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(Written for the Harlingen Independent School District Media and Public Relations department) Commissioner Julian Alvarez III, representing Labor on the three-member Texas Workforce Commission, appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2016, grew up in Harlingen in the Fair Park neighborhood. He attended Bonham and Bowie Elementary schools and played football at Gay Junior High School. While attending Harlingen High School (HHS), he was a letterman in baseball. He graduated from HHS in 1982. His parents didn’t expect him to go to college after graduation. They were hard workers (his father from La Feria sold cars for more than 25 years at Boggus Ford and his mother from Harlingen worked as a bank teller) but they had not attained higher education. The Commissioner's decision to attend college was part of what he calls “mirror association” – his close childhood friends Roberto Gallaga (now an Athletic Coordinator/Athletic Teacher at Memorial Middle School in Harlingen) and Daniel Araiza (now Principal at Secondary Alternative Center in Harlingen) went to Texas A&I University in Kingsville, and he followed suit after briefly attending Texas Southmost College. The Commissioner had to pay for college on his own so he worked as a custodian at The Sportsman in the summers while his father helped by providing his sales commissions when he could. The Commissioner was the first and only member of his family to attend and complete college, earning his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education degree from Texas A&I. His professional career started at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Harlingen. He also worked as a highway patrolman for the Texas Department of Public Safety. He returned to TSTC as their Director of College Information, where he was responsible for getting students in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) interested in the TSTC programs and support services. He then made the leap into the political arena by serving as the Texas Regional Director for U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson. In that position, he championed legislative and policy issues related to south Texas. He also served as President and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership where he coordinated programs to advance economic development and employment opportunities. He was appointed to the Texas Workforce Commission in 2016 and has been extended by Governor Abbott through February 2023. As Commissioner, he is responsible for representing the interests of nearly 14.5 million working Texans, the second-largest skilled workforce in the United States, second only to California. During the pandemic the Commissioner informed me that more than 70 companies moved to Texas. The Commissioner was in Harlingen recently presenting Jobs & Education for Texans (JET) grant checks to Santa Maria Independent School District and the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. When asked what the checks provide, he explained that the funds enable training for students interested in welding (or other industries like auto body and healthcare) with welding stations and virtual reality (VR) glasses. For the students interested in healthcare, they can use a simulator to draw blood or even use a mannequin to simulate childbirth. This unique kind of training allows students to learn right away if the job they believe they wanted is a match or not. Students who complete this training are then able to move on to jobs that require specific certifications and credentials. When I asked the Commissioner what advice he would give to students, he said success doesn’t “necessarily require a four-year degree.” Many of the demanding occupations require industry credentials and other forms of certifications. Another saying he likes to tell young girls is “ if you can see it, you can be it ,” meaning visualize yourself in the job you want, whether it be in coding or Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM)-related fields, and you can make it a reality. The Commissioner informed me that kids in the RGV have many opportunities now and are excelling at the regional, state, and even national levels when competing in such contests as FIRST Robotics. Overall, he said “who you surround yourself can pretty much tell you how you are going to be in the future. Find positive people and be around them.” The Commissioner continued, “be humble with your success that you are going to have in the future” and continue to love your family. Another of his favorite sayings is: “Remember when you wanted everything you have today,” which is a reminder to stay humble and be grateful for what you have and the hard work it took you to get there.

(This article was written by Lisa Campos and appeared in the December 2023 issue of the Explore Harlingen Magazine . Updates since the original article was written have been included.) 2023 was a big year for new businesses opening in Harlingen. Since January, I have been tracking and sharing new business openings on my Explore Harlingen community page on Facebook. Although the majority of what I tracked were restaurants, Harlingen did see a few retailers open locations this year, with national chain, Academy Sports and Outdoors, as one of the biggest and most exciting store openings in recent Harlingen history. Their newly constructed location at 2831 W. Expressway 83 in the Harlingen Corners shopping center (next to Five Below), celebrated its grand opening weekend November 17-19, 2023, with its soft opening for friends and family starting on November 12, 5-9 pm. Other new retailers that came to Harlingen this year included Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, a national discount closeout retailer, which opened on January 25 at Valle Vista Mall. Seasonal national store, Spirit Halloween, opened on August 12 at its temporary location at 1106 S. Expressway 83 and closed after Halloween. Several coffee shops opened in Harlingen this year, giving some healthy competition to Starbucks. Two national chains, Dutch Bros Coffee, which opened on June 30, and Scooter’s Coffee, which opened on August 13, brought their well-known offerings to Harlingen. Dutch Bros demolished the building at 1601 W. Harrison to create their brand-new drive thru only shop, while Scooter's Coffee constructed a new building for their drive-thru only shop at 2304 S. 77 Sunshine Strip. Additionally, several small coffee shops opened this year including: 4 Dogs Roasting, which offers coffee and tea accessories and gifts, opened on February 9 at 108 W. Jackson. Sovereign Coffee, of Brownsville, opened its second Rio Grande Valley (RGV) location in Harlingen on March 2 at 1733 S. 77 Sunshine Strip. NAME UPDATE: Cafe 406 (formerly Sparrows Sip & Thrift), a coffee shop featuring Erika's Gourmet Cookies, opened in mid-August at 406 E. Harrison. Tora Coffee & Tea, of Brownsville, opened its second location in Harlingen on September 29 at 620 W. Van Buren Ave. In addition to coffee, Harlingen added several places for its residents to eat this year, including: Ricardo's Restaurant, which has several locations throughout the RGV, opened on March 13 at 3201 S. Expressway 83, Unit C. Jersey Mike's Subs, a national submarine sandwich shop, opened on March 22 at 2217 W. Lincoln. Brady's Grill, a locally owned restaurant from La Feria, moved to Harlingen on May 6 at 610 Lewis Lane (however, they have since moved to San Antonio). Mariscos Tulum, a Mexican seafood restaurant, opened on June 13 at 102 N. 77 Sunshine Strip. Papas & Papas, a restaurant featuring build-your-own potatoes and potato tacos, opened on August 9 at 6704 W. Expressway 83, Suite D108. Main Street Boutique & Bistro moved from San Benito to Harlingen on August 31 inside the El Mercado shopping center at 712 N. 77 Sunshine Strip, Suite 6. Wings and Rings, a national wing restaurant and bar, opened on September 25 at 6710 W Expressway 77/83. Harlingen’s first gourmet donut shop, Sugarz Gourmet Donuts, located at 224 E. Jackson in downtown Harlingen, held its soft opening on November 18. The Moon Rock, Harlingen’s food truck park at 1811 W. Jefferson Ave., saw the arrival of two new trucks this year: a gourmet sandwich truck, Hatter's Sammiches, which opened on August 16, and Teddy's Barbecue of Weslaco, which launched its Harlingen food truck on August 25. UPDATE: Hatter's Sammiches relocated in December to the parking lot of Broken Tap on Ed Carey Drive. A new local bar also opened in Harlingen this year. DRINK UP is a woman-owned bar that serves specialty cocktails, beer, and snacks. It is located at 1226 Morgan Blvd., in the former Feldman’s space. The opening of Aguilar's Meat Market on October 5 was highly anticipated, as it had been in the works for close to three years. This market boasts “the freshest meat in the Valley,” and sells fresh produce, groceries, barbecue supplies, and more. It is located at 4226 S. Expressway 83. Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza, which burned down in December 2021, has spent the past two years rebuilding their location at 4201 W. Business 83. Their highly awaited reopening is expected to occur before the end of 2023. Our neighbors in Combes and Primera also saw some new businesses, including a Love’s Country Store with a Godfather’s Pizza inside, which opened on April 24 in Combes and a new Dollar Tree at Stuart Place and Wilson, which opened on April 29 for Primera residents. Additional businesses are in the process of coming to Harlingen, possibly in 2024, including: Mr. Gatti’s, which closed because of the pandemic, included Harlingen as an upcoming location on their website. Address and estimated opening date are yet to be announced. A simulated indoor golf course and bar called The Deep End at 8311 Business 83, is in the construction phase. Cajun restaurant and bar, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux (near Bass Pro in the Cameron Crossing shopping center), is preparing for groundbreaking. Black Bear Diner, a homestyle and old-fashioned comfort food café, is coming to 6706 W. Expressway 83. Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply will occupy the space formerly occupied by Dillard’s department store at Valle Vista Mall. UPDATE: Matt's Cash and Carry, broke ground on December 15 for its newest location in Harlingen, at 2650 N. Expresway 77 I will continue to track these new businesses and others as they are announced, on my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ExploreHarlingen .

(This article was written by Abigail Muniz-Garcia and was featured in the October 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) Stephanie Hajducek’s small idea has turned into a movement. Her 2-1/2-year-old nonprofit organization, This One’s for the Gals, started as an idea that has now taken off.  “It has exploded into something I never thought it could,” she said.  The organization works to help girls learn about career pathways in construction, energy, manufacturing, and maritime. Their website reads, “We like to say that we talk to girls about careers that not very many people talk to girls about from Skilled Trades to STEM and everything in between!” This One’s for the Gals, which operates out of South Texas, specifically the Coastal Bend area near Corpus Christi, will be hosting an event in Harlingen on October 3. The 2024 RGV Women in Industry Career & Education Expo, which will happen at the Harlingen Convention Center, will feature eight panel presenters including City of Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda, who will be part of the leadership panel.  “The women on the panels range from wearing hard hats and steel toes to business suits and stilettos,” Hajducek said. “It’s an awareness event and a day for girls to come see… girls cannot be what they cannot see. I want girls to know there are resources out there.” The mission of This One’s for the Gals is made possible by collaborations with educational institutions, industry partners, and workforce development programs. They want to reach as many girls as they can. It is their first time doing an expo in the Rio Grande Valley.  “I don’t want to just talk about jobs but a career,” Hajducek said.  She adds that this organization started because as an adult, she realized there was a need to educate females about career opportunities outside of what everyone traditionally knows as career paths for women.  “I’m very passionate about it because I have built my program on what would have helped me… we like to talk to girls about careers that not others talk to them about,” she said.  Hajducek, who wears many hats, is not only a mother with a full-time job, but she also dedicates much of her time to this nonprofit when she isn’t at her daytime job. “I do this in my spare time, but it literally is a full-time job,” Hajducek said. The organization has even published children’s books such as “A Day in the Life of Lilly the Lab Technician: Un Dia en la Vida de Lilly la Tecnica de Laboratoria,” a dual language book that is the first in a series. These books are written to bring awareness to career pathways available to women in places that may not have been considered before or perhaps that they didn’t know existed. Hajducek isn’t slowing down anytime soon though. She sees the nonprofit organization continuing along with events like the Harlingen expo, workshops, and more children’s books. She’s hopeful about the future of the organization and what it can do for girls in South Texas.  “It’s about getting our girls to get more out of life… experience and see things they’ve never done before.  I want to just continue to inspire girls to reach for the stars in their careers. We’ve got to get girls to take that chance because it can change their life,” Hajducek said.  For more information, please visit: thisonesforthegals.com .

(This article was written by Lisa Campos and was featured in the December 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) 2024 was a tough year financially for most of us. It saw the closing of many small businesses. Even larger, more stable businesses struggled. Despite the strained economy, many new businesses opened in Harlingen this year. Most were restaurants, but a few retailers opened as well. Throughout the year, I kept track of these businesses and shared their openings on Facebook. Photos courtesy of Greater Chamber of Harlingen and Cookies 4 College. Here is a list of businesses that opened in 2024 in date order: The Deep End, a simulated indoor golf course and bar, opened at 8311 Business 83 on December 29, 2023. Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza, 2.5 years after their restaurant burned down in December 2021, reopened on May 11, 2024. Their new location at 4201 W. Business 83 features a dining room that seats 190 people; a small party room for 70 people; a large banquet room that can accommodate 200 guests, and a large patio. Provecho y Salud, an upscale Mexican food restaurant, opened on May 12. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. They also have live entertainment, karaoke, and happy hour specials. They are located at 119 W. Van Buren, Suite 4, Harlingen TX (corner of Van Buren and Commerce). Ashley Furniture Clearance Outlet opened at the end of May at 4405 Glasscock Ave. They offer large discounts on furniture, mattresses, and outdoor furniture. This clearance outlet is the only one in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV); the closest one is in New Braunfels. Mi Raiz Café, a coffee shop, located at 8014-B W. Expressway 83, opened on May 25. Cute Pediatrics, a new pediatric clinic under the direction of Dr. Syed K. Shah, had its ribbon cutting on May 31. They are located at 1502 Midlane Drive, Suite 111. Gong Cha, the first franchise in south Texas from international coffee shop Gong Cha USA, held its grand opening on June 14. They are located at 601 S. Expressway 83, Suite H-12, in the HEB on Lincoln’s parking lot. Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, located at 97 Bass Pro Drive, had its grand opening on August 12. Ramses Tacos & Tequilas Primera, located at 23969 Stuart Place Road, Suite 500, had its soft opening on August 13. This is the second location for the Harlingen-based restaurant. Edith’s Mexican Buffet, located at 1600 W. Harrison, opened on August 14. Tin Roof Grill, located at 422 N. "L" Street, opened on August 14, but unfortunately temporarily closed on October 5, stating that they are looking for a different location. The Yard By Just Fresh, located at 130 E. Oleander Ave. in La Feria, opened in September. This is the second restaurant by the owners of Just Fresh of Harlingen. It features indoor and outdoor dining, as well as an event space. Munchie Galore, located at 409 S. 9th Street, had its soft opening on September 28. They serve snacks and snowcones. Matt’s Cash and Carry Building Materials, Inc. opened its first Harlingen location at 2650 N. Expressway 77 in early November. Black Bear Diner, located at 6706 W. Expressway 83, opened on November 12. They are a national restaurant chain known for its large portions of homestyle comfort foods. Photos courtesy of Lisa Campos. Looking into 2025 and beyond, Harlingenites can look forward to the following business openings: Kay Jewelers is slated to open at the beginning of 2025. Their standalone storefront will be located at the Shops at Valle Vista shopping center at 902 Dixieland, Suite 104, near Target. Cookies4College is looking to open its first storefront at 119 W. Van Buren, Unit 207. The Dilworth Shopping Center is being constructed with a combination Jamba Juice/Auntie Anne’s and Starbucks as the first tenants to be announced. Hawaiian Bros. announced it was coming to Harlingen, but no address or tentative opening date have been published yet. Mr. Gatti’s indicated it was opening several restaurants in the RGV, including one in Harlingen, but no address or tentative opening date have been announced. Harlingen had a Mr. Gatti’s for many years, but it closed during the pandemic. Additionally, I am waiting for confirmation on a national cake shop that is in contract negotiations with a shopping plaza in Harlingen. I will continue to track these new businesses and others as they are announced, on my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ExploreHarlingen .

(This article was written by Lisa Campos and was featured in the December 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) Photo courtesy of Harlingen Fire Department While reflecting on 2025, the biggest news of the year for Harlingen had to be the early morning fire on July 22 that destroyed Johnny’s True Value hardware store at 914 W. Tyler Ave. After an investigation, the Harlingen Fire Marshal's Office ruled the cause of the fire as “undetermined.” The building was then demolished with an empty lot now standing in its place. Losing a long-standing business such as Johnny’s, which had been in business for 40+ years, was a significant loss for Harlingen. The community came together, holding multiple events to raise funds for the store’s displaced employees. Many other long-standing businesses struggled and closed, such as: La Feria News, which closed after 102 years in publication The Light House Lighting Center, which is liquidating items and closing all its Rio Grande Valley locations after 53 years in business Dick Office Supply, which closed after 45 years in business at the end of 2024 F.Y.E. after 20+ years in business Los Fresnos News, after 20 years in business Brain Freeze, which closed after 14 years in business Additional business closures included: National retailers Party City and Big Lots Locally owned restaurants Sabores del Golfo, Ricardo’s Restaurant, Sportsmen’s Bar and Grill, Taqueria El Zarape, Taqueria El Buen Pastor, and Classic’s Bar and Grill Valle Vista Mall tenants Rollitos Ice Cream, Aeropostale, and Claire’s Coffee shops Girl of All Trades’ (second location), Bean Extract, and Mi Raiz Café Vintage on Jackson thrift store benefitting Sunny Glen Children’s Home Leaux Leaux Paranormal Investigations, LLC, which offered historical tours and ghost hunting tours Despite a challenging economy, some new businesses opened in Harlingen in 2025. Most were restaurants, but a few retailers opened as well. Photo courtesy of Lisa Campos One of the most anticipated business openings of 2025 was the Harlingen Urgent Vet that opened on August 12 at 6710 W. Expressway 83. It is the first urgent veterinary clinic in Harlingen. Services include allergic reactions, vomiting, routine and emergency surgeries, dental cleanings, vaccines, wellness visits, and more. Photo courtesy of Lisa Campos New retailers included Kay Jewelers at the Shops at Valle Vista shopping center, 902 Dixieland, Suite 104; SOHO Thrift Boutique at the El Mercado Shopping Center, 712 N. Sunshine Strip #36; Furniture Express at 1802 S. 77 Sunshine Strip, Suite 200; Cavender’s, a national western clothing store, at 914 Dixieland Road; Casa Kevin, a discount store, at 710 N. 77 Sunshine Strip; Dollar General (DG) Market at 1379 Bass Blvd.; and Western Outpost at 221 E. Monroe. Activity establishments that opened in 2025 include SOHO Hot Yoga at the El Mercado Shopping Center, 712 N. Sunshine Strip #36; Foxhound Jiu-Jitsu, a martial arts studio, which opened at 211 W. Jefferson, Unit 3; and Hitting Zone, a batting cage facility, opened on March 1. They are located at 6201 FM106 Unit 4A. Several eateries opened in 2025: Greater Coffee Co. opened on January 29 at 101 Stuart Place Road, Suite E. Agave Azul Mexican Restaurant opened on February 12. They are located at 318 W. Jackson #2. Buckets Barn and Grill, an outdoor venue and bar, opened on March 13. They are located at 20860 FM508. Isidora’s Family Kitchen also opened on March 13. They are located at 3201 S Expressway 83, Unit C. Yummy Pho opened on May 8 at 711 N. 77 Sunshine Strip. Nothing Bundt Cakes opened on May 16 at the Harlingen Corners Shopping Center, 2819 W. Expressway 83, Suite 300. Station 83, a bar, opened on June 5 at 1105 S. Tamm Lane. El Torito Snacks opened on July 19 at 1202 N. 7th Street. The owner of Drink Up opened The Pink Bubble, an event venue and bar, on August 7. Both bars are located at 1226 Morgan Blvd. Jimmy’s Pizza opened on September 19 at 1209 N. 7 th  Street, Suite E. Starbucks at the Dilworth Shopping Center, 6102 W. Expressway 83, opened on September 22. Mesquite Valley Smokehouse opened on October 15 at 105 W. Tyler. They initially were only open for dinner but now serve lunch as well. Los 3 Garcias Mexican Grill celebrated their grand opening on October 23 with free food at their location, 1621 E. Harrison. The Other Room Wine Bar opened on October 30 at 119 W. Van Buren, Suite 7. Cookies4College has indicated they might open their first storefront at 119 W. Van Buren, Suite 6, by the end of December 2025. Photo courtesy of RGV.me Looking into 2026 and beyond, Harlingenites can look forward to the following business openings: HOTWORX, a 24-hour sauna workout facility, will be opening in 2026 (if unable to open in winter 2025). Additional tenants are coming to the Dilworth Shopping Center such as a combination Jamba Juice/Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Cold Stone Creamery, and Little Caesars Pizza. The flagship tenant, Starbucks, opened on September 22. Mexican food restaurants Taquero Mucho and Limon Mexican Grill & Seafood will open sometime in 2026. Texas Brewery Patrol, a locally owned brewery with restaurant, is in the works to open in 2026. HTeaO, a chain of tea shops from Texas, will open its first Harlingen store next fall. It will be located at 1219 W. Tyler, with the owner’s other business, Rio Valley Meat and Butcher Shop. Atomic Kids Learning Center, a daycare facility from Brownsville, will open its first Harlingen location in 2026. The Deep End, a golf simulation bar, will be adding pickleball courts to their location at 3601 W. Business 83. I will continue to track these new businesses and others as they are announced on my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ExploreHarlingen .

(This article was written by Lisa Campos and was featured in the July 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) Photo courtesy of Mario Leal The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. On this historic day, the Continental Congress declared the 13 American colonies free from British rule. Anchored in ideals of liberty and self-governance, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of patriotism marked by parades, fireworks, and family gatherings. For the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), the way we celebrate 4th of July is no different: thousands of people gather in cities across the RGV to celebrate with live music, firework shows, and family fun. Here is a list of the various 4th of July activities in the RGV that I was able to find prior to press time: Alamo The City of Alamo is hosting its Freedom Bash on Thursday, July 3, from 5 pm to 11 pm, at the Alamo Sports Complex, located at 600 E. Ridge Road. Attractions include kiddie rides, food, beer garden, vendors, and firework show. Live music will be provided by Mesteño, Delta Boys, De Parranda, and Little Joe. Admission is free before 6 pm. General admission tickets ($5 plus service fee) and table seats ($45 per seat plus fees) may be purchased on tixplug.com . Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. Brownsville The City of Brownsville is holding its 25th Annual Salute to Freedom Celebration on Friday, July 4, from 6 pm to 10 pm with tailgate at 5 pm, at Brownsville Sports Park, located at 1000 Sports Park Blvd. Festivities include a car show, music by Audio Escape, Old Bones, Revo Live Band, and a Tribute to George Strait by Derek Spence, and fireworks show at approximately 9 pm. Donna The 4th on the Farm Celebration will take place on Friday, July 4, from 4 pm to 9 pm, at Red River Farms, located at 777 W. IH-2 in Donna. There is a $3 entry charge and $5 fee for all-you-can-play bounce houses. Activities include BBQ, fireworks, music, water slide, mechanical bull, facepainting, and market. Harlingen The City of Harlingen is having its Freedom Fest Car Show & Shine event on Friday, July 4, from 5 pm to 10 pm, at Lon C. Hill Park. Activities include live music by De Parranda and David Marez, food, beer, kids carnival, and firework show. Hidalgo The City of Hidalgo is having its 4th of July Show in the Sky event on Friday, July 4, at Payne Arena at 2600 N. 10th Street. Festivities include live entertainment, lucha libre wrestling, kiddie rides, vendors, and food and drinks. Doors open at 5 pm. La Feria The City of La Feria is hosting its Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 5, from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm, at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 904 Pancho Maples Drive. It will feature food vendors, a BBQ cookoff, and live music by Buck’n Crazy. The band performs at 6:45 pm, with the fireworks starting at 9 pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Los Fresnos The Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 3, from 6 pm to 9 pm, at Los Fresnos Memorial Park, located at 900 N. Arroyo Blvd. This event will feature guest speaker Angela R. Burton, fireworks, booths, live music, food, and contests for patriotic costumes, hot dog eating, and jalapeno eating. McAllen The City of McAllen’s 97th Annual Independence Day Celebration will be held on Friday, July 4. They will have several activities including an Independence 4K Run at 7 am; Patriotic Program at 8 am; Main Street Parade starting at 9 am; classic family fun at the Freedom Festival at Archer Park from 10 am to 2 pm; Aquatica Extravaganza at McAllen Municipal Pool from 1 pm to 4 pm; and culminating with the Concert in the Sky at Municipal Park from 6 pm to 10 pm, with a fireworks show starting at 9 pm. Mission The City of Mission will have its 4th of July Celebration on Thursday, July 3, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, at the Mission Event Center, located at 200 N. Shary Road. Festivities include free rides, vendors, live music, and more. Pharr The City of Pharr is holding its Independence Day Festival on Friday, July 4, from 7 pm to 11 pm, at Allen & William Arnold City/School Park located at 615 W. Eldora Road. Attendees can expect food, a carnival, vendors, a petting zoo, live music, and a fireworks show at 10:30 pm. San Benito The City of San Benito’s Resacafest will be held on Saturday, July 5, from 5 pm to 11 pm, at the San Benito Fairgrounds. This free event features live music from Los Bravados del Norte, Grupo Textura, and Cardenales de Nuevo Leon. San Juan The City of San Juan will have its Independence Day Block Party on Thursday, July 3, starting at 2 pm, at the San Juan Municipal Park, located at 506 U.S. 83. This free event features fireworks display, food and market vendors, kids rides, and live music by Jay Perez, Buck’N Crazy, Whiskey D, Lucky Joe, Midnight Run, Wreckless Texas, The Melodious Bastards, and Cheyenne. South Padre Island The City of South Padre Island will have multiple events on the weekend of the 4th of July, including: Beach parade on July 4 at 9 am at Beach Access 8 Fireworks on July 4 and 5 at 9 pm at Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill, 6900 Padre Blvd. Fireworks on the Bay on July 4 at 9:15 pm at Louie’s Backyard Weslaco The City of Weslaco will have its Stars and Stripes: A Freedom Festival, on Friday, July 4, from 6 pm to 10 pm, in historic downtown Weslaco on S. Texas Blvd. It will feature live music, food trucks, shopping, and a drone show at 9:15 pm.

(This article was written by Beth Marie Cantu and appeared in the June 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) “Let’s try that again.” The man at the piano flips back a few pages in his music score. He repeats his instructions to the people on the stage, which is littered with mismatched chairs and reusable water bottles. They all sing the same phrase they’ve been working on for the last quarter of an hour, but this time, there’s something better. Enough to make the man at the piano shout out in joy. Once they’re done, he lets out a loud whoop, and the crowd dissolves into giggles and chatter, but what quiets them down is when the man turns to the audience and calls out: “What do you think, Miss Kathy?” Somewhere in the audience, behind a folding table littered with scripts and stacks of paperwork, Miss Kathy beams like a proud mother. “Beautiful! Did you hear how that filled up the auditorium?” The cast members smile at each other, ready to move onto the rest of the song, but Mike Ensign, the music director, isn’t ready to move on quite yet. “Let’s do that one more time.” The cast groans good-naturedly as he plays their starting notes. It, in fact, was not the last time he’d have them sing that particular part of the song, but they all knew that was the kind of meticulousness that would make their show great. The Harlingen Community Theatre (HCT) embodies the magic of local arts and community unity. The journey of HCT, now celebrating its 50th season, reflects a rich history of resilience and growth. From humble beginnings as the Briggs-Coleman Country Playhouse to its current establishment on Fair Park Boulevard, HCT has overcome challenges like nomadic performances and warehouse spaces without AC, thanks to the unwavering support of the local community. But what truly makes HCT unique is its commitment to nurturing local talent. As a nonprofit community theatre, HCT prides itself on producing four to five Broadway-quality musicals or plays annually, showcasing the diverse talents of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) who are referred to as their “shining stars.” From children to adults, the cast members are all local performers who bring their passion and dedication to each production. At the heart of HCT's success are passionate individuals like Mike Ensign, a board member and dedicated music director, whose passion for educating and performance fuels the theatre's vibrant productions. “The theatre gave me a home and family when I was missing my own,” he states fondly. Having relocated from Northern Illinois to the Harlingen area to teach at the local schools, Ensign joined the theatre for a production of Godspell in 2014 on a whim, and now he can’t picture his life without it. Kathy Eunice, affectionately known as "Miss Kathy," embodies the soul of HCT, with her enduring love for the theatre spanning decades and touching the lives of countless community members. “I started working with the theatre first back in 1976 when the company was in the Briggs Coleman Schoolhouse,” Miss Kathy reminisces fondly. “I volunteered to work concessions with my friends in LEO Club at Harlingen HS. My stage debut was in the mid-80s production of the King and I.” Miss Kathy, when she is not working as a music teacher at Austin Elementary School, serves as the board chairperson and a frequent mainstage director for the troupe. Even when Miss Kathy isn’t serving as the director for a show, she stays close by to help monitor, give wisdom and words of encouragement, and acts as a surrogate mother, nurse, and confidant to all who happen to step through the doors of HCT. Beyond its mainstage productions, HCT opens its doors for a variety of events, offering its space for rentals to groups such as dance performances, choral concerts, piano and voice recitals, beauty pageants, and even weddings. This inclusive approach not only enriches the cultural landscape of Harlingen but also provides opportunities for diverse artistic expressions. One of the hallmarks of HCT is its commitment to fine arts education through initiatives like the Summer Youth/Teen Theatre Intensive. Led by licensed fine arts educators from the area, this camp offers a holistic theatre experience encompassing set/prop building, acting skills, music training, and stage presence. The culmination of this camp is a performance of a musical, fostering camaraderie among young artists and nurturing the next generation of stage performers and enthusiasts. HCT also encourages people of all ages to join their shows. “We are a learning theatre, and we’ve had everyone from ages 8 to 80 on our stage!” Ensign proudly states. “Whether you have experience or not, we would love for you to be a part of our family. If we can swing it, we try to include everyone we can into each show.” As HCT embarks on its 50th season with productions like "Moana Jr." and "Grease," it invites the community to join in the celebration of art, talent, and togetherness. For HCT, the community isn't just an audience; it's family, the lifeblood that sustains the theatre and keeps its legacy alive. The Harlingen Community Theatre relies entirely on ticket sales and generous donations to fund upcoming shows and sustain its operations, ensuring its continued success and vibrancy. “The (COVID-19) pandemic nearly destroyed us, but thanks to the generosity of our shining stars, we were able to keep our heads afloat, just barely surviving,” states Ensign. “Many local theatres are for profit or have trust funds set up to sustain themselves. We are not quite as fortunate.” “The community impacts our theatre by providing us with our talent base,” adds Miss Kathy. “The community has been a valuable asset over the years. They are family!” After several years of struggle, the HCT family found a light in the darkness with their most recent production of Fiddler on the Roof. The success of the production had local theatre enthusiasts reeling, with 4 out of 6 performances fully sold out. “We had to turn people away at the door, which hasn’t happened since our final production before the shutdown in 2020. It ended just the week before the world stopped moving,” states Alex Pilcher, longtime HCT shining star who typically helps run the front of the house alongside her grandmother, Johnnie Hahs. And as the curtain closes on another successful rehearsal at HCT, the cast slowly trickles out, giving hugs and saying goodbye, despite knowing they’ll be returning the next night. Even though the building is empty, the dedication and passion continue to linger in the air. The shining stars, both new and returning, know that the next day will bring something different, something new, and draws them so much closer together, as a community and a family. To learn more about upcoming shows, tickets, volunteer opportunities, or rental information, reach out to HCT via email at playhousefairpark97@gmail.com or check out their website hctvalleystars.org .

(This article was written by Abigail Muniz-Garcia and was featured in the June 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) It is a food that Americans consume about 9 pounds of in a year: pickles! And on June 14, Harlingen will be the site of the first ever El Gran Pepino Festival. The event is being organized and hosted by Sweetblazzin Pickles and Valley International Cold Storage.  Sergio Reyna, owner of Sweetblazzin Pickles, is excited to bring this event to the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).  Photo by Edith Romero Fourteen years ago, Reyna started making pickles from a recipe that was given to his wife. Throughout the years, he tweaked and changed the recipe until he got it the way he wanted. At first, he shared it with just friends and family. Six years ago, they did their first pop-up market.  “From there, it just kind of grew into what’s now wild and crazy,” Reyna said. “I say wild and crazy because we’ve added so many flavors.”  The majority of Reyna’s pickles are sugar-free. With 21 flavors ranging from their newest: cotton candy to sweet and spicy pickles (with six different levels of heat), sixteen different Kool-Aid flavors to a Takis flavored pickle, Reyna has been spreading his love for pickles at different pop-up markets in the RGV and even outside of the RGV.  Photo by Sweet Blazzin Pickles When Reyna was approached by the CEO of Valley International Cold Storage with the idea of a pickle festival, he was on board.  “We have to give these small businesses a chance to bring their stuff to the table… let the (Rio Grande) Valley know that some of these small businesses have some great products,” Reyna said of the vendors.  As far as what attendees can expect, Reyna said there will be a variety of activities for the whole family.  “There’s gonna be music, there’s gonna be a lot of food, there’s a pickle-eating contest, there’s a pickle-juice-drinking contest…” he said. “The main thing is to get out, have fun, enjoy yourselves. Bring the family.” Photo by Sweet Blazzin Pickles Mari Tapia, plant manager at Valley International Cold Storage, oversees the vendors and has helped with the planning of the event. She mentioned there has been good feedback and interest from individuals wanting to take part in the festival.   “There’s a lot of buzz. People are really excited,” she said. “I want them (small business owners and vendors) to have good sales, to get known, and for the families to have a good time. It is family oriented.” Besides the pickle-eating and pickle-juice-eating contests, various vendors will bring their own twist with pickle-flavored or pickle-themed items, a car show, a petting zoo, and pony rides.  The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 at Valley International Cold Storage, located at 200 N FM 509 in Harlingen. Presale tickets are $10 online. The gate fee for adults will be $15 and $10 for children older than age 10. Kids 10 years and younger will have free entry. For more information, search “El Gran Pepino Festival” as a Facebook event. You can also follow Sweetblazzin Pickles (The Pickle Guy) and Valley International Cold Storage, LLC on Facebook.

(This article was written by Steven Hughes and edited by Lisa Campos and appeared in the January 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) Chyann’s Specialty Café, located in downtown Harlingen, is Harlingen’s first mother and daughter owned café. Chyann’s reflects their many hats, with the cafe, event center, catering services, and boutique store all in one place.   “We’re unique,” Josie Olivares, co-owner, said over the phone. “We’re not just the one hat.”   Olivares and Kendra Hernandez, her daughter and co-owner who created the menu, developed a space where guests could enjoy waffles decorated with fresh fruit and powdered sugar and also buy a gift.   “It warms me because every time I walk by a table, they say it’s good food, or I see them taking a photo of it. It warms my body just knowing people enjoy what we do,” Hernandez said over the phone. “I love it whenever kids call us the piggy place (due to our pig-themed décor). That’s our nickname.”   Although the two Harlingen natives didn’t have food experience leading up to opening the cafe, they opened their doors as the coronavirus’ grasp on the world slowly weakened in 2021. Hernandez, only 15 years old at the time, took customers’ orders while in high school Zoom lectures.   Meanwhile, her mother was in the kitchen making home-cooked meals. Their menu consists of breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, sweets, salads, and coffee. Customer favorites include their meatloaf and stuffed chicken. They are also well known for their beautiful charcuterie boards. As the team at Chyann’s Specialty Cafe grew, it garnered a fan base that often asks for their services in and outside their building from Weslaco to Brownsville.   Chyann’s Specialty Cafe offers space for small events like birthday parties, baby and bridal showers, Friendsgiving dinners, and more. They provided catering services for approximately 450 events in 2023.   For more information, visit them at 110 E. Jackson Street in Harlingen or call them at 956-496-2754. They are open Wednesday through Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 1 pm.

(This article was written by Abigail Muniz-Garcia and appeared in the June 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) Vanessa Martinez wants people to feel inspired when they visit the “Timeless Fashion Wedding & Quinceañera Expo” happening on June 2nd in Harlingen. “It’s gonna be a glimpse of your beautiful day,” Martinez said. The event has been in the works since January. Martinez, who is a small business owner herself, hopes that the expo will also help spotlight other small businesses in the Harlingen area. “I’ve met a ton of small businesses in Harlingen that are ready to provide a service and they just haven’t been able to find the exposure yet,” she said. “If we can find a way for (customers) to connect to local businesses, it becomes more personal.” During the event, visitors can expect a runway show every hour on the hour. Martinez said that they will take volunteers on the spot to try on dresses. “The theme that I’m trying to go around is the dresses,” she said. “What makes mine different from the other expos is that the teen girls are modeling (the quinceañera dresses).” The goal is to have at least 25 vendors for the event. There will also be door prizes ranging from $25 to $4,000, which will be provided by the vendors that will take part in the expo. She said that she wants guests to feel at ease when they enter the event. “It’s not invasive; everything is free,” she said. “You’re interviewing these businesses to see if you match with them.” Martinez has been the business owner of Serenity & Grace Bakery & Boutique in Harlingen for four years. While she’s referred to as the “cookie lady” because of her specialty macarons, she sees herself as more of a themed party planner. “That’s my umbrella. I love detailing desserts and that’s my specialty now,” she said. “It really does make me feel special to make (the customer’s) party memorable.” While she hopes that this event is memorable for all the attendants, she hopes to also make it a yearly event. “I’m hoping that if we continue to do this at least once a year, vendors will look forward to it. This will start and encourage other businesses to join and be part of it,” she said. The Timeless Fashion Wedding & Quinceañera Expo will take place on Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 1 pm to 5 pm at La Fontana Event Center located on 2102 W Teege Ave. in Harlingen. It’s free and open to the community.

(This article was written by Lisa Campos and was featured in the February 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) Texas’ own Southwest Airlines (Southwest) is now one of the largest airlines in the world by many measures, a feat that co-founder Herb Kelleher certainly smiles on from heaven, much as he does from a downtown Harlingen mural that immortalizes his vision. On peak days, more than half-a-million people fly with Southwest on more than 4,000 flights across eight time zones. What famously started as an idea sketched on a cocktail napkin to connect Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio with affordable air service began its expansion in 1975 from that Texas Triangle with Harlingen service.  Valley International Airport in Harlingen (HRL) will host City leaders and Southwest representatives in a community commemoration of that first scheduled flight to South Texas on February 11, 1975. Photos courtesy of Southwest Airlines. Marv Esterly, Director of Valley International Airport, expressed his appreciation by saying, “Southwest Airlines’ arrival at Valley International Airport 50 years ago was a turning point for air travel in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (RGV). Their dedication to providing affordable and reliable service has made a lasting impact, helping Valley International Airport become the gateway to the RGV that it is today. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to serve our community and travelers for decades to come." Photo courtesy of Southwest Airlines “Five decades of continual community service only is possible through partnership, and our relationship with Valley International Airport keeps our Customer Service scores high and our costs low, which translates into the low fares we offer our Customers,” said James Campbell, Southwest Station Leader at HRL. Photo courtesy of Valley International Airport Southwest flies nonstop to more destinations from HRL than any other airline out of the RGV: Austin, Dallas-Love Field, and Houston-Hobby. That schedule enables connections between the RGV and more than 100 destinations across the U.S., including Hawaii, as well as the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Photo courtesy of Valley International Airport “My grandfather used to say, ‘there goes Herb’ when a LUV jet would overfly his house in Laurel Park,” said Brad Hawkins, Spokesman for Southwest. “17 years in my Southwest career, I now know generations of people across the Valley who have relied on us to connect them with important moments, places, and people in their lives, with our best-in-the-business Employees at Valley International Airport ushering their every journey.”  Mayor Norma Sepulveda observed, “February 11th marks a monumental milestone for Harlingen and the entire RGV as we celebrate 50 years of Southwest Airlines’ service to our community. Southwest’s commitment to Harlingen has been instrumental in connecting our region to the world and fostering growth and opportunity for our residents and businesses. We are proud to share in this legacy and look forward to many more years of collaboration and shared success.” Photo courtesy of Valley International Airport Additionally, Nicolás Mirman, Commercial Director of Valley International Airport, reflected, “Celebrating 50 years of Southwest Airlines at Valley International Airport is a testament to the strength of this incredible partnership. Over the years, Southwest has not only brought connectivity to the Valley, but has also created countless opportunities for growth, tourism, and economic development. This anniversary is a moment of pride for all of us at HRL, and we remain committed to supporting Southwest as they continue to serve our community with excellence.” The 50th anniversary celebration will take place on February 11, 2025, in the Valley International Airport main first floor lobby at 1 pm. The public is invited.

(This article was written by Laisa Chavez Macias and was featured in the November 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) Photo courtesy of Juan Macias of J Macias Photographer When it comes to Mexican restaurants in Texas the list is LONG, and the closer you get to the border the more prominent they become. From taco trucks to 5-star Mexican cuisine dining experiences, you name it, we got it. But tucked away in each city is that one special place that locals look to for special occasions. The place they grew up celebrating birthdays, graduations, and so much more. It's the place their parents took them, and in turn they took their own kids. The restaurant where so many memories are made and the nostalgia runs deep. For Harlingen, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant is that special place for so many families, mine included. I was honored to be able to sit down and visit with the owner, Mr. Joe Ayala, and talk about his journey. Photo courtesy of Juan Macias of J Macias Photographer If you were raised in Harlingen, the chances that you have never been to Pepe's are slim to none. BUT in the event that you haven't made your way there yet, this is clearly your sign to stop in for a delicious bite to eat. Pepe's Mexican Restaurant opened its doors on September 27, 1994. This year they celebrated 31 years in business! However, this was not the beginning of Joe Ayala’s journey. Mr. Ayala started 10 years earlier, as the manager of Antonio's, a Mexican restaurant in the same location where Pepe's is today (117 S. 77 Sunshine Strip). In 1993, Antonio's relocated, opening a larger location, where Joe continued to manage for one more year before moving back to his old stomping grounds. This time as an owner. He acquired the building where he once managed, dusted it off, gave it a new name, and jumped right back in the saddle. For Joe, less is more. He's kept the restaurant small and cozy, the menu the same. He's stuck to recipes that were tried and true. Plates that customers know and still order till this day. When I asked him what the secret was, he said “consistency,” and I could not agree more. A big part of that starts in the kitchen. We will get into the food in just a second, but I would be remiss to not mention that the head chef has been with Joe for 39 years. This explains that consistency that we all love. It doesn't stop there; the wait staff has some amazing guys that have been there for 25 years. Now let's get into the food. For starters, the chips and salsa: five stars! Ok, ok, at least in my opinion. However, I'm pretty sure I'm not alone on this one. As a matter of fact, I know a few people who dine in regularly just because of them. Second, the fajitas! I'm positive I'm not alone on this one because not only has the restaurant and waitstaff been named the Valley Morning Star Readers’ Choice multiple times but so have those famous fajitas. They have also been named best overall Mexican food and have been featured in magazines, state and Valleywide. Photo courtesy of Juan Macias of J Macias Photographer The menu is full of wonderful choices. My personal favorite is the botana for two. It’s perfect for sharing and easy to customize. It’s served on a bed of cheesy nachos with guacamole, topped with fajitas of your choice, a side of rice and beans, and tortillas, which are all delicious. On the lighter side, they also have a great jalapeño soup or mini crispy tacos that are super savory. Pepe's offers great food and great service. It's no wonder it's been around long enough for it to become part of our family traditions. Mr. Ayala knows many of us by name, and has watched families grow up, move, come back, and start families of their own. He loves his job. What he cherishes the most are his customers. He is forever grateful for the loyalty the community of Harlingen has offered his business. I asked Joe about the future of Pepe's and what advice he would give up-and-coming restauranteurs. He assured me that for as long as he's around, he will be here, and that he knows the crew who have been with him through thick and thin will keep it going long after. For the second part of my question, his advice was “keep it simple.” On that note, signing off until next time, your friendly local foodie, Laisa.