a Cause 5k Fun Run/Walk which will be donating its proceeds to CASA of Hidalgo and the Children's Advocacy Center - Estrella's House.   The Edinburg Police Union recognized the amount of dedicated work contributed by the staff of each organization to help in cases involving child abuse, prompting the Police Union in taking action, and raising the awareness of child abuse.

April is National Child Abuse Awareness / Prevention month and we would like to invite the community to take part in this 5k.  Registration is open, visit mve.webconnex.com/law5k or Valley Running Co. At 1701 W. Dove suite J McAllen, Tx.  More info can be found at facebook.com/tmpaedinburg

Packet pickup is scheduled for April 5, 2013 at the Edinburg Police Department.  Registration is also open the day of the event.

Cost is $25.00.

Online registration has come to a close but you can still register at the Edinburg Police Department during normal working hours. Mon-Fri. 8am - 5pm, until April 5, 2013.

4/6 - Pharr Hub Phestival

Family Fun Day

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Car Show - Business 83 & Cage Blvd

12:30 p.m. to midnight Ticket Booths Open
1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Food Booths & Carnival Rides Open
3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pharr-Out Kids Nature Zone - West Side of Lone Star National Bank -

Featuring:
Kid Fish
Raptor Project
Gladys Porter Zoomobile
Valley Nature Center
Texas Parks & Wildlife Kids Nature Games
Pharr Recycling Center Youth Education
Pharr Public Utilities Water Station
Boys & Girls Club of Pharr Peanut Butter Bird Feeder Class
HEB Kids Zone
Master Gardeners Demonstration

4/4 - Valley Symphony Concert VI - Edinburg

8:00 pm
Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance

Peter Dabrowski, Music Director & Conductor
Adam Wodnicki, piano

Schubert Rosamunde Overture
Bizet Carmen Suites
Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2, op. 18, O minor
Adam Wodnicki, piano

http://www.VSOMusic.org
Location: Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance; 118 Paseo Del Prado; Edinburg, TX