Coastal Bend Traveler

A Bit ofHistoryAlice’s Hispanic

Heritage Festival

a little

in Goliad

Opry

Vettes and JetsRemembering 9-11 aboard the Lex

Nature at its BestRockport’s HummerBird Celebration

A complimentary publication for the Coastal Bend

travelerCoastal Bend

STOP AND STAY A WHILE – DISCOVER THE TREASURES IN THE COASTAL BEND

September 2011Vol. 1, Issue 1

2 - Coastal Bend Traveler - September 2011

About Us...At the Coastal Bend Traveler,our mission is to highlight thetremendous amount of attrib-

utes, events, attractions and people thatmake our lives special. Ourgoal is simple: to encourage

tourists to visit and stay a whileas well as showcasing to localresidents what wonders theymay experience in their own

backyard. By working closely with localevent organizers, Chambers ofCommerce and Convention &Visitors Bureaus, the CoastalBend Traveler provides up-to-date information on area hap-penings in each monthly edi-tion as well as around-the-

clock updates online atwww.coastalbendtraveler.com.

The Coastal Bend is a unique,special place, and the Travelertells our story better than any-

one.

Nicole D. PerezOwner/Publisher

Brenda PoeSales/Graphics

Lois StephensNews/Graphics

Larry & Lanette SmallwoodConsultants

Ph: 361- 668-NEWS(6397)

Fax: 361- 664-3875www.coastalbendtraveler.com

Owned/Operated by Real HometownMedia, LLC

The Coastal Bend Traveler’s goal is to promote the

wonderful people and places that make up the

Coastal Bend and help encourage and grow local

tourism. The coverage area encompasses the counties

of Nueces, Bee, Aransas, Refugio, San Patricio,

Kleberg, Kenedy, Brooks, Live Oak, Jim Wells,

McMullen and Duval.

Some 10,000 copies of the Coastal Bend Traveler will be distributed through-

out these counties and beyond – from Pleasanton to Harlingen and Victoria to

Freer encouraging travelers to visit our area and fall as much in love with the

Coastal Bend as we are. The Coastal Bend is a unique part of Texas, and we

want to share that with our readers.

The Coastal Bend Traveler is modeled after The South Texas Traveler, which

was owned and operated by Larry and Lanette Smallwood for 18 years. The

Smallwoods are lending their expertise and advice in the area of tourism to the

Coastal Bend Traveler. Join us as we begin our journey at the Coastal Bend

Traveler. We accept your suggestions and appreciate your support.

– Nicole

On the cover...Ryan Stark plays the fiddle at thesecond Goliad Country Opry heldAug. 8 at the Goliad Fairgrounds.The 10 year old performs with hisolder brother and sings with hismother as well.Page 5

also this issueThe Heart of the Coastal BendThe King Ranch, located in the heart ofthe Coastal Bend, offers a glimpse intoTexas’ rich history and offers an escapeinto the wild. Page 8

Dove SeasonOpensLocal huntingenthusiasts getprepared asDove seasonopens in theSouth ZoneSept. 23.

Page 7

To New Beginnings

W

September 2011 - Coastal Bend Traveler - 3

What started as a small, backyard familyget-together has grown into a major event indowntown Alice every September.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month,the Hispanic Heritage Committee hasplanned yet another event of fun, familyentertainment.

This year’s Fiesta del Centro is Fridayand Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10, in downtownAlice.

“This is a free event that benefits localstudents and the Meals on WheelsProgram,” said Rojelio Cuellar Jr., an organ-izer. “The event begins at 6 p.m. withMariachi Mexicanismo, live entertainment,great TexMex food and a huge kids’ area.”

In 1994, Cuellar's friends and familygathered in September to celebrate Hispanic

Heritage Month with a backyard barbecue. During the next several years, the annual

backyard barbecue and celebration grewlarger with more friends and invites; then in1998, Rojelio joined with John Farias to planthe first organized Hispanic HeritageFestival. With the help of the Alice SouthTexas Museum, the event was held in down-town Alice and was the first of what wouldbecome an annual gathering, with livemusic and food vendors.

Soon after that first event, a small groupof people became interested in it and theAlice Hispanic Heritage Committee wasofficially organized. The committee’s solepurpose is to plan and put on the AliceHispanic Heritage Festival Fiesta del Centro.

The committee includes more than 35

ALICE FIESTADEL CENTRO

Del CentroSept. 9 & 10

downtown

Featuring live music & vendors

No charge

Call 361664-3454

for information

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Celebrating

Hispanic HeritageAALLIICCEE, TEXASJ


members with many volunteers that helpduring the event. Proceeds raised go to youthscholarships for continuing education and tothe local Meals on Wheels Program.

The two-day event includes live music,exhibits, food vendors, arts and crafts and anIBCA sanctioned barbecue cook-off. Lastyear, 43 teams competed for the best brisket,pork spare ribs and chicken. This year’smusical guests include Ruben Ramos & TheMexican Revolution, Roberto Pulido y LosClassicos, Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers andmany more.

“On Saturday morning, cooks will be cook-ing for the best brisket, chicken, ribs and faji-tas,” Cuellar said. “If you’re lucky, you mighteven get a taste of barbecue. A Kid’s PorkChop Cook-off will also follow Saturdaymorning.”

For information, email Cuellar at [email protected] or call the Alice Chamber ofCommerce at 361-664-3454 or 361-701-6865.

“Come to Alice and check out South Texasmusic, amazing authentic food and fun forthe whole family. Bring your lawn chairs andno ice chests please,” Cuellar said.

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Alice, Texas

Alice, Texas

The Alice MunicipalGolf Course features 18 holes and is located at AndersonPark on North TexasBoulevard. It features a total of 5,911 yards of fairways and greens.Call (361)664-7033 formore information.

Lake Findleyoffers picnicking,and fishing on the shores of 288 acres in Alice.Call (361) 668-7260.

We aren’t what you thought, and we aren’tstopping now.


WWhen Ryan Stark took to the stage to join

his mother Stacey for a song, she quicklypointed out the 10 year old would likely ratherbe playing baseball.

With a big grin on his face, Ryan quicklyshook his head "no," and the pair jumped intoa rendition of “Hey GoodLookin’” highlightedwith a bit of choreog-raphy.

They are two ofseveral singers andmusicians who par-ticipate in the GoliadCountry Opry featur-ing the StampedeBand, held the sec-ond Monday ofevery month at theGoliad CountyFairgrounds.

Nita Krahn and her husband are supporting thenew venture, with the hopes of sharing their love ofcountry music with local and area residents as well asthose just passing through.

“I wanted an opry here in Goliad because of thelove of country and gospel music I have, and I livehere in Goliad County now,” Nita said. “My sister,Betty Thompson, and I sing at several surroundingcountry opry shows. We noticed that the opry showsdraw a lot of repeat show attendees.

“I have noticed that some cannot travel as far as

A Little Bit Of Country & Company

Goliad

Country OpryNext Show: Sept. 12$5 Entry Fee; GoliadCounty Fairgrounds,

State Hwy. 183 South Meals served at 6 p.m.

for $5 donationShow starts at 7 p.m.

Top, Eddie Maxwell strums out a little ditty at theGoliad Country Opry. The band plays back up for localtalent like Ryan and Stacey Stark, right.

GGOOLLIIAADD, TEXASJ

Fishing + Golf = Family Fun

Alice, Texas

Alice, Texas

The Alice MunicipalGolf Course features 18 holes and is located at AndersonPark on North TexasBoulevard. It features a total of 5,911 yards of fairways and greens.Call (361)664-7033 formore information.

Lake Findleyoffers picnicking,and fishing on the shores of 288 acres in Alice.Call (361) 668-7260.

We aren’t what you thought, and we aren’tstopping now.


my sister and I do for shows and thought this was a goodplace for one.”

Nita has gathered local and area talent for the show,including the house band, the Stampede Band, whichincludes Eddie Maxwell on Lead Guitar, John Buehler onBass (a sometimes-comedian as well), Shane Lala on Drumsand Buddy Boehm on Keyboard.

On Monday, Aug. 8, the Julie Wimberly MemorialBuilding was full of music lovers who enjoyed a homemademeal courtesy of the Goliad Senior Citizens Center and whoclapped and sang along to songs like “Route 66” and StaceyStark’s rendition of Patty Loveless’ “Blame it on your Heart.”

Performers included local longhorn rancher Walter Scott,79, who told the crowd, “I like to sing, and I think I can,”before going into “Driftwood on the River.”

Also gracing the stage that August night with Ryan washis older brother, Levi. The two thrilled the crowd with theirfiddle playing.

“I have been blessed by having such great friends that areso talented that come out to sing,” Nita said. “Some travel along distance for a meal and to perform. I thank each one fortheir time and hope the crowd makes them feel at home.”

Story & Photos By Nicole D. Perez

I’ve been singing for 53 years, and I gotta tell you -these men are professional and good.

– Local Rancher and Country Opry Performer Walter Scott on the Stampede Band

‘ ’

Left, Nita Krahn welcomes thecrowd. Top, Levi Stark plays his

fiddle. Below, John Buehler, whoalways has a joke, on bass.


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301 East Main St.Alice, Texas

361664-4368

Your

Hometown

Pharmacy

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featuringDEMDACOdesigns for the home

REPORT DOVE BANDS

Texas and other states across the U.S. are banding doves to deter-mine the effects of changes in habitat and hunting.

Hunter reports of bands on doves taken provide valuable informa-tion on the proportion that survive from one year to the next and the proportion taken by hunters. High reporting rates maximize return on hunting license dollars spent. Please check doves you shoot for bands and report them. The bands are very small and easy to overlook.

Doves will be marked with metal leg bands containing a unique number and a toll-free telephone number: (800) 327-BAND [2263]. Please call this number or you can report bands on the Internet at www.reportband.gov. You keep the band and receive information on when and where the dove was banded. Thank you.

2011-2012

NORTH ZONESEPT. 1 – OCT. 23, 2011

DEC. 23, 2011 – JAN. 8, 2012Daily Bag Limit: 15

CENTRAL ZONESEPT. 1 – OCT. 23, 2011


GENERAL DOVE HUNTING REGULATIONS

SHOOTING HOURS: Unless otherwise noted, one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.DAILY BAG COMPOSITION: Mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves in

the aggregate, to include not more than 2 white-tipped doves.POSSESSION LIMIT: Twice the daily bag limit.

PWD PR W7000-075A (6/11) In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries.TPWD receives federal assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies and is subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Actof 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and state anti-discrimination laws which prohibit discrimination the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any TPWD program, activity or facility, or need more information, please contact Civil Rights Coordinator for Public Access, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop: MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA 22203.

SOUTH ZONESEPT. 23 – OCT. 30, 2011


SPECIAL WHITE-WINGED DOVE AREASPECIAL SEASON DATES: Sept. 3, 4, 10, 11, 2011

SHOOTING HOURS: Noon to sunset.DAILY BAG LIMIT: 15 white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves in the

aggregate, to include not more than 4 mourning doves and 2 white-tipped doves.REGULAR SEASON DATES: Sept. 23–Oct. 30, 2011 and Dec. 23, 2011–Jan. 19, 2012

SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.DAILY BAG LIMIT: 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, to

include not more than 2 white-tipped doves.

SouthTexasHunting

DDry conditions don’t necessarily

equate to bad dove hunting, wildlifebiologists with the Texas Parks andWildlife Department suggest. An extend-ed drought across much of Texas couldbe beneficial for dove hunters as birdswill have to rely upon limited resources.Water, especially in close proximity todove feeding areas, should be at a pre-mium heading into the Sept. 1 dove sea-son opener.

Biologists say the drought will havesome impacts on dove populations, withthe greatest being on juveniles.However, they do not expect significantimpacts to what hunters will see this fall.Texas boasts fall dove populations inexcess of 40 million birds and its 300,000dove hunters harvest about 6 millionbirds annually, or roughly 30 percent ofall doves taken in the United States.

Texas dove season in the North andCentral Dove Zones will run fromThursday, Sept. 1 through Sunday, Oct.23, and reopen Friday, Dec. 23 throughSunday, Jan. 8, with a 15-bird daily bagand not more than two white-tippeddoves.

The South Zone dove season will runFriday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 30,reopening Friday, Dec. 23 throughMonday, Jan. 23, with a 15-bird daily bagand not more than two white-tippeddoves.

The Special White-winged DoveArea will open to white-winged doveafternoon-only (noon to sunset) huntingthe first two full weekends in Septemberrunning from Sept. 3-4 and 10-11 andreopen when the regular South Zoneseason begins on Friday, Sept. 23through Sunday, Oct. 30 and again fromFriday, Dec. 23 through Thursday, Jan.19. The Special White-winged DoveArea season takes four of the allowable70 days, so when the regular seasonopens, this area must close four daysearlier than the rest of the South Zone.During the early two weekends, thedaily bag limit is 15 birds, to include notmore than four mourning doves andtwo white-tipped doves. Once the gener-al season opens, the aggregate bag limitwill be 15.

For general license questions, pleasecall TPWD Headquarters in Austin at800-792-1112.

- Courtesy TPWD

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Lolo Treviño,a lifelong kineño8 - Coastal Bend Traveler - September 2011

Story & Photos By Nicole D. Perez

AAs a child Lolo Treviño told hismother he wanted to be a cowboy.

It was a logical choice, since hisfather, grandfather and great-grandfa-ther had all been cowboys on the KingRanch.

“If you want to be a cowboy, youbetter learn to eat in the dirt,” his moth-er told him. That was more than advice,it was fact.

There were days spent rounding upcattle, when the men would sit in theirsaddles from dusk to dawn.

Riding home at the end of the day,sometimes the only way to recognizeone cowboy from another was by theirhorse as the men were covered in dirt.

From breaking horses to brandingcattle, Lolo has spent his entire life onthe ranch.

Now 81 years old, Lolo looks backover his lifetime on the ranch with fondmemories.

“I miss my horses,” he said, “and allthe people who taught me. Sometimesthose days just rush through yourmind.”

Lolo began breaking horses at age

10 alongside his twin brother.He remembers the day in 1943

when at 13 years old he was placed onthe back of Assault, which went on tobecome the only Texas horse to win theTriple Crown.

He and his six brothers were allkineños, King’s men, and his sistersmarried men on the ranch, too. Theyears spent under the South Texas sunare etched into Lolo’s face, a reminderof the part he played in building aSouth Texas Dynasty.

Being a kineño was a lifestyle. Itwas fulfilling. And, it was a timemarked in the history of South Texascreated by a dream of a man with hum-ble beginnings.

Captain Richard King was the sparkfor this empire that began as a 15,500-

acre Mexican land grant and grew intoan international company known for itsunique breed of cattle and award-win-ning quarterhorses.

Lolo is a staple of the King Ranchtoday. He meets visitors touring theRanch in the Weaver’s Cottage andexplains different brands the Ranch hasused.

On a warm August afternoon, therewere visitors from Canada and Arizonatouring the ranch.

Lolo charmed them as he pulled hisharmonica from his pocket and said,“Let’s see if you can all sing along tothis one” before playing “You are mySunshine.”

“I pray and thank God every time Isee the bus coming,” he said.

That bus is one of many that offers awide variety of tours on the KingRanch.

Depending on the time of year, theRanch offers birding tours, wildlifetours and nature tours. At any giventime you may spot a Caracara, orMexican Eagle, a White Tail deer pranc-ing through the brush or even baby alli-gators in a pond.

There are five types of dove on the

Above, King Ranch tour guide Janelle Rand checks on baby alligators onthe ranch. Left, all types of wildlife can be seen on the ranch including

deer, and the King Ranch’s Santa Gertrudis cattle also add to the scenery.Below, Caracara falcons are a staple on the ranch as well.

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The story starts in themid-1830s with an 11-year-old boy indentured by hisdestitute family to a jewelerin New York City. The jew-eler was a difficult man andthe boy, practicallyenslaved by him, was chaf-ing under the man's mis-treatment. Nascent great-ness would not be shackledor ever satisfied with suchcircumstances. At this ten-der age, the restless andadventuresome youngRichard King made contactson the Manhattan wharvesand soon stowed away on aship heading south towardhis destiny.

In the mid 19th century,Captain King travelednorth from the Rio Grandeto Corpus Christi. He tra-versed a region then knownas the Wild Horse Desert.His eye for an opportunitywas at its sharpest when,after well over 100 miles ofriding over the wild lands,he and his party came tothe refreshing waters ofSanta Gertrudis Creek. Kingsaw this place that nour-ished so much wildlifecould also sustain domesticstock, and King's vision fora great cattle ranch began totake shape. He and busi-ness partner Gideon "Legs"Lewis purchased the15,500-acre Mexican landgrant then known as theRincon de Santa Gertrudis –the first foothold of whatwould become the leg-endary King Ranch.

- www.king-ranch.com

Captain Richard King

Ranch, including Mou13rningDoves and Inca Doves. A pairof elusive Burrowing Owlswere also recently discovered.

Tour guides such asJanelle Rand are well-versedin the wildlife living on theRanch, and their enthusiasm isinfectious.

The winter months are thebest time to participate in awildlife tour as the heat ofsummer keeps many of theanimals under cover duringthe day.

One should also visit theKing Ranch Museum whereToni Frissell's award-winningphotographic essay of life onthe Ranch in the early 1940sbrings history to life in breath-taking black and white photosthat remind us of a time longgone, but continues to beat inthe hearts of cowboys in SouthTexas - cowboys like LoloTreviño.

“I am happy to haveworked with cattle,” he said.“I am happy to have been aKing’s man.”

These two longhorns, Pancho and Sancho,greet visitors to the Ranch on W. Highway

141. For King Ranch Tours, call 361592-8055.

The King Ranch Museum 405 N.King Street in Kingville. Call 361595-1881

King Ranch, 8 Mile W Highway 141,Kingsville - 361592-8055

King Ranch Saddle Shop, DowntownKingsville. Call 361595-1424

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Vettes & Jetson the Lex

Vettes & Jetson the Lex

Story by Lois Stephens, Photos contributed

TThis Sept. 10 and 11, Corvettes from across the country

will converge on Corpus Christi for the annual "Vettesand Jets on the Lex" event held by the Corpus ChristiCorvette Club to recognize and remember 9-11. In aneffort to raise money and awareness for the WoundedWarrior Project™, 350 cars will be put up on the flightdeck. Proceeds from the event are donated to theWounded Warrior Project™.

Stephen "Maverick" McCravy, the club's event coordina-tor and master of ceremonies for this event, said, "Sincewe started this in 2007, we have raised a little more than$60,000 total and we are hoping to top $100,000 this year.


Not bad for a club of 73 people."The club was formed in 1984 and is

proud and honored to host this charitableevent each year, McCravy said. The groupadopted the Wounded Warrior Project™ asits charity and has donated the proceedsto it each year.

Several wounded warriors will attendthis year from Brooks and Walter ReedArmy Medical Centers. They will be treat-ed as V.I.P. guests, with all meals andlodging paid.

During the event, club members willsell raffle tickets for a 2011 ChevroletCamaro RS to be raffled off on Sept. 11.

"Tickets are $10, and we're only selling5,000 tickets, so your odds are pretty good.Donating $10 for a chance at a $33,000 caris a pretty good deal," McCravy said.

The raffle winner does not need to bepresent to win. The winner will beresponsible for pickup and delivery aswell as all taxes, title and registration fees.

Advance Auto Parts is the major eventsponsor and has been with the projectsince its inception.

"A lot of people don't know it, butAdvance Auto Parts is very military-friendly. They do a lot behind the scenesto help military families and when theyfound out we were going to do this, theyjumped right on board," McCravy said.

This is the largest Corvette show inTexas and the only show in the countrythat is held aboard a military ship of anykind.

It will feature everything from classicsto current, 1954 to 2012, models. Thisyear's event includes cars from all over

The WoundedWarrior Project™

The Mission of the Wounded Warrior Project™ is to honor andempower wounded warriors in order to foster the most success-ful, well-adjusted generation of wounded warriors in thisnation's history. The purpose is to raise awareness; enlist thepublic's aid for the needs of injuredservice members; to help injuredservice members aid and assisteach other; and to provideunique, direct programs andservices to meet the needs ofinjured service members.

The Project began whenseveral veterans and friends,moved by stories of the firstwounded service membersreturning home from Afghanistanand Iraq, took action to help others inneed. What started as a program to provide comfort items towounded service members has grown into a complete rehabili-tative effort to assist warriors as they recover and transitionback to civilian life.

Tens of thousands of wounded warriors and caregivers receivesupport each year through WWP programs designed to nurturethe mind and body, and encourage economic empowerment andengagement.

For more information about the Wounded Warrior Project™,please visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Information courtesy of the Wounded Warrior ProjectTM.One look at his car lets you know club memberMaverick is proud to be an American, above left.Club member Buzz shows off his 1966 CorvetteConvertible, below left.

J CCOORRPPUUSS CCHHRRIISSTTII,, Texas

[Continued on Page 19]


JJeewweellss ooff tthhee SSkkyy

HummerBird CelebrationSept. 15 - 18

J RROOCCKKPPOORRTT,, Texas

H“Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.” If

you are hearing that characteristic“whirrrrrr-ing” noise in the air, and itlooks as though jewels have takenflight, it must be time for the annualRockport-Fulton HummerBirdCelebration.

The event celebrates the annual fallmigration of Ruby-throated and otherhummingbirds through the area, aswell as providing information and edu-cation about other birds and wildlife ofall kinds.

This year’s event will take placeThursday through Sunday, Sept. 15through 18, in and around theRockport-Fulton area.

The original developers of theevent, Betty Baker and Jesse Grantham,wanted everyone to enjoy the hum-mingbirds, but not to forget about all ofthe other birds during the fall migra-tion.

Thus the name “HummerBirdCelebration” evolved. The event, albeitenjoyable, is intended more as anopportunity to learn than as a carnival-type atmosphere.

Krystal White, director of Tourismand Events at the Rockport-FultonChamber of Commerce, said, “Thisyear’s event will be unique as we havetwo different film companies comingin.”

A British company will be filmingwith high-definition cameras, whichwill actually be able to capture clearslow-motion video of the hummingbirds.

“Also, we have as our main speakerJames Currie, the host of Nikon’s‘Birding Adventures,’ which airs onVersus/NBC Sports,” White said. “Hehas traveled all around the world – theAmazon, Australia and New Zealand,and will speak about his recentinvolvement in a Hollywood movie,

‘Birding Adventures TV: The Big YearMovie.’ It opens in October and starsAngelica Huston, Jack Black and SteveMartin.”

The celebration is one of the largestnature events in the United States; andevery year it’s a little bit different tokeep it alive and changing, White said.

“We may have anywhere from fiveto 10 thousand people – birders arevery loyal, but every other year there isanother big event, I think in NewMexico, that kind of splits the crowdup. Of course, it also depends on theweather. In 2007 or 2008 we had a

‘scare-a-cane’ that forced us to cancelthe event, which was just devastating,”White said.

During the three-day event, speak-ers will make presentations on allaspects of nature watching, from TomKuenzli with “Optics, What You Needto Know (choosing your binoculars andbirding scopes),” to David and JanDauphin’s “Butterflies of the CoastalBend” and “Dragonflies andDamselflies of the Lower Rio GrandeValley,” as well as many other diversespeakers and topics.

A special treat will be Friday

The event offers plenty of opportunities totake photographs of hummingbirds.


evening’s “Live Birds of Prey” show presented by LastChance Forever, a raptor rehabilitation center based in SanAntonio. The homes featured as “Hummer Homes” duringthe celebration are designated by signs and feature land-scaping and foliage designed to attract and feed humming-birds as they prepare to make their journey southward.

Viewers may pick up a self-guided tour map at any infor-mation booth and may spot as many as 100 hummingbirdsin a yard.

Those who would prefer a guided trip may join theHummer Home Bus Trip to visit three homes and see hum-mingbird banding demonstrations.

Banding (also called ringing) is a process in which asmall ring or band with identifying information is attachedto the bird’s leg. These bands or rings are usually made ofaluminum or another lightweight material and do not hurtor adversely affect the bird.

“There are a large variety of things to do – there’s a but-terfly demonstration garden, birds of prey and the hum-mingbird banding is very popular. We have a Master Banderworking, because the banding process is important.”

The banding documents the birds’ ages, sexes, weight, fatand diversity of population to help track the birds andmigration patterns.

“The birds get startled and kind of ‘freeze up’ during thebanding – a little like a fish when you catch it – so peoplecan actually hold the birds in their hand while they recoverfrom the startle, and then release them,” White said.

A “Birds, Wine and Dine” pre-event activity will begin at7 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 14 and 15, with atwo-hour morning birding trip to Fennessey Ranch, thenmoving to the SouthWind Winery for a tour and wine tast-ing.

In a second wine tasting room, participants will be fêtedwith a four-course gourmet lunch, four-plus wine pairingsand a souvenir glass. The day will end at 2 p.m. at theRockport Bay Education Center with the “Science on aSphere” show.

Several trips to nature “hotspot” locations around thearea will be available, kayakers will enjoy a two-hour guid-ed birding trip around the bird rookery islands, boat andbus birding trips will be made to observe birds from shore-birds to raptors, and photography classes will be held forthose interested in beginning or improving their wildlifephotography.

About 100 vendors will be onsite during the celebration.It is a requirement of the event that all vendors have at least50-percent nature-related items; and a large variety of bird,butterfly, dragonfly and, of course, hummingbird-themeditems are always available. As all classes, tours and tripshave limited seating and availability, it is recommended butnot required to register in advance.

Please visit www.rockport

hummingbird.com,email: tourism

@1rockport.org or callthe Rockport Chamberof Commerce at 800-

242-0071 for moreinformation.

Event T-shirt logo


Story By Lois StephensPhotos Contributed

Every Tuesday in September - CorpusChristi - Open Mic Night- All kinds of entertainment,including comedians, acousticacts and full bands. House ofRock. Phone: 361-882-7265 http://www.texashouseofrock.com

Sept. 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 - Aransas Pass - “Harvey” performed at the Rialto �eater,327 S. Commercial. http://rialtotheater.org/rial-totheater.htm

Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10 - Alice - Hispanic Heritage Festival 17th annual Fiesta DelCentro - Includes wild hog, fajita and brisket cook-o�, live music, food booths and family entertain-ment. Downtown Alice. http://alicehhc.weebly.com/ (See article on page 3 this issue)

Friday, Sept. 9 - Port Aransas - Champagne Cruise/Mini Taste of Port A - Enjoy samples from local restaurants, cruise the city harbor and enjoy live music. Fisherman’s Wharf, 900 N. Tarpon. Phone: 361-749-5448

Friday through Sunday, Sept. 9 through 11 - Beeville - Celebration of Diez y Seis de Septiembre Festival - Fiesta Bee County - 361-358-9124.

Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 & 11 - Corpus Christi - Vettes and Jets on the Lex - Corpus Christi Corvette Clubhosts car show with 350 Corvetteson the �ight deck of the U.S.S. Lexington. (See article page 14 this issue.)

Saturday, Sept. 10 - Robstown - cRude City Roller Derby Girls, 7 p.m. Central Pavilion Arena,Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds. Phone:361-387-9000

Saturday, Sept. 10 - Victoria - Get Fit 5K - 7 to 11

a.m. at Riverside Park - phone 361-485-3200.

Sunday, Sept. 11 - Corpus Christi -Chocolate Pathway to the Gods: �e SacredRealm of Chocolate in Mesoamerica” ArtistOvidio Biberga in a panel presentation. Begins at 2 p.m. Art Museum of South Texas. Phone: 361-825-3504 http://www.artmuseumofsouthtexas.com/

Saturday, Sept. 10 & 24 - Aransas Pass - FarmersMarket/Trade Day - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vegetables, arts & cra�s, and animals- In the parking lotof the Chamber ofCommerce/Visitors Center, 130 W. Goodnight, o� Hwy.361. http://www.aransaspass.org/farm-ers_market.cfm

�ursday through Sunday, Sept. 15 though 18 - Rockport-Fulton - HummerBird Celebration:Celebrate the fall migration of the Ruby-throated hummingbird through the area and expand yourknowledge of all birds and associated wildlife.http://www.rockporthummingbird.com/ (See article on page 16 this issue)

�ursday through Saturday, Sept. 15 through 17 - Robstown - “�e Hunt for Hogzilla”hog hunting contest & IBCA cook-o� in Robstown, Texas. http://www.allabou-texotics.com/2011/08/the-hunt-for-hogzilla-cook-o�-sept-17th/

Friday through Sunday, Sept. 16 through 18 - Corpus Christi - Home and Garden Fall Expo -American Bank Center - Phone: 361-826-4700

Sept. 23 through 25 - Corpus Christi - Celebration of Flight Festival - Birding festivalis held during the peak of raptor migration.Volunteers will be on hand to show and identify the

migrating hawks. Hazel Bazemore County Park.http://www.ccbirding.com Phone 361-881-1888

Sept. 23 through 25 - Corpus Christi - North American Wholesale Jewelry and Gi� Show - American Bank Center - 361-826-4700

Saturday, Sept. 24 - Corpus Christi - �ird CoastExhibit - Juried art show featuring artists from all over the country. K Space Contemporary Gallery, 415 Starr St. Phone: 361-887-6834http://www.kspacecontemporary.org/

Sunday, Sept. 25 - Victoria - CzechHeritage Festival - tradi-tional Czech music, cultural demonstrations, exhibits, and a homemade beer and wine show. Hours are 10 a.m. to7:30 p.m. Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St. Phone: 361-575-0820 or 361-578-6730 email: [email protected] http://www.victoriaczechs.org/

Tuesday, Sept. 27 - Victoria - Crossroads Country Opry:Jaycee Hall, 2905 E North St., Victoria, TX. �e Victoria Jaycees will o�er meals for $6 beginning at 5:30 pmbefore each show. 7to 9:30 p.m. and admis-sion will be $5 per person.http://crossroadscountryopry.com/

Wednesday, Sept. 28 - Corpus Christi - Hobo and Hot Dogs: Folk-Americana band Hobo performs. Enjoy free hot dogs. House of Rock. 361-882-7625http://www.texashouseofrock.com/

Friday through Sunday, Sept. 30 through Oct.2 - Port Aransas - MustangFest: Ford Mustangs from all over Texas and surrounding states arrive on Mustang Island for the Mile of Mustangs lineup, car shows, live music and other events. Plantation Suites, 1909 State Highway 361. Phone: 405-563-0307 http://www.mustangfest.org/

Eclectic Events ( )ec·lec·tic /iklektik/ - Adjective: Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

Saturday, Sept. 24 - Corpus Christi - 8th annual Conquer the Coast bicycle ride - Scenic 10-, 25- and 65-mile bicycle rides along Corpus Christi Bay. �e 65-mile ride includes theToughest 18 Miles in Texas Time Trial. Whataburger Field, 734E. Port Ave. http://www.conquerthecoast.org/ Ph: 361-881-1800

“We ride for �tness, for fun; we ride for the bridges, beaches, ocean breezes, and for the bene�t to the Corpus Christi Chamber Foundation which supports local

programs such as Leadership Corpus Christi, CC under 40, and the Texas A&M University-CC Islander Athletic Fund.” – Conquer the Coast organizers

In the

Spotlight


ECLECTIC EVENTS

the country, with people coming fromas far away as California andPennsylvania. Corvette enthusiasts arealso coming in groups – 48 from Tulsa,Okla., and 12 from Florida. All in all, 14states will be represented this year.

"This will be the biggest show wehave had so far. Since we began, 32states have been represented at theVettes and Jets and there's even beenone car from Canada; so we've actuallyhad two countries," McCravy said.

The event will be open to the publicfrom 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday

and Sunday, rain or shine. The actualcar show begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, withtrophies awarded at 3 p.m.

Admission to the USS LexingtonMuseum grants admission to the show.This event is a major fundraiser for themuseum, as well.

“This is a one-of-a-kind show inAmerica so don't miss your chance tosee it and to help us remember andhonor all of those who have servedand are serving our country,” McCravysaid.

For more information, please visitwww.vettesandjetsonthelex.org.

[From Page 15]


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