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