Coastal Bend Traveler by Real Hometown Media LLC

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Fall 2013 Vol. 2, Issue 4

The official magazine of the Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council

Kingsville-Nov. 1

About Us...

At the Coastal Bend Traveler, our mission is to highlight the tremendous amount of attributes, events, attractions and people that make our lives special. Our goal is simple: to encourage tourists to visit and stay a while as well as showcasing to local residents what wonders they may experience in their own backyard. By working closely with local event organizers, Chambers of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureaus, the Coastal Bend Traveler provides up-to-date information on area happenings in each bi-monthly edition as well as updates online at www.coastalbendtraveler.com. The Coastal Bend is a unique, special place, and the Traveler tells our story better than anyone. Nicole Perez & Anthony Morris Co-Publishers

Brenda Poe Reporter

Lois Stephens Reporter

Mark Molina Reporter

Anthony Ruiz Reporter

Vickie Cummings Marketing

Aaron Lopez Marketing

Lisa Ketteman Accounting

Ph: 361- 668-NEWS(6397) Fax: 361- 664-3875 www.coastalbendtraveler.com Owned/Operated by Real Hometown Media, LLC

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Pick up all your body parts and stagger over

ant to get dressed up and have some gruesome fun for a good cause? Then you’ll want to head out to Kingsville on Nov. 1 for the Zombie Walk for Charity. The event is being held in Kingsville by Brush Country CASA and CASA of the Coastal Bend. CASA is an acronym for “Court-Appointed Special Advocates” - trained volunteers who stand up for abused and neglected children in court. Nicole Johnson, the Outreach Director for Brush Country CASA, said it was decided to do the walk in Kingsville because the one in Corpus Christi last year raised more than $16,000 with 1,400 walkers participating and two organizations benefiting. “It generates quite a buzz,” she said. “Everybody gets dressed up and has a great time.” Organizers are planning for about 500 people to participate in Kingsville’s first-ever Zombie Walk. The first 500 entrants will receive a “Survival Pack” goodie bag and a commemorative t-shirt. Early registration is $15 per person or $20 the day of the event. Anyone wishing

J KINGSVILLE, TEXAS By Lois Stephens to register the day of the event should arrive early. Participants also may register online at kingsvillezombiewalk2013.eventbrite.com. Zombies will start gathering at 3 p.m. with the walk beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at the pavilion at the corner of 6th and Yoakum streets. The zombie horde will stagger, crawl and ooze along the route, turning around at 409 E. Kleberg and returning to the pavilion. Event sponsor Big House Burgers is also hosting a “Big House Bash” to celebrate their 10th anniversary; with Grammy nominees SIGGNO and Pat Green scheduled to perform. All of the net profit for the Big House Bash will be presented to Brush Country CASA. Zombie Walk participants with a bracelet may purchase tickets to the Big House Bash at the discounted price of $15 which also entitles them to a Big House barbecue sandwich with chips and a drink at no additional charge. The first 500 participants also will receive a coupon for a free order of onion rings at either Big House Burgers location (Kingsville or Alice.) The “Big House Bash” is being touted as the “official after party” for the Walk and will be held at J. K. Northway Coliseum, located

at Escondido Road & Highway 77 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Although the doors open at 6:30 p.m., performers are not scheduled to begin until later that evening, so Walk participants will have time to get to the second venue before the show starts. Walk participants who purchase tickets to the bash also will be fed for free (while supplies last) and drink specials will be available. Tickets to the Bash are also available pre-sale for $20 at Big House Burgers in Alice and Kingsville and at Club Revolution in Corpus Christi or $25 at the door for those who would like to attend. Sponsorships are still being sought for the Walk event, and are fully tax-deductible. Anyone interested in sponsorship should contact Johnson at casarecruiter.7233sbcglobal. net or 361-595-7233; or Diana at diana@interconnect.net or 361-884-2272. All proceeds will benefit Brush Country CASA, which services children in Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy and Kleberg counties; and CASA of the Coastal Bend, which serves children in Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas counties. More information about the events and activities of Brush Country CASA can be found on Facebook and at www. brushcountrycasa.org.

The Haunted Zoo

J VICTORIA, TEXAS By Brenda Poe

he Texas Zoo is featuring a Haunted Zoo experience for visitors of all ages with several scares planned to make the evening exciting. The Haunted Zoo will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight Oct. 25 through 27 at the zoo, located at 110 Memorial Drive, in Victoria, Texas. Program Manager Nathan Palmer said the Haunted Zoo has drawn crowds of 3,000 and more in past

u THE TEXAS ZOO u WHEN: OCT. 25-27 u Admission: $5 a person; 8 p.m. to midnight years and he expects the same numbers this year. “We have anywhere from 50 to 60 people who volunteer to come out and be spooky with us,” Palmer

said. “There will be random scares that I don’t want to give away just yet.” The event is a guided tour through the zoo. “Tickets will be $5 a person, but this isn’t a major fund raiser for us,” Palmer said. “This is more for fun.” Palmer said the Haunted Zoo will be featured just like a Haunted House - with interestingly creepy moments followed by fun and exciting moments. The Texas Zoo connects

people with wildlife from Texas and the rest of the world; inspires caring for nature; and advances conservation through education, recreation, science and action. Among its most popular animals is the Bengal Tiger. There are also American Alligators, White Ibis and Ball Pythons - just to name a few. For more information about the zoo and the animals it features, log on to www.texaszoo.org.

George West Storyfest Celebrating 25 years! Texas State Liars’ Contest® Live Music • Ghost Stories

November 2, 2013 Live Oak County Courthouse Square

Downtown George West, Texas www.georgeweststoryfest.org

Fun for the whole family!

Storytelling Cowboy Poetry Classic Car Show Living History Red Wagon Parade Arts & Crafts Children’s Activities 5k Race & One-mile Fun Walk Fall 2013 - Coastal Bend Traveler - 3

T a s F

I i g

Missions Tour de Goliad Bike Ride

ith the fall season in full swing, the thought of getting out, getting active and visiting the great outdoors becomes more attractive. As they have done every year, the City of Goliad will offer such an opportunity as they host the 22nd Annual Missions Tour de Goliad Bike Ride on Oct. 19. The ride offers a look at the scenery and charm of, as well as a challenging, yet entertaining route through South Texas countryside that is filled with oak trees and hills. Riding in the Missions Tour de Goliad is a noncompetitive event, consisting of four different routes that differ in length and offer something different and is a rain or shine type of ride (except in cases of severe weather). Riders can participate in 10, 30, 50, or 65 Mile/Metric century rides. The 10-mile ride is aimed toward family participation and allows for a flatter riding experience that will allow the riders to pass through the historic city of Goliad, Goliad State Park, the Fannin Monument and Presidio La Bahia. Families, pets and riders young and old have participated in this event, showing a creative side of participants as tandem bikes and add-on carts have become an occurrence in recent years.

In the longer trips of 30, 50 and 65, the routes begin and end at the same spot, but the core of the ride is different, as they take riders into the country as they pass scenic ranches and major highways that eventually lead to country roads that pass through small farming communities in Goliad County and the San Antonio River Valley. During the race, riders will be provided with SAG (stop and go) stops throughout the course where riders can pick up water, protein bars and other snacks, as well as use the port-o-lets. After this year’s ride, for the first time, there will be an after party at Goliad’s new Branch park which

4 - Coastal Bend Traveler - Fall 2013

will be hosted by the San Antonio River Authority. In 1992, Mrs. Faye Irby gathered a group of Goliad residents and initiated the 1st Annual Missions Tour de Goliad Bicycle Ride. Though Irby was not a bike rider herself, she called upon friend and bike rider Wesley Stephens to help organize the event with hopes that the scenery would bring riders back year after year. Stephens, an avid biker but unfamiliar with Goliad roads, drove miles throughout the countryside and with the help of his wife, Ada Sue, laid out the routes that would become the first Missions Tour de Goliad. Then, Faye and other residents organized and

J GOLIAD, TEXAS

By Mark Molina Photos submitted

advertised the ride in six weeks. Faye’s helpers included Bubba Thigpen, John Barnhill, Dottie Simmons, Jim Landolt, Mary Ann Williams, Julie Wimberly, Ceil McKinney and Joe McManus. Goliad artist Dalhart Windberg created the “Ghost Rider” logo, which has become symbolic in representing one of the best bike tours in Texas. Irby passed away in August 2008 and Stephens before her in 2002. Despite losses and most of the original helpers gone or moved away, they all witnessed as the ride grew year after year with new additions and high registration numbers.

Those wishing to register can register early by calling the Goliad Chamber of Commerce at 361-645-3563 or by sending an email to goliadcc@ goliad.net. Riders can register up until 7:45 a.m. on Oct. 19 when the race begins and those who register early can pick up their packets starting on Oct. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 450 S. Market Street in Goliad. Riders will receive a shirt and goodie bag at registration. Bags will contain maps, which are color-coded to match the ride signage. Helmets are required and obeying traffic laws is a must. EMS volunteers will provide first-aid assistance if needed. Ride fees are $35 ($45 onsite) for single riders and $30 ($40 onsite).

Anne’s

Come and Get Pampered at

Bluebonnet Inn Your home away from home!

Mission Espiritu Santo

Daily • Weekly • Monthly Rates Gourmet Breakfast Provided Elegant Room for Parties, Weddings, Meetings

Pet & Child Friendly!

279-8250 (Inn) 279-3562 (Home)

(361) (361)

108 E. Gravis • San Diego

xans er Te t n i W lways Are A ome! Welc

A lice

Country Club

Where South Texas hospitality meets country charm.

The Alice Country Club offers year-round golfing, superior dining facilities & much more.

664-5702

361

• 260 County Road 341, Alice

Terr y L. Kreider, General Manager

Fall 2013 - Coastal Bend Traveler - 5

76 Annual

! s u n i o j Come

October 23-26, 2013

• Parade

• Jr Auction Livestock Show

at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2013 in Downtown Alice, Texas

at 2p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013 at JWC Fairgrounds

• Talent Contest

at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013 in Covered Pavilion at JWC Fairgrounds

• Sweepstakes Heifer Show at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, 2013 in Show Arena at JWC Fairgrounds

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• Ranch Rodeo

at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, 2013 in Rodeo Arena at JWC Fairgrounds

• Pageant

at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013 in Show Arena at JWC Fairgrounds

• Little Photogenic Contest at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013 in Show Arena at JWC Fairgrounds

Admission - Adults $4; Children (6-12) $2; Under 6 Free www.jimwellscountyfair.com

Ranch Hand Festival enters second year

By Mark Molina

J KINGSVILLE, TEXAS

hen it comes to Kingsville, Texas, you think of a university town with a lot of history, rich culture and ranching industry. For the second year in a row, the town will give people a chance to come out and celebrate at the 2nd annual Kingsville Ranch Hand Festival. This year, the Ranch Hand festival will take place downtown on Nov. 22, 23 and 24. Last year, the festival debuted to pair with the annual Ranch Hand Breakfast a weekend before Thanks-

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u WHEN: Nov. 22-24 u ADMISSION: $6 FOR BREAKFAST SATURDAY, NOV. 23 u FMI: ranchhandfestival.com giving as a way to highlight downtown Kingsville and celebrate the town’s prosperous tradition and helped get the ball rolling on Kingsville’s La Posada Holiday Celebration. The festival honors the city’s rich cultural heritage as one of the mainstays of the Texas ranching industry and will work with

local museums, artists, businesses, community organizations, vendors and the university to provide cowboy-themed entertainment and activities. The public will be able to enjoy the food, live music, cooking demonstrations, art, story telling, and book signings by local authors. And for the adults, the festival will also feature a wine and tequila tasting and a beer garden. This year’s live music will feature the Beau Walker Band. Here is a list of some activities by the day. Friday, Nov. 22 6:30 p.m. - Light up

Downtown and the old HM King School. Saturday Nov. 23 7 – 11 a.m. – 23rd Annual Ranch Hand Breakfast on the King Ranch®. Purchase tickets online for $6 or at the King Ranch Saddle Shop, Kingsville Visitors Center, or at the breakfast! (fee benefits local charity) Visitors may park downtown, take the free shuttle bus to the breakfast, and then head back to the Annual Ranch Hand Festival downtown. Sunday, Nov. 24 10 a.m. - Cowboy Church with music, food and free coffee.

664-9955

1259 E. Main St., Alice, Texas • www.lovechrysler.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fall 2013 - Coastal Bend Traveler - 7

See B

32 Annual Christmas Parade nd

begins at 6 p.m. December 3 in downtown Alice

612 East Main St. â&#x20AC;˘ Alice, Texas

361

664-3454

www.alicetxchamber.org

Independent films showcased

he annual Rockport Film Festival will be held this year Thursday, Oct. 31 through Saturday, Nov. 2. The festival brings in independent filmmakers from all over the world to showcase their creations. Although the festival strongly considers entries with a Texas- or Southwest- flavor and those which focus on the fine and performing arts and humanitarian themes, in the past it has screened films of all kinds from across the world. Each year’s festival highlights international talent, offering a laid-back, affordable venue at which industry professionals, aspiring filmmakers and the audience which they want to reach can mingle and network. The festival showcases only one film at a time allowing each creation its own moment in the spotlight, making it an excellent venue for premieres. This also affords an opportunity for filmmakers to screen their features, shorts, animation and student films to an appreciative audience without the long lines and theatre-hopping of other similar events. The coveted “Best of” and “People’s Choice” awards also are presented at each year’s Rockport Film Festival. Past categories have included a “Best of Fest” award, Best Documentary Feature and Short, Best Fiction Feature and

J ROCKPORT, TEXAS By Lois Stephens u WHEN: OCT. 31 - NOV. 2 u Admission: Block tickets $10 each; VIP passes $50 a person u FMI: www.rockportfilmfest.com Short, Best Animation, Best Student Film and “Creative Spirit Award” presented by the Rockport Center for the Arts. The 2013 schedule is slated to begin Halloween night, Thursday, Oct. 31, with a Red Carpet Party (come in costume or “as you are”) and outdoor screening of “The American Scream,” a documentary by Michael Stephenson which follows three families who go all out every year for their annual home-made haunted houses. This will be at the Rockport Center for the Arts and outdoor Sculpture Garden. On Friday, Nov. 1, the event begins with Friday

Matinee Shorts at 1 p.m. and at 3 p.m. “Baikonur,” an international fiction feature directed by Veit Helmer will be screened. Enjoy happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Estelle Stair Gallery; then move on to the Friday Evening Feature, “Art Car the Movie” - a documentary about an entry into the annual Houston Art Car Parade, directed by Carlton Ahrens and Ford Gunter. Audiences will end the evening with “Friday Late-Night Shorts” beginning at 10 p.m. These events are at the Main Street Arts/BAF Building. “Saturday Matinee Shorts” begin the day on Nov. 2; with the Saturday Matinee featuring “16 Acres,” a documentary about the rebuilding of the World Trade Center following at 3 p.m. Saturday’s Happy Hour will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wind Way Gallery, then move on to the Saturday Evening Feature, “America’s Parking Lot” - a tale of two die-hard Dal-

las Cowboys fans who face tough choices in following their beloved team. A wrap party will immediately follow the film; and the event will conclude with “Saturday Late-Night Shorts” at 10 p.m. The films will also be shown at the Main Street Arts/BAF Building. VIP Passes are available to admit one person to all film blocks and festival events for $50 per person. Block tickets are available for $10 each, and admit one person to any one block of films. Visit www.rockportfilmfest.com for more information.

Fall 2013 - Coastal Bend Traveler - 9

The City of Alice & VFW Post 8621 presents

2013 Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 10, 2013 in Downtown Alice featuring Signno & Jon Wolfe VFW Post 8621 will also be sponsoring an IBCA cookoff featuring brisket, chicken, beans and fajitas. Cooking starts at 10 a.m. with judging at 3 p.m. 10 - Coastal Bend Traveler - Fall 2013

Members of all branches of service will be honored. ••• There will also be a moment of silence and free inflatable obstacle courses.

. Fall 2013 - Coastal Bend Traveler - 11

Jim Dean Homes &Jim Dean Ranch Development