Our beloved Winter Texans

I received a call yesterday from a winter texan couple that do volunteer work for us. They were calling to see how everyone was doing and to let us know how much they miss us. Here at the chamber we have a group of winter texan volunteers called the McAllen Amigos. The group has been in existence for over 25 years. It's amazing the bond that forms when you work with these couples during the winter months. They donate their time and efforts to any project we may have during their stay and they always show up with a smile and ready for whatever project we may give them. It's been almost 2 months since they have gone home and we can't wait for them to come back!! The chamber is always in need of volunteers to help with mailouts and events. If you are interested in volunteering at the chamber, please feel free to call us and sign up. Call 956-682-2871 and ask for Maritza Munoz.

Peculiar Occurance

For the past couple of days McAllen, along with many other cities in the Rio Grande Valley, have awoken to strange sounds in night---rain! What a welcomed sight! Now, you might think me strange, but to us Valley-ites we find it amazing because this time of year is rather warm and dry in preparation for the summer months ahead. This must be a sign of good luck...it's going to be a great summer in McAllen. There's always lots to see and do around here during the summer months so stay tuned to our event calendars or check out Joanna's posts for great ideas.

And don't forget to take your umbrella--just in case!

What do McAllen-ites DO for fun? (A Local's Guide to Having Fun!)

Someone asked me the popular question, "What do McAllen-nites Do?", and while I usually freeze-up or start to mumble, I decided to take the question to heart, and it got me thinking. I have decided to create a TOP 25 list highlighting McAllen-ites past-time favorites, traditions, and activities. (A sort of "local's guide to enjoying McAllen"). Feel free to shoot me an email @ jsimpson@mcallencvb.com to help me add to the list and/or if you would like more details about any of my favorite activities.

Note: Rather then overwhelm you, I have decided to break this list down into a 5 part series, and update the blog weekly with five activities I love doing as a McAllen-ite (in no particular order – of course). Enjoy! I know I am!

Part 1 of 5 What McAllen-ites Do:

1. I take every chance I get to be outside. What’s better than enjoying live music, good cuisine, and a tropical breeze on a McAllen night at one of our many venues that offer outdoor patio seating. Whether it’s a casual or formal evening, there is a venue for each of my needs….and the best part is – I get to do this year round! (Outdoor seating is a must for McAllen venues!)

2. Taking day trips to South Padre Island and ending the evening with a FRESH seafood dinner before heading back to McAllen. Its so convenient and I love living so close to the ocean- breeze, water, palm trees, and all!

3. Spending my evenings downtown at our new Entertainment District. With everything from sophisticated and relaxed dining to "dives", pubs, and piano bars, McAllen's downtown is becoming an eclectic scene similar to Austin's "6th street," with its own valley flair and character. I love that we have so many live music and entertainment options and, of course, people watching on 17th street (the Entertainment District) is probably my personal favorite.

4. Relaxing and visiting at any one of our family-owned coffee/wine venues like Art Expressions, Moonbeans, Roosevelts, Wine. House. With local art, unique drink options, and an eclectic group of folks, it's much more personal and relaxing than a chain coffee shop and it feels so authentic and inviting.

5. SHOPPING! Sure, McAllen is home to La Plaza Mall (Simon Mall), which is the #1 U.S. shopping destination for Mexico. And sure, the popular and/or high-end chain stores are quickly multiplying and overlapping to meet the demands of our visitors and residents. But there is another side to McAllen's shopping scene that is a well-kept secret…..

I'll be back! jo

Up With People

UP WITH PEOPLE WILL PERFORM IN MCALLEN! Up with people is a global program for young adults(ages 18-29) which utilizes musical performance and community service as its passport to travel to communities throughout the world. The students immerse themselves into cultures and seek to have a positive impact on our global community. We are looking for host families to be a part of this exciting opportunity. All students speak English. Up with people will be performing at the Dodge Arena on June 13 at 7:00 pm. All proceeds will benefit the United Way of South Texas.

Thank you.

New Convention and Visitors Guides have arrived!

We just received a truckload of new Convention and Visitors Guides from the printer and they really look good! These glossy magazines have just about all the information a visitor nees to enjoy McAllen to the fullest. Whether you are coming to a conference or convention along with 1,000 of your closest friends or vacationing with family, be sure and pick up one of these. We have several pages devoted to the still new Convention Center and the spaces available there. CVB services are outlined and we have listings of every member hotel with their rates and amenities. Restaurants, local attractions and where to go in Mexico are all detailed for the traveler. Tune in here next week when we expect to be able to tell you about our also new "Tours and Fun on Demand" book. More later from:

Jim

INTERNATIONAL TRADE PARTNERS ROUNDTABLE

The American Consulate invited me to attend a meeting called "International Trade Partners Roundtable" in which members are: American Consulate (Consul General, Commercial Consul, Vice Consul for Economic Affairs, Vice Consul Visa) American Chamber of Commerce Director, Foreign Investment State Government of Nuevo Leon Director, Mexican Council of Foreign Trade Director of the Northeast, U.S. Mexico Chamber of Commerce Director, Cintermex Director, World Trade Center Director, Chamber of Construction Industry Director, Casa San Antonio Director, Director, Casa Laredo, Casa McAllen.

It was agreed that this meeting will be every month and will invite other associations such as the Monterrey Chamber of Commerce, Association of Maquiladoras, and so on. , addressed issues of economy and we can invite our speakers.

Summer Events at the Incubator

Summer is here and I am sure we are all looking for unique and fun things to do. Here is what we have planned at the Incubator. Pottery Classes for Youths and Adults, Angelic Yoga Sessions, Yoga for the Creative Soul, Radio and Television Broadcast Classes, Cultural Arts and Entertainment Series Workshops as well as many concerts for you enjoyment. A complete listing is available at www.mcallenart.com. Keep you eyes and ears open for a possible "Summer Night" event coming in July featuring something for everybody. More as it develops.

Comparing McAllen to other places

I travel quite a bit. I go all over the country, and even sometimes to other countries. In the last 30 days I've been to San Angelo, Miami, Kansas City, and Houston. Each of those cities has its own charms, but I'm always so happy to come back to McAllen. McAllen is where you can get real Tex-Mex, where you can walk down the street without worrying about being mugged or worse, and where the people are so friendly it's sometimes hard to stop smiling. There truly is no place like it.

Fin de semana en McAllen!!!

Este fin de semana que paso, estuvo super padre!!! ya que tuvimos la oportunidad de ir de shopping a McAllen y nos encontramos con muchisimas ofertas y amigos regios que tambien andaban en lo mismo,,,el hotel donde nos hospedamos Springhill Suites, simplemente de lo mejor!!!, salimos de compras y recorrimos La Plaza Mall, las tiendas Pavillion, el centro, en fin, fue un largo recorrido y ya llegada la noche, nos fuimos a relajar un poco al Santa Fe en donde disfrutamos de una buena platica con muy buena musica de fondo,,, despues de ahi nos fuimos al Rhythm & Brews de la calle 17th en donde toco la banda de sonnywolf de Austin Tx. WOW!!!! que manera de tocar...nos la pasamos padrisimo....

Ya el domingo por la mañana seguimos con algunos pendeintes de compras ya que habian muchos descuentos por ser Memorial Day (el lunes) ya "terminanndo" (las mujeres nunca terminamos de hacer shopping) pues de regreso a Monterrey y con mil de ganas de volver a nuestro hermoso McAllen...

Que tengan un excelente martes!!!

Green Living Festival

This week the Chamber has been receiving lots of phone calls regarding our Green Living Festival. Our Green Living Festival will be held on October 17th from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center. The Green Living Festival will teach participants how to live greener and will also feature seminars which include topics on landscaping, air quality, healthier living and much more. If you are interested in exhibiting at this festival the cost is only $75.00. This is also a great networking opportunity for businesses and a great way to showcase your products. If you are interested in attending the festival, it is a FREE event. For more information please contact Nancy Millar or Maritza Munoz at 956-682-2871. We hope to see you there!!

Arts in McAllen Means The Incubator

Are you an Artist in the McAllen area? Are you looking for a way to afford having your own studio space where you can develop your art? You need to become a tenant at the McAllen Creative Incubator. We have one studio available as of June 1st and another coming available in the near future. We help you with managerial, legal and technical support as well as 24/7 access to your studio. You never know when your artistic nature will kick in. We are also offering a number of well organized and professionally run summer activities, so come by and see us at 1001 S 16th St in McAllen or visit our website at www.mcallenart.com. I hope to hear from you soon.

McAllen is Going Green

It's a gradual process, but we here at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce are changing things up in order to do our part in saving our environment for future generations.

I have taken notice that my colleagues are taking great efforts in recycling and re-using. Way to go, everyone!

Nancy and Maritza are currently organizing the 2nd annual Green Living Festival to be held October 17, 2009. But we also have some exciting stuff leading up to the big event: the Green Living Speaker Series. We have a speaker come in once a month to offer a free seminar on a "green" topic.

Join us Tuesday, June 9th at 5:30pm for a FREE seminar by Barbara Storz. Storz will be talking about Saving Water, Saving Energy in the Landscape.

If you want to learn a little bit on how to live a green lifestyle these speaker series are a great way! Have questions? Give us a call: 956-682-2871.

Hope to see you there!

The Veterans War Memorial

Among all the plans you have for this comming Memorial Day remember that you do not have to go out of town to spend the holiday with your family, take them to visit our Veterans War Memorial. This Veterans War Memorial is an open-air outdoor memorial to all those who fought for the United States of America in all wars in which the United States was involved. The public is invited to visit it is located on 29th Street and Galveston Ave. McAllen.

2011 North American Nature Photograpy Association in McAllen, Texas

The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) chose McAllen, Texas to have its 20100 Annual Convention.

This is HUGE!!!!!!!!!

Memorial Day

This coming Monday is Memorial Day and for that reason this weekend there will be many deals in the shops of McAllen, it's time for Mexican people to build and prepare to go shopping for summer vacations

McAllen Convention and Visitors Guide

El día de ayer por la tarde recibimos las revistas de McAllen Convention and Visitors Guide la cual ya esta disponible para todos nuestros visitantes de Casa McAllen, con información de hoteles, guía de restaurantes, mapa con los principales puntos de interés de la ciudad, un directorio de servicios que es de mucha utilidad así como mencionando todas las facilidades con las que cuenta nuestra hermosa ciudad de McAllen en cuanto a Convenciones y Visitantes,, no dejes de pasar por ella, en Monterrey visitanos:

Casa McAllen
Av. Fundidora No. 501
Cintermex Loc.104 pn
Monterrey, N.L. Mx.
Tel: (81) 8369-6452
casamcallen@infosel.net.mx

Do YOU know what southern hospitality is?

A Canadian friend, Lynn Quinlan, now residing in Mexico, asks this:

QUESTION:

I have a question for you two. Since you are American and I think that Frank has traveled all over the states promoting business in the Valley. Why is it that people that live in Texas are so friendly and people that live in the northern states are the rudest and pushy people that there are?

FRANK"S ANSWER:

In the broadest sense, there is a trait called Southern Hospitality, a sort of interstate mentality. Is it because we lost the Civil War?

Closer to home, Texas Friendly is a popular term that comes to mind. In the manner of modern-day researchers everywhere, I Googled the use.

[Here's a sampling of what came up]

a. "Texas Friendly Spoken Here” is a tourist slogan from 1988. It’s almost unknown outside of Texas.
b. Texas Friendly Spoken Here. Without customers, there are no jobs.
c. Make your mama proud! Get certified in Texas Friendly today.
d. Oncor Unveils Texas-friendly Web Site
e. Texas Friendly Flowers By Ki Gray and Dane Smith

And there are 6.6 million other Texas Friendly Google hits.

A not unrelated greeting is “Texas hidy,” as in A big Texas Hidy-Y’all from all of us at Leon’s.

Finally, there is the hi sign. Around Abilene, where I once lived, I began seeing my favorite Texas quirk, the silent wave of an index finger that passing motorists exchange after passing each other across miles of solitary highway. I call it the “traveling Texas hidy.”

Body language for “howdy,” the hi sign is the simplest of waves, merely the raising of the forefinger of the driving hand, which does not budge from its draped position across the top of the steering wheel.

*This blog was provided by Frank Birkhead, an esteemed(long-time)resident (and leader) in McAllen's community. (Nobody tells stories like Frank or has so many great memories of McAllen's evolving history!) If you'd like to ask him a question or would like to hear more about a certain aspect of McAllen, please email me @ jsimpson@mcallencvb.com, and we'll see what we can come up with! Keep checking back to see if you're answer has been posted! ;)

Arts Grants in McAllen

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce's McAllen Arts Council is ready to announce the recipients of the latest round of arts grants to be awarded to local artists and arts organizations. Supported by Texas Commission on the Arts, The Arts Council has been giving out around $16,000 in grants every year for the past several years, and through them has suported some really amazing programs. It's so great to see all the amazing talent that's here, and to encourage students to explore the worls of music,drama and other art forms. Watch for more info!

Did Daddy Raise YOU right?

After reading Franks blog on southern hospitality and the "Texas Hidy Ya'll" I had to contribute my own experience with this tradition.

I have this distinct memory of driving with my dad (in his truck – of course!) on back country roads when I was a little girl. (He used to pile my sisters and me into the car before daybreak with breakfast tacos and drive us out to the ranch to spend the day). On this particular morning, unable to sleep and sitting in the revered “shot-gun” seat next to my daddy, I remember being puzzled when he gave the passing truck a “traveling Texas hidy.” I immediately asked if he knew the man, but he simply shrugged and shook his head no….as if to say – “it’s just what you do.” That was my first introduction to this southern tradition, and now that I find myself driving all over Texas a least half the month, I find myself carrying on the tradition with a small lift of my fingers from the steering wheel.

(Appropriately so, it was also from watching my dad that I have adopted (religiously) the slight wave into my rear-view mirror as a Thank you for letting me pass etc.)

I consider myself a “city girl,” but when it comes to Texans like my Dad, I’ll never stop appreciating these embedded social exchanges and the friendly traditions that are rooted in Texas towns. Afterall, I can imagine the weird or angry looks I’d create if I walked down a crowded New York sidewalk looking people in the eye and acknowledging their presence with a Texas hidy! Texan’s “get” hospitality….its a childhood lesson really (and dad raised me right) - we simply treat people that way we want to be treated…It’s a Texas Thing!

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS PAN AMERICAN BALLET FOLKLORICO

One of the best performances in the Rio Grande Valley is the Ballet Folklorico from the University of Texas Pan American. The group has over 21 young and talented dancers and a large repertoire, this fine dance group will be a treat to see. With two gala performances, one in the spring and the other in the fall. Their choreography depicts all the customs and tradition from all over Mexico.

Last Show of the Season--Tomorrow night!

Music After Hours Outdoor Concert Series

7pm
Friday, May 15th at McAllen Convention Center Reflection Pool:

Ray Perez (Alternative / Indie / Other)
The Critically Acclaimed (Pop Punk / Alternative)
Second Nature (Acoustic / Folk / Rock)

FREE ADMISSION. Bring the entire family to this wonderful community event. Although limited seating is available, everyone is welcomed to bring their lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets to relax and enjoy the great music.

For the latest in music information visit www.mcallenmusic.com or contact the McAllen Chamber of Commerce at 956-682-2871.

In case of inclement weather, concerts will be held at
the McAllen Chamber Creative Incubator
1001 16th St

Candidate for Mayor of Monterrey

Today I attended the Monterrey Chamber of Industry (CAINTRA) monthly meeting, where I introduce myself with the special guest Architect Abel Guerra, as a representative of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce which is a Monterrey`s Sister City.

Mr. Guerra is a candidate for Mayor of Monterrey for the PRI and talks about his projects on turning up at a Monterrey safer city; build a second floor at Av Gonzalitos; remedy the drainage problem of putting curtains to prevent the water comming from the Sierra Madre to the city in the rainy season; a little help with the recession recruiting unemployed people to build streets and drainage; buying products for small businesses, etc.

Entrepreneurs were very satisfied with his proposals

Martes y con mucho calor...........

Pues en estos dias se ha sentido demasiado calor en Monterrey y las temperaturas van de 42°C a 44 °C el dia de hoy amanecio un poco nublado pero a pesar de lo nublado el calor siguio sintiendose en realidad muy fuerte,,, esperemos se equilibre un poco mas el clima ya que se estima para el fin de semana lluvias aisladas!!! Ojala que refresque un rato......


Saludos "calurosos" a todos y nos vemos pronto.

McAllen Prepares for Thousands of Baptist Attendees...

McAllen Host BGCT Representatives
as they plan for THOUSANDS to gather in our tropical city!

Committed to hosting the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) annual conference in McAllen Texas, several staff members will be flying in (from Dallas) to join us for a couple of days of intense planning and tours. Meeting with community and church leaders of the valley, these individuals will be cementing details for their much anticipated annual BGCT conference, scheduled to be hosted at the McAllen Convention Center in November of 2010! While certainly a "business trip," we certainly know how to camouflage the work obligations by adding great dining on local cuisine, tours of local venues, and an overall "spoiling" experience. I'm looking forward to sharing the palm-tree dotted horizon, local dining and music, and – of course- our outstanding growth!
My favorite part of hosting these pre-event (or selection) site visits is the expressions of our guests, as they see our McAllen Convention Center for the first time. Though I've seen it countless times by now, I still LOVE the impact of driving onto the circular drive and passing the beautiful reflection pool and landscaping. A modern day structure, the breathtaking convention center blends our tropical landscaping and modern amenities to give McAllen's events a (BIG) state-of-the-art venue.
Whether or not my guests have a need for the convention center, I can't help but take a detour to this building and gladly accept their immediate request to walk around inside. From the towering palm trees (and yes their real!) inside the east entrance lobby to the monarch butterfly (larger-than-life) chandelier in the popular ballrooms, you can't help but nod your head in appreciation. As I've spend more time in tours, my curiosity has been stirred by guest's questions, and I find myself excitedly sharing my discoveries of this building's unique details – training myself not to talk over the official guide in my excited chatter. ;). What can I say? It truly is a landmark, not only for McAllen, but Texas. For me, it epitomizes the progress and commitment of our city; making McAllen a unique contender in today's market!
While here BGCT staff will also be visiting with local hotels and event venues. You might think that finding accommodations for over 800 rooms a night would be the hardest part, but with a genuinely amazing staff at our McAllen hotels, I'm finding the hardest part is squeezing in as many local restaurants and venues as I can in 24 hours! Because there's so much to share with these planners as they prepare, it's more difficult to narrow down what we can offer! Looking forward to recruiting, yet a few more, McAllen fans! Oh and, here's to the palm trees looking tall and perky, the tropical breeze switched on, and the jalapeños sharp! (That recipe never fails!) I'll keep you posted. jo

Travel Writer in McAllen last week with Ernie

WOW!

Those were the travel writer's words over and over again as I showed her the new 17th Street District.

She mentioned that it reminded her of Austin's 6th Street back in the mid 1970's.

Then, we stopped into "The Patio" restaurant. What a great place!!!

Earlier, we toured Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen's World Birding Center. We saw an owl and a woodpecker. Even I was freaking out with our luck!!!

She loved the New McAllen Convention Center!!!

She was amazed at the growth and how safe she felt in McAllen, Texas!!

Of course she really enjoyed the tour guide, namely Ernie Arredondo.
What a GREAT GUY!!!!

Ernie

Southwestern Texas Synod May 15-17, 2009

This coming weekend we will be hosting another convention, "The Southwestern Texas Synod." So far it looks like moderate size group coming to enjoy of the tropics here in McAllen, TX. Roughly, 500-700 are expected to be here starting this Friday, May 15, 2009-Sunday, May 17, 2009 at our new McAllen Convention Center . http://www.mcallenconventioncenter.net/

Quinta Mazatlan

I had lunch today with Colleen Hook, the Director of McAllen's wing of the World Birding Center, Quinta Mazatlan. Quinta Mazatlan has so many wonderful programs for locals and visitors, and it is hands down the best place to de-stress in the City. It's acres of walking/birding trails with bird feeders, water features, and nature nature nature. I love it!

El mejor Regalo para las Madres…...

Ir de shopping a McAllen y muchos de los regios ya se prepararon desde el puente del 1ro de mayo pero muchos otros aprovecharan este 15 de Mayo, que también será festivo para comprar y consentir a Mama…


Feliz día de las Madres!!!

I just finished reading a fascinating article about the brush country in South Texas - which is very near to Mcallen! The brush country didn't used to have so much brush! It used to have a lot of grassland interspersed with brush, but the suppression of fire by people living here caused more brush to grow and less grass. Some "critters" flourish in this dense brush, but others, that like grass too - quail for instance - decline in these conditions. So, the point of the article is that some fire is good! Still lots of research work to be done on this issue. But one point remains true, we have lots of "critters" to see here and it's fun watching them. If anybody is bringing a group to South Texas and wants ideas on how to see - and get some great photos of wildlife - the Mcallen Chamber is eager to help you get connected. Give us a call! the number is 956-682-2871.

Calling All Actors!

OPEN CASTING CALL for film in South Texas
PROJECT TYPE: Narrative film
SHOOTING SCHEDULE: May 22 - 25th, June 6th - June 9th.
LOCATION: Mid-Valley, South Texas

Project Details:Casting a variety of roles for a short film to be shot in South Texas. The following are PRINCIPAL ROLES, MANY ROLES will have LOTS OF SCREEN TIME.

AUDITION DETAILS:

Saturday, May 9th, 2pm – 6pm

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce

1200 Ash Ave. McAllen, TX 78501

(one block north of 12th and Bus 83)

Project: THE BORDERLANDERS

Length: 15 min.

Casting for:

Luz, immigrant boyA young male actor to play Mexican immigrant boy age 15-18, hopefully athletic, track runner type. Spanish fluency a plus. Luz is a recent immigrant.

Dulce, migrant girl:A young female, age 15 - 18 yrs. old, the lead’s girlfriend, a migrant worker girl . brown to dark-complected. A great role for a young female actor!

The Two Brothers:Two young male actors to play the older brother ages 17-25. Joaquin and Fidel. brown to dark-complected. These are tough boys, originally from Mexico but have lived here most of their lives. Spanish fluency and Tatoos a plus.

Luz’s Mother: Female, age 35-55, to play a middle-aged mother with Mexican immigrant background Spanish necessary.

Dulce’s Mother: Latina Female, age 35-45, to play the mother of Dulce.

Dulce’s Father: Latino male, age 35-45, to play the father of Dulce.

Synopsis: Somewhere in the borderlands, a young immigrant boy, Luz, prepares himself to leave for Mexico when his older brothers catch him and bring him to their mother. Luz has been gone for some weeks and she’s been sick with worry. From her sick bed, the mother begs her son not to leave, while the brothers blame Luz for her illness. Upon her untimely death, the two scorned brothers turn their wrath on young Luz and chase him through the borderlands in their death-dealing Cadillac.

Description: This is like a biblical tale from the unspoken mythology of the border, a somber family drama with a razor edge. Will be beautifully photographed. A real show piece. The director is also a cinematographer from Austin,Tx. Will be shot in the mid-Valley sometime in late May and early June.

Headshot and Resume not required. Acting or modeling experience not required – BUT PREFERRED. If you can’t make the audition, email me that you want to audition but can’t make it. You can send head shots and/or resume’s to marcelrodriguez@gmail.com.

Skin color may be changed with makeup. Don’t let complexion discourage you.

Come try out your acting skills!!

Summer at the Incubator

Summer is just around the corner and we have a variety of activities and workshops to keep you busy at the McAllen Creative Incubator. We will be having Pottery Classes, Yoga Classes, Acting and Drama Classes and Radio and Television Broadcast Classes as well as our bi-weekly Cultural Arts and Entertainment Series Workshops. We also have concerts at the Incubator. More activities are planned and will be announced as they get finalized. You can always visit us at www.mcallenart.com to get a complete listing of upcoming events or feel free to contact me, Greg Schuller, at 956-687-2787. Dont forget your mother as this Sunday is Mother's Day.

Orchid Society Meets in McAllen

McAllen---The McAllen International Orchid Society (MIOS) Will meet at 2:30 p.m. Today at the South Texas College Library on Pecan Blvd. McAllen.

The society is dedicated to the conservation and propagation of numerous species of locally grown orchid Members discuss orchid genetics, division techniques and propagation mehtodologies. Hybrids are discussed along with various aspects related to pseudo-bulb divisions, how seed capsules mature, are flasked and flower. Each month the club conducts silent auctions of orchids in various growth mediums as a means of expanding the personal colections of each member. For any information on this group call (956)687-9530 with Dr. Ferry.

Thank you,

Teo

May Mexican`s celebrations

In the month of May Mexico celebrated the 10th " Mother`s Day" and the 15 "Teacher`s Day " on the latter date, schools will closed so many families will travel to McAllen to shop for summer.

2nd Anniversary of the New McAllen Convention Center

The New McAllen Convention Center is 2 years old and just getting warmed up. There is one city-wide convention in May 2009 - Southwestern Texas Evangelical Lutheran Church Annual Convention. 250-300 delegates are expected to grace the Texas Tropics with their presence.

If you are looking to bring a city-wide annual conference, meeting, or gathering to McAllen, please contact Ernie or Joanna at the McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau - 956-682-2871 or e-mail me at ernie@mcallencvb.com.

Thanks!

Mother's Day May 10th...

It's the start of a new week. Almost time for Mother's Day, the good thing you got many options here in McAllen, TX to shop around: La Plaza Mall, Downtown shopping stores, and the numerous retail & department stores around the area that should faciliate your shopping experience. Enjoy the rest of the week and don't forget to get something good for Mother on Monther's Day, May 10th, it's just around the corner.

Missing McAllen

I'm out of town for several days, and, as frequently happens when I'm gone for more that a short while, I find myself really missing McAllen. I miss the people, of course, and right now (I'm in rainy DC) the warmth. I miss the food- though I did bring some emergency Pato with me (actually as a treat for my daughter who lives up here). Mostly, though, I just miss the general vibe that McAllen has (that's viper, for some of you).

How can I explain it to people who haven't been to McAllen? It's a place but also an attitude, both filled with opportunity and laid back at the same time, with a tropical twist that's heavy on the culture and outdoors. Maybe leaving now and then makes me appreciate it even more.