Discover 361 Winter 2022

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.

If this magazine doesn’t put you in the holiday spirit, I do not know what will.

We have turkeys, gift ideas, decoration artists, mother-daughter hairstyles, holiday fashion and, of course, holiday food from a turkey feast to quick-to-make charcuterie boards. We also have a long list of holiday related events you can attend throughout the region.

I want to share a quick story about George Kalisek –our holiday sign maker. For years I have seen his work at Christmas in the Park in Cuero and the drive through Christmas display in Moulton. I have also seen his handiwork in the form of signs at businesses. So, when we first started talking about this holiday issue, I knew we needed to get to know Mr. Kalisek. I have never met him, but his artwork and craftsmanship make the characters jump off the painted plywood. When I called him to see if he would be interested in being featured, he was humbled to be asked and quickly agreed. Read his story, I think you will agree, he is a very talented artist.

Two other talented artists Josh Vega and Nathan Rodriguez recently spent many late nights and early mornings painting crosswalks in downtown Victoria. Their work is eye-catching.

This magazine is filled with talented people who make our area sparkle with holiday spirit. There are too many to list, but please be sure to read about each one, starting with Jodi Sandoval who works to improve her community and make the teens who live here better people who can make their dreams come true.

Starting in January, our magazine will expand its publication from quarterly to every other month. Our next issue will be published in February. As always, we enjoy receiving story ideas from our readers. If you have ideas for stories for the Discover 361, please send them to me at bcooper@vicad.com. Please include a brief description of the story and contact information for you and the person the story is about.

We hope you enjoy reading our holiday issue of Discover 361. Also, please enjoy your holidays from Thanksgiving through Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Becky Cooper Managing Editor

DEPENDABLE, HONEST, & INSURED

When you find yourself needing a roof repair and are looking for a roofing company, American Shield Roofing and Construction is happy to meet your needs.

When dealing with a roofing company you need a roof contractor who is dependable, who can arrive on time and provide you a quality new roof in a timely manner.

Our goal is to present you with honest, accurate information, quotes, and estimates. We also have liability insurance.

Left, Jon Lamson, Vice President of Sales Right, Joshua Pinter, President of American Shield

It’s all about the kids at GROUNDED TEENS

AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE KOHN | SPECIAL TO DISCOVER 361

STORY

Founded by Jodi Sandoval in 2017, this youth leadership program in Victoria is designed to open up choices to young people.

“The truth is,” Sandoval said, “that if we have the right support, and we have access to choices, life is really OK.”

The nonprofit organization uses a holistic approach based on five pillars of leadership: self-worth, advocacy, community service, discipleship and servanthood.

They offer community service projects, sponsor speakers from the community, have field trips and games and build teamwork through all kinds of activities.

The group meets the first and third Sunday of each month.

Teens Grounded offers windows of opportunity.

“I want to put as many different people in front of them,” Sandoval said. “For instance … We're going to have our local district attorney come and speak to them.” The thought behind that visit is that a young person cannot aspire to something they are unfamiliar with.

As an example, Sandoval said when Barack Obama won the presidency, her older son was in high school. “And that day changed his perspective as

Roel Esparza gives CPR instruction to, from left, Destiny Hernandez, Claressa Rosales, 12; Paityn Gowetski, 14; and Beth Armstrong, 11.

FROM PG. 9

a Black man, because people will tell you, ‘you can be anything you want to be. You can even be the president of the United States.’”

That was the day that saying became true to her son and others like him.

On this particular Sunday meeting at C3 Victory Church, Teens Grounded had arranged for instruction called Stop the Bleed with speakers Ralph Montes, Victoria County Public Health Department Public Health Emergency Management coordinator; Roel Esparza, regional fire coordinator with the Texas Forest Service; and Ashley Cano, program coordinator for Texas Healthy Communities and Be Well Victoria.

The teens listened to a detailed presentation on emergency care basics and then broke down into small groups to practice what to do to quite literally stop someone from bleeding to death, as well as basic CPR.

The presentation included a video of a young skier who had an accident that seemed minor at first glance until everyone realized the young man had a massive laceration to his thigh injuring major blood vessels. He was bleeding out fast and had only minutes to live if something wasn’t done quickly. A tourniquet by the ski patrol saved his life.

The members of Teens Grounded were attentive throughout the presentation, but the excitement came when they got into the practical aspects of first aid.

Montes explained to them that bleeding is a main cause of preventable death. He told the group they would discuss what kinds of accidents could happen in a ranch environment such as “maintenance, repairs, pastures, cutting trees, chainsaw injuries, penetrating injuries, and so forth.”

He also spoke of everyday accidents around the home, such as trimming trees or mowing the yard. He especially emphasized to them that maintaining their own safety was their first duty – then to help another.

Three stations were set up with “body parts” such as a round “arm” (or perhaps leg?) with artificial

if we have the RIGHT SUPPORT , and we have ACCESS TO CHOICES , life is really OK

- Jodi Sandoval

Marina Adames, 15, puts pressure on a wound while securing a tourniquet as Aliana Solis, 14, looks on.

wounds. One for packing, another smaller one for simple pressure.

The goal? To practice how to stop bleeding quickly.

Packing a deep wound was definitely the most difficult and there was a bit of cringing from time to time.

Learning to use the tourniquets required use not just on the dummies but on each other. A bit of wincing was to be expected if done correctly. Tourniquets hurt, although they can save a life when normal measures to stop a person from bleeding fails, the teens discovered.

When CPR time rolled around things got really lively. The Bee Gee’s hit “Stayin Alive” is evidently the correct rhythm for the compressions, so the teens began singing as they pumped the chests of the dummies to the music – getting out of breath and finding out how much work is involved. There were a lot of smiles and shouts of “I did it” when the lights on the dummies showed they had gotten the compressions correctly and “saved” their dummy.

Esparza, Montes and Cano stepped in whenever help was

Jodi Sandoval, far left, front row, stands for a group photo with the Teens Grounded members after receiving their Stop the Bleed and CPR certificates at the end of their training session.

| CONT. FROM PG. 11

needed to adjust the teens’ positioning or pressure.

Jayla Girdy, 12, said she heard about Teens Grounded from her mom, who found out about it on Facebook. “There's different things that you could do to save other people,” she said, adding she had not known anything about tourniquets until the presentation. “I didn't know that you could do something like that.”

She wasn’t sure if she could do the pressure on wounds in an emergency but could probably do CPR.

Jayla said she would like “to do something in the medical field” when she’s older, “So this is really cool.”

When asked about other activities, she said the group does “a lot of community stuff. Like we've done cleaning in the neighborhood.”

Jayla said she thought other teens would enjoy Teens Grounded, “Because you get to learn a lot of new things, and it helps with team building.”

Dreyten Tremble attends Victoria East High School and wants to be a marine biologist. He said the best thing about Teens Grounded is it

helps kids grow in the community, and understand that the people around you “Love you and you have some control.”

Sandoval said she recognized “as a youth leader, I was definitely encouraging my young people spiritually, but there was just a much bigger part to what young people are, you know. What about their physical needs, and what about their emotional needs?”

She felt they needed a more holistic approach. And so, Teens Grounded was born.

The inspiration for Teens Grounded leads back to God for Sandoval.

“The true meaning of leadership was led by Jesus, he was a servant. He served the people. Anybody can do community service … But it doesn't necessarily make you a servant. …Community service, for me, has been a completely different experience. I think it puts you in the place of other people. Because it's different seeing people from where you sit versus actually being in somebody else's shoes.”

Roel Esparza, regional fire coordinator with the Texas Forest Service, instructs, from right, Dretyn Tremble, 15; Kaecyn Tremble, 16; Alex Partida, 12; Mekhi Charleston, 13; and Jordan Sandoval, 12.

GIVING HOPE

It’s all about providing access to choices

Tragedy often prompts action and in 2017, when news broke of two young girls committing suicide, Jodi Sandoval said it broke her heart.

The mental health struggles of young people had intensified, Sandoval said, and as a youth leader at C3 Victory Church and as a healthcare worker with Be Well Victoria, she felt a strong calling to do something about it.

She asked herself, “How do we anchor young people to hope when there is such a sense of hopelessness.” But an answer came in the form of an idea – that C3 Victory “would have a day just dedicated to our young people and that everything we did that day would be for the young people and their families. And so, we birthed this thing called Hope Fest.”

As successful as Hope Fest was, however, it was not enough.

“We would hear conversations with young people, and how they really

craved a space where they could just be themselves and, you know, have a support system. It became apparent that we needed to do more.”

Hope Fest was only one day. Fundraising was a barrier because it was not officially a nonprofit, especially when it came to business donations.

Sandoval said they were limited as to how much they could do.

A friend, Dr. Derek Hunt, helped her apply for nonprofit status and the idea expanded to a full-fledged youth leadership program – Teens Grounded.

Sandoval’s personal journey to become the founder of Teens Grounded mirrored the lives of many of the young people she now reaches out to.

She was a troubled teen growing up.

“I think especially if you would ever interview any of my teachers from junior high school, they would

probably say, you know, I was a very disconnected, angry young girl. And a lot of times I was met with ‘What's wrong with you?’ instead of ‘What happened to you?’ And although I think I was kind to the people that I was close to, I didn't trust a lot of people.”

So, what had happened to make her an angry young person?

“My mom was a single mom that battled with mental health a lot of her life. My dad was found floating in a river when I was 9 years old. I never really knew what happened with him. I watched my mom work two and three jobs to never really make it. I was a Black girl in a rural community. It always seemed like there were only certain spaces that were made for me.”

Sandoval added, “And the places that I could see myself weren't always the most positive places. Yeah, I think I grew up feeling really small, really unseen. Not really valued. I didn't

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE KOHN | SPECIAL TO DISCOVER 361

know all that God had put inside of me. I didn't know I had a plan and a purpose.”

Faith always played a role in her life, Sandoval said. She went to church regularly. When she was 16 years old, her mother “got saved” and it “gave her the tools she needed as a mom to help the direction our lives were going.” Sandoval said she, however, “was still making some very poor choices.” She said she told her mom she should write a book on “how to go to war for your children.” Despite the many difficulties however, Sandoval said her mom was always on her side.

Sandoval became a mother at 18. “I had my first son, he’s now 28. That definitely made me see life differently and that the choices I was making wouldn't just affect me, because at that point, I didn't really have a lot of self-worth. You know, I didn't feel like I was worth anything. But when I looked at this kid, I knew that he deserved more. … I knew I wanted a better world for him than I grew up in.”

Sandoval is nothing if not practical and honest. She said when she is asked, “How did you make it out?” She tells people there are two things. “There is support, and there are choices. Not choices that I made, but choices that I had access to. Because if we truly believe everybody has choices, then we're in denial, because people can only choose from the choices that are put in front of them and the possibilities that are there.”

Sandoval emphasized that support from family and church was vital and as she got older, she realized “the choices I made didn't just impact me, but they impacted my son, and I want him to have a better life than I did. And that definitely, I think, brought a whole lot out of me that I never knew was in me.”

Those early years she describes as “a roller coaster ride. Her first marriage lasted about seven years.

“Probably not the best decision I ever made,” she joked, but went on to describe a bad experience as a learning experience that prepares a person for the next experience. “I was still OK, because I could learn from those experiences. The good and the bad, you know, because even the bad wasn't all bad, right?”

She married Joey Sandoval when her older son was 10. “And it's been pretty great.” Joey is a supportive partner who is usually at her side helping with Teens Grounded and other projects.

She joked that Joey is everything she is not. “I drive him crazy. …He's more quiet. Which is why when he speaks, people listen.”

“With me. They're like, ‘Oh, she's talking again’ But they're like, ‘Wait, Joey's saying something. Like, we gotta listen to this.” Sandoval laughs and adds, “He's been good for me, because he helps me see things that I don't always see. Because a lot of times we see things just from our experience, our life experience. And when you don't always have a good childhood, you don't always see the positive… so, yeah, he's been amazing.”

After being together for eight years, they had twins, a son, Jordan, and a daughter, Journie. The two 12-year-olds accompany their mother and father to Teens Grounded events.

Sandoval said it is a moral imperative to help. “When you're so beaten down at such a young age, it's hard to have hope. And so one of the things we try to do is provide hope to the families of the students that we work with – to create a safe environment while they're with us, … you can say, whatever you want to say, there's not an image that we want you to look like, you don't have to come here and start talking different. We want you to be exactly who you are, because that's who God created you to be.”

Teens Grounded puts choices in front of them. “And then they get to choose, you know, because ultimately, that's what life is all about. Even us, as adults, there are choices put in front of us every day, and we have to choose. You can't just expect a kid to know what to do if they've never been taught, ‘you can do this, but you can also do this.’”

Sandoval added “We're blessed. Because one thing about our community – I have to brag – is we love young people. And so if I am needing something or I get on Facebook, and I ask, we usually have a really good response because it is for our youth.”

Childhood Art turns into LIFETIME OF DECORATIONS

STORY BY LEO BERTUCCI | L BETUCCI@VICAD.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY DUY VU | DVU@VICAD.COM|

MOULTON - Tens of thousands of signs crafted for customers around the Crossroads were made by a Moulton native who has loved to draw and paint since he was 5 years old.

George Kalisek, the namesake of George’s Art & Sign Shop in Moulton, can make just about any sign for holidays, birthdays and every other reason to celebrate.

From Santa Claus to scarecrows, Kalisek can produce around 400 different holiday-themed designs.

He starts simply by drawing the idea with pencil and paper. Then he uses Sharpies to draw what he wants to keep before sketching the final design on plywood.

After a neighbor cuts out the piece, Kalisek sets out his paint brushes and cans. The shelves, sinks and tables inside his workplace, all marked by a random assortment of splatters, reveal that Kalisek has spent a lot of time here.

In fact, the sign shop has been in business since 1980, when Kalisek was 26. The Moulton community noticed his talent when he was in junior high.

“They would bring me materials and they would say ‘Paint me this sign,’” Kalisek said. “Another person heard what I was doing. It got around by word of mouth. That’s how I got into the sign business.”

Inspired by the Disney cartoons of the 1940s, 50s and 60s, Kalisek developed his own unique artistic style, one he described as “whimsical.”

“I love to do things that come out of the top of my head,” he said. “Inspiration can come out of anything.”

Five days a week, he shuttles between the shop on South Lancaster Street and his home garage, where the dirty work takes place. He relies on his bookkeeper and salesperson, Hope Vornsand, to keep things straight while he paints signs in his garage.

“It’s a fun job that became a busy job,” he said.

George Kalisek stands in front of some of his holidaythemed signs at George’s Art & Sign Shop in Moulton.

CONT. FROM PG. 17

It’s a job that requires about 40 sheets of plywood every month.

Kalisek’s busiest season begins in the fall.

“As we get closer to Christmas, I get more and more involved with painting,” he said.

Since the turn of the century, Nativity scenes have been one of the most requested pieces from sign shop customers. Kalisek said he makes around 12 of the 14-piece sets each year.

Kalisek contributes some of his Christmas signs to Yule trails in various Texas cities, including Luling, where Derek Hall is the Main Street director for the local chamber of commerce.

“He’s a joy to work with,” Hall said. “He just, within seconds, draws out an idea. He is very good at translating work into art.”

Kalisek said he enjoys the collaborative part of creating signs for local businesses and governments. A

I LOVE to do things that COME OUT of the TOP of MY HEAD

- George Kalisek

Kalisek adds some lines to enhance the detail.

Kalisek works on a sign.

“Sometimes someone comes in with no idea whatsoever, so you don’t know exactly what they want,” he said. “You have to think about what they would want for their business.”

In the15 years he’s worked with the Luling Chamber of Commerce, Kalisek has supplied over 60 signs for the Yule trail, enough to cover three city blocks, Hall said.

Additionally, several businesses in downtown Luling have one of Kalisek’s signs hanging from their awnings, Hall said.

“He designed our pumpjack art, which recognizes Luling as an oil town,” Hall said. “He’s also drawn eagles, football players, watermelons, grasshoppers, armadillos and killer whales. His fingerprints are all over town.”

Over the years, Hall has met tourists on the streets of Luling who praise the beauty of Kalisek’s signs. At night the city illuminates the pieces of art.

“It really lights up the area,” Hall said.

Every time he applies a paint brush to a piece of plywood, Kalisek sees an opportunity to express his creative skills.

“I do everything with an original design, which comes from my own imagination,” Kalisek said.

IF YOU GO

Two other places to find Kalisek’s work this holiday season:

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK, CUERO

6-10 p.m. daily, Nov. 21 to Jan. 2 122 Roy Harmon Drive

YULE TRAIL, MOULTON

Located on Main Street Signs made by Kalisek can also be found outside Moulton businesses, such as The Bridal Rail, 102 S. Lavaca Drive, and SouthStar Bank,100 S. Main St.

A sketch, by Kalisek, on a table at his workshop.

STORY BY KYLE R. COTTON | KCOTTON@VICAD.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASE COFIELD | CCOFIELD@VICAD.COM

All year the Victoria Art Walk lights up downtown with vibrant art from local artists.

As the holidays roll around, the art selection grows as the downtown is decorated for the season.

Artists and merchants spend months preparing for the holiday season's art walk. Some artists make pieces exclusively for the season, while shop owners offer seasonal wares and activities.

"When you shop at the art walk from the artists, you get stuff that takes months to make and is hard to come by at home," said Art Walk curator Claire Santellana.

These items, including clothes, handmade gifts, paintings, key chains, knick-knacks and more, take time to make and aren't something shoppers can simply find on the store shelves, Santellana said.

"We have artists that plan out what they'll have on display at Christmas five months in advance," she said. "You are buying something that they took the time to make. Something that can't be replicated."

This year the Holiday Victoria Art Walk will be from 1-6 p.m. Dec. 17.

Shopping during the art walk from the artists and the participating downtown stores is hard to beat as a gift buying opportunity.

CASA DE LUNA

At Casa De Luna, shoppers can find handcrafted goods from Latin America and local crafters.

"Our main focus is bringing a lot of Latin culture," owner Chris Melendez said.

Among the vast selection of hats, pottery, woodwork, clothing, apparel, accessories, jewelry, art and more, Melendez suggested three gifts.

The first are, handmade purses that come from Peru, Columbia and Mexico. Each distinctly represents the culture where they come from, she said.

"It's something you don't see everywhere," Melendez said.

She also recommends Oaxaca

bags, which are handmade from PVC plastic in Oaxaca, Mexico. She noted particularly their versatility when it comes to elements beyond how they look.

Her third recommendation is sports apparel in the form of handmade backpacks, blankets and ponchos that show professional sports teams such as the Houston Astros, San Antonio Spurs and more. The panchos are made in Tuxpan, Mexico by crafters that have been at it for generations, Melendez said.

The item is particularly popular with people who are doing early Christmas shopping, she said.

PEACHES AND TORTILLA

MERCANTILE

Peaches and Tortilla will offer seasonal items and activities during the holidays where there are plenty of gifts for the whole family, said Lascena Simmons, the store’s owner.

One of the top sellers is homemade candles and decorative matches that can be given to anybody, Simmons said.

"People grab them for their grandmother, their mother-in-law, their teachers," she said.

If a custom hat is on your shopping list, the store may have the perfect item at its hat bar. The hats can go for $250, Simmons said.

It's a great gift idea because it's a way to showcase someone's personality

through lettering, ribbons and more, she said. The store also brings in hat artists to help put it together.

For children, she recommended the small jelly purses that kids respond well to. Functionally, the purses are great for children to have, Simmons added.

Simmons, who moved her shop to downtown earlier this year, encourages people to shop downtown.

"By shopping downtown and at the art walk you not only get things that you can't get anywhere else, but you are supporting local businesses and your money and your tax dollars go back into the community. You can't get that from a big box store," she said.

FRIDA BAE C O.

Frida Bae Co., which shares the space with the Texian Books, sports home and kitchen decor, spices, salsas and men's and women’s clothing.

Owner Jazmin Montalvo suggested a range of gifts from name-brand accessories to homemade goods. For women, Montalvo suggested

WHERE TO BUY

CASA DE LUNA

Latin American handmade purses: $50-$120

Oaxaca PVC bags: $50-$60

Tuxpan woven Latin American sportswear and accessories: $18-$40

FRIDA BAE CO.

Consuela brand accessories: $80-$500

El Arroyo brand items: $8-$24

Frida Bae Co. woodwork items: $18-$55

PEACHES AND TORTILLA

Locally made candles and decorative matches together: $42-$58

Custom hats: $250 Jelly purses: $40

ART Priceless

the Consuela branded items, particularly purses.

She described Consuela products as a high-end brand that is very popular.

For those looking for items for an office party or white elephants, Montalvo suggested items from El Arroyo that have a comedic charm to them whether they are magnets, toilet paper or more.

Beyond that, she suggests her own woodwork items from cutting boards and charming signs.

“When you shop here you are supporting small business and your community,” Montalvo said.

ONE-OF-A-KIND ART

The art walk, while bringing eyes to local downtown businesses, is ultimately about the art on display.

In an era where artificial intelligence and computers are making art, getting art made by a human is irreplaceable and priceless, said Victoria artist Trent Rickman.

“When you buy something from a local artist you are getting something unique that you can’t get anywhere else,” Rickman said. “That’s a gift that is priceless.”

This goes beyond the artwork sold at the art walk, it is also an opportunity to look at artists’ work and request a commissioned piece.

The Victoria Art League, which serves as a venue for the art walk on occasion and plans to be one this holiday season, often showcases various forms of art, said Nathan Rodriguez, Victoria Art League president.

The art can range from various mediums such as original stories, photography, candles, embroidery and more, Rodriguez said.

“I think that’s sort of the charm of the event,” he said. “(Art) is very personable and that’s a very unique way to show that you care when giving a gift.”

For those who don’t know what gifts to purchase for the holidays, the art walk is an opportunity to see artists' work in person and possibly get a piece commissioned that is oneof-a-kind, Rodriguez said.

“There are a lot of things you can buy at the store, but art as a gift, something unique, is something that you can’t,” he said.

Presidio La Bahia

Goliad, TX

Visit the Presidio and step into Texas history.

• One of the oldest churches in Texas

• Living History featured throughout the year.

• Rent the quarters and spend the night.

• Chapel available for weddings.

Located at: 217 Loop 71, Goliad, TX 77963

Contact and reservations, call: (361) 645-3752 or visit www.presidiolabahia.org

Presidio La Bahia An important part of Texas History.

For the community:DOWNTOWN CROSSWALKS COME ALIVE WITH Art

STORY BY KYLE R. COTTON |

BY

KCOTTON@VICAD.COM PHOTOGRAPHY

KIT MACAVOY | KMACAVOY@VICAD.COM AND BY KYLE R.COTTON | KCOTTON@VICAD.COM

After dark, but still in the summer’s heat and occasional rain shower, artists transformed nine downtown Victoria intersections into works of art.

They also faced logistical challenges and strong fumes from the specialty paint they had to use.

But in the end, their work has given new life to parts of downtown Victoria. The piano keyboard painted on Santa Rosa Street almost makes a pedestrian reenact the piano scene from the Tom Hanks movie “Big,” while the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes painted on Constitution Street make pedestrians stop and appreciate the beauty of the flowers.

The project has been years in the making. The Victoria Main Street

HOW IT WAS FUNDED

The materials for the project were funded by private donations from the Victoria Rotary Club, Capital Title of Texas, Peaches and Tortilla Mercantile, Novel Women Book Club, Msignd, the Victoria Fine Arts Association, the Quilt Guild of Greater Victoria and the Keating family.

PIANO KEYBOARD

West crosswalk at the intersection of South Main and Santa Rosa streets.

PAINT PALETTE, WRITING QUILL, FILM REEL AND TRAGEDY & COMEDY MASKS

East crosswalk at the intersection of North Main and Forrest streets.

A projector casts a bluebonnet design as Vega prepares to paint.

Josh Vega prepares to block off West Constitution Street.

I DID THIS for the COMMUNITY

- Josh Vega

Program partnered with the Victoria Fine Arts Association and local artist Josh Vega of Free Art Victoria to do the project.

The project was a learning experience throughout, Vega said.

“It was the stress of getting them done as fast as we could,” Vega said. “We’re essentially learning how to do it as we go.”

Each crosswalk presented its own unique challenges and in some cases advantages for the two artists.

When the piano crosswalk was made the artists used city barricades to draw out each of the keys.

When the musical sheet music crosswalk was made adjustments had to be made on the fly to make sure the sheet music design was correctly represented. David Faskas, Victoria Fine Arts Association president, came out to help on that one.

Each night they learned something new with the process. The prep time took two hours or more before they could start painting, artist Nathan Rodriguez said.

The rain that greeted them during the week had the artists coming out early in the morning, racing to try to finish before morning traffic, Vega said.

All crosswalks were finished in time to welcome visitors to the Viva Texas Film Festival in mid-September.

Discussions have already begun to add more art to the crosswalks.

In the meantime, the artists simply want residents and visitors to the city to enjoy the artwork.

“I did this for the community,” Vega said. “Walk on them, take pictures with them, goof around, whatever, this is for them and I hope they enjoy it.”

Vega paints books on the crosswalk at the intersection of North Main Street and Goodwin Avenue.

TEXAS ICONOGRAPHY

West

QUILT PATTERN

West crosswalk at the intersection of North Bridge and West Forrest streets.

BLUEBONNETS

West crosswalk at the intersection of North Main and Constitution streets.

crosswalk at the intersection of North Bridge and West Constitution streets.

SHEET MUSIC

East crosswalk at the intersection of South Main and Santa Rosa streets.

BOOKS

East crosswalk at the intersection of North Main Street and Goodwin Avenue.

INDIAN PAINTBRUSHES

East crosswalk at the intersection of North Main and East Constitution streets.

MAKE HOLIDAY FASHION FUN, BOLD & COLORFUL

LACEY

Cienna Midi ruffle dress in moonlight grey, paired back with Not Rated gold glitter booties to make the dress POP! along with Brighton Apollo gold hoops.

Umgee velvet split neck dress with Not Rated gold glitter booties. Paired with Julie Vos Cosmo solitaire ruby necklace.

Summer may be all about relaxing by the pool or heading to the beach, but fall is all about the holiday parties. In my opinion, October through January is the most fun time of the year. The weather starts to cool off, seasonal decorations start to come out, and the party planning begins. Whether it is family get-togethers, office parties or just friends getting together to celebrate, there is no shortage of opportunities to get dressed up. For me, it is the casual gatherings that are the best part. I like getting all fancied up as much as the next girl, but it is always so much harder to let loose and relax. I’ll take fun over formal any day of the week. Honestly, you just have so many more options. You can pair a cute sweater with jeans and a killer pair of heels or riding boots with a comfy dress and

| CONT. ON PG. 42

FASHION PRESENTED BY

Joseph Ribkoff v-neck 3/4 sleeve gold embellishment slit dress, paired with Brighton meridian lumens nexus gold necklace with matching bracelet alongside the Consuela Selena downtown crossbody purse.

Jodifl satin leopard print blouse in champagne. Paired with Mustard Seed leather shorts and Camel Threads Clair studded slide in black.

| CONT. FROM PG.41

be good to go.

Winter is also the best time of year to really experiment with colors, patterns and texture. Gone are the days when every holiday outfit was red and green. Today, anything is possible.

Velvet is one of my favorite holiday materials. It makes a bold statement no matter what color you choose and adds a bit of flair to your look. A pair of velvet pants or a flowy dress create a look of whimsy without sacrificing comfort.

Or, if you are really feeling bold, leather (or pleather) always makes a statement. A lot of us shy away from the idea of incorporating leather into our outfits, and maybe we can all blame this on Ross Geller, but for a fun holiday party it is the perfect mix of fun and functional.

Plaid is another perfect way to shake things up for holiday fun. I would definitely recommend avoiding the red/green combo in that situation unless your goal is to look like wrapping paper, but this is a great way to get creative. There are no rules, so mix it up. A plaid skirt with a solid color sweater or a plaid dress with chunky boots are easy looks to put together. And, if you really want to kick things up a notch, grab yourself a pair of plaid high heels to pair with jeans and a simple top. It’s an easy way to add a touch of drama without feeling overwhelmed by pattern.

Color, color, color. Parties are supposed to be fun, right? So, get crazy with color. Deep hues like emerald green, goldeny mustard, fuchsia, and royal blue are perfect winter colors.

Don’t forget about white. A lot of us don’t think of white as a statement color, but it can be. Plus, long gone are the days when it was taboo to wear white after Labor Day. A crisp white outfit gives you the latitude to play with accessories like jewelry, shoes and makeup.

The truth is that there just are not any rules these days. Fashion is meant to be more than just clothes. It is a way to express yourself and show your personality. Getting dressed

| CONT. ON PG. 45

FASHION PRESENTED BY

TCEC one piece sophisticated pantsuit paired with Julie Vos Colette textured gold necklace and Julie Cos Simine 3-n-1 earrings with black and gold chain crossbody or clutch purse.

Entro

emerald bubble sleeve dress with Moon Rhyder Beth boot in white, with Julie Vos fleur-de-lis solitaire necklace and Julie Vos Milano bangles.

Joseph Ribkoff pleather pant with Joseph Ribkoff sheer pleated blouse with leather split bottom hem paired with Julie Vos fluer-de-lis solitaire necklace, Julie Vos Milano bangles with Julie Vos Catalina earrings.

Gretchen Scott elegant plaid dress.

| CONT. FROM PG.41

for a party should be fun, not stressful. It doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or super formal or crazy expensive. There are a ton of local boutiques that offer unique options at reasonable prices.

Cheers to holiday fun.

Rendezvous Boutique & Marketplace, which provided the fashions for this shoot, is a family-owned boutique. They have been in business for 34 years providing the Crossroads with the finest in ladies' fashion, accessories, home decor and gifts. The boutique, 1302 N. Esplanade in Cuero, is open from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturdays.

FASHION PRESENTED BY

Judy Blue white denim fringe button down jacket with Smooth Brami bralette in chestnut along with Judy Blue high rise flare leg jean and Not Rated white glitter bootie paired with Brighton meridian lumens gold chain necklace and gold earrings.

Entertaining Trend Offers FOR SPREADS GRAZING

STORY BY LEO BERTUCCI | LBERTUCCI@VICAD.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASE COFIELD | CCOFIELD@VICAD.COM

Ashley Tomlin is a school teacher during the day and a “cheese BFF” in the afternoon.

Tomlin, a native of Victoria, runs Graham & Graze, an Austin-based business specializing in charcuterie board creations.

A Graham & Graze charcuterie includes meats–think coppa, prosciutto and salami–various fruits and cheeses, as well as nuts, honeys, jams, figs and garnishes, like sage and rosemary.

“Every board looks different and has a different feel, so nothing is ever the same,” Tomlin said,

As the college friend who aspired to

be the “hostess of the mostest,” Tomlin made sure guests were welcomed with snacks when they arrived for parties. Crafting charcuterie boards turned into a hobby.

“I love having people over and entertaining them,” Tomlin said.

In the world of Graham & Graze charcuterie, boards come in all shapes and sizes. Spreads extending six feet long are grazing tables, while some little creations can fit into a cup.

A charcuterie for 30 people typically

takes 15-20 minutes to prepare, while a graze for a large wedding requires an hour of Tomlin’s time.

To be considered a charcuterie board, the food spread must have meat, as the word charcuterie is a French word for butcher shop.

The concept of Graham & Graze came together during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tomlin tasked herself with figuring out how people could intentionally spend time with each other after months apart.

The pandemic was not the only reason Tomlin’s life changed in 2020. In October, she welcomed her son Graham into the world.

Yes, part of his mother’s business is named after him.

“‘Graham’ is the name of my baby and ‘Graze’ is what you do when you have a board,” Tomlin said.

Nowadays Tomlin juggles between growing her business, raising her son and serving kindergarten through fifth grade students as a special education teacher in the Austin area.

The weekends are busy too, as there are swimming lessons for her son and the how-to-charcuterie classes Tomlin hosts in her community.

During the workshops, she makes sure the items in the class are easy and attainable for her students.

“I love being mindful with whatever I use to where the guests and attendees of those workshops could easily find themselves,” Tomlin said. “That’s so we’re not learning a skill and then they aren’t able to go do it themselves at the house.”

Although Graham & Graze is based in Austin, Tomlin has put on a class at Peaches & Tortilla Mercantile in downtown Victoria.

Peaches & Tortilla owner Lascena Simmons said she loves inviting creators who love to share an enjoyable and friendly form of entertainment with others.

“It’s a fun way for the community to come together and it’s a good way to support women in business.” Simmons said. “I’m all about uplifting and supporting each other.”

The last time Tomlin hosted a class at Peaches & Tortilla, Simmons served mimosas and wine to guests.

“It was a great learning experience

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR A PRIVATE CHARCUTERIE 101 CLASS

Visit grahamandgraze.com, hover over the “Events” tab, then click “Private Classes”

When filling out the request form, provide your name and contact information and share where you would like to have the class, when you would like to take the class and the number of people who will be attending the class.

Ashley Tomlin, adds fruits to her charcuterie board.

for all of us because we learned another way we could host and entertain people at parties,” Simmons said.

Establishing a presence on social media is an important goal for Tomlin and her business. Graham & Graze has its own Facebook and Instagram accounts. Tomlin posts close-up pictures of her charcuterie boards and cups, as well as five-second time–lapse videos of herself preparing grazing tables.

“Social media is such a large part of business growth at this point,” Tomlin said.

Even as a full-time mama and special education teacher, Tomlin said she is still having fun as a charcuterie connoisseur.

“It’s busy, but I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.

UPCOMING GRAHAM & GRAZE CHARCUTERIE CLASS IN VICTORIA

WHERE: Peaches & Tortilla, Mercantile, 102 S. Main St. WHEN: Dec. 10, 1 p.m.

A sign-up link will be posted on peachesandtortillamercantile. com; 16 spots will be made available for the class

Family Owned and Operated since 1954

Residential Pest Control

You and your family deserve only the best that life has to offer. We protect thousands of residential homes from some of the country’s biggest pest threats.

Commercial Pest Control

Your business makes an impact in the lives of others. We’re here to help you serve them better by providing the best treatment plan that fits your business and industry.

Termite Control

A termite infestation is best left to the professionals at Bugmobiles. We have the tools and knowledge to create an effective plan and get rid of the termites quickly.

Feeling like a number, not a person?

HOME on the range with turkey farming

STORY BY IAN GRENIER | IGRENIER@VICAD.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY DUY VU | DVU@VICAD.COM AND KIT MACAVOY | KMACAVOY@VICAD.COM

CUERO - The town of Cuero and turkey farming used to be practically synonymous.

Early in the 20th century, what is now known as the Crossroads was the center of turkey farming in Texas, focusing on trapping and shipping mostly wild turkeys, according to Isabella Kruse Schaffner’s 1954 book “Turkeys in Texas.”

Cuero became famous for its Turkey Trot events where farmers marched their birds through town, which eventually became a well-known fall celebration attracting attention from across the United States.

Nowadays, Cuero’s economy and industry has shifted away from raising or trapping the traditional Thanksgiving bird, and as shifting taste encouraged farmers to raise caged turkeys with more white meat, the parades became less practical, said Cuero Heritage Museum Manager Amber Fitts Jones.

However, a handful of farmers keep the lost art of turkey farming alive in Cuero. Gary Henneke, of Henneke Farms, is one such farmer.

Henneke has raised heritage and broad breasted birds for the holiday season for about 15 years, starting

with chicks and ending at slaughter before Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Chicks and younger turkeys are kept in pens, but when they’re old enough, he releases the birds so they can forage for food, which he said makes a real difference both for the birds’ well-being and to their taste.

“The more they can eat out of the pasture, the better it is for them and us,” he said. “It’s just going to be a different flavor from a bird you buy in the store simply because of what they eat.”

Henneke is interested in

| CONT. FROM PG. 53

sustainable agriculture and “letting each animal help each other,” which he said helps prevent parasite and disease outbreaks, as opposed to more confined agricultural strategies, which he disagrees with.

“It’s sickening, I feel for the animals to have to live in a place like that, it’s just not what nature wants,” he said. “More people are becoming more interested in where their food comes from and how it's treated and taken care of,” he added.

The free-range nature of Henneke’s operation is immediately apparent to anyone visiting his farm –- drivers must be careful not to prematurely slaughter any of the many wandering birds as they drive up his driveway.

However, the birds are remarkably good at finding their way home each night, which is important because of coyotes and bobcats in the area that might be interested in their own holiday feast.

“It’s kind of neat to see sometimes…when I let this net down in the morning for them to come out and they go out in the pasture in little groups and graze

KATY’S DINNER ROLLS

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup and 1 tsp. sugar 5 tsp. yeast 1 cup of milk ½ cup butter 3 eggs 1 TBLS. salt 3 cups flour

DIRECTIONS:

Add 1 tsp. sugar and the yeast to one cup of water in a large bowl.

Scald 1 cup of milk and let cool.

In a smaller bowl combine the butter and ½ cup of sugar, and cream together.

Add the eggs one at a time, and beat well.

Add milk, salt and flour to the sugar/yeast/water mixture.

Add mixture from smaller bowl, and mix.

Add more flour to stiffen the dough.

Let rise for 1 ½ - 2 hours.

Roll out and cut into 3 inch circles.

Fold them over in half and place into a greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

around a little while, then they come back, lay down and then go out again later in the evening,” Henneke said.

One might expect to find companionship from the farm’s two dogs, Tex and Dewberry, but the turkeys are also social animals. They forage around in groups, and as people walk around their enclosure, the birds follow them around the edge in a big mass.

Henneke doesn’t hatch his birds from their eggs, but he buys them as chicks from hatcheries when they’re around two days old. They grow quickly — within three to four weeks they’re ready to go outside in a pen, and after just 15 weeks, the broad breasted varieties are ready to be slaughtered. The heritage birds take a little longer to mature, and are ready for the market after 27 or 28 weeks.

While the turkeys don’t spend much time on the farm, Henneke certainly does.

He grew up in San Antonio, but spent summers on the farm, which was owned by family. He said he always wanted to work out there.

“That was I guess my childhood dream that I would do, well it came true,” Henneke said.

His farm now sits on Henneke Road, which was named after the farm and family who ran it when the county started formally naming rural roads.

After he retired from his day job at a pipe laying company, he was able to give more time to the farm, where he occasionally gets some help from local high school students. He hopes that more students will become involved in farming.

“I’d like to see more young people get interested in stuff like this,” he said.

TURKEY BRINING

Henneke recommends people brine their turkey, unless they’re planning on frying their bird.

For a six hour or less brine, use one cup of kosher salt per gallon of water, and for a longer brine of up to 15 hours, use ½ cup per gallon.

Brining longer might make the meat mushy.

When ready to roast the turkey, remove from the brine and rinse.

ROASTING A TURKEY

Henneke prefers a simple roast turkey so people can taste the meat itself, particularly for his birds. His seasoning mix is rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper.

Season the inside and outside of the turkey with that seasoning mix.

You can slide your hand under the skin on the breast to separate it from the meat and rub the seasoning between the skin and meat.

If you like, you can add an apple and herbs in the cavity which may help to not overcook the breast.

Tie the legs together with string to help hold in moisture. You can also tuck the wings under the top of the back to keep them from cooking as quickly.

Place the bird in your roaster uncovered.

• For a 12-14 lb. bird, roast at 425 degrees for 2 ¼ to 2 ½ hours.

• For a 14-16 lb. bird, roast at 425 degrees for 3 to 3 ¼ hours.

• For a 18-20 lb. bird, roast at 425 degrees for 3 ½ to 3 ¾ hours.

Do not overcook the bird or it will be dry.

Use a thermometer to check the temperature in the thigh.

Remove the turkey from the oven when it reaches 150 degrees but let it sit for about 20 minutes so the temperature rises to 165 degrees and the juices set.

You can use the juices in the bottom of the pan for gravy and some to spoon on the breast after cutting to moisten the meat.

First, let your turkey rest for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on its size, before beginning to carve. This settles the juices, meaning they won’t spill everywhere when you carve the bird. Instead, the juice will be reabsorbed by the meat so it’s extra juicy. Resting your turkey will also allow it to cool down slightly so it's easy for you to handle.

Here’s what you’ll need to carve your bird: a large and sharp chef’s knife, a big cutting board, a platter and paper towels.

Place the turkey on the cutting board with the cavity facing toward you, breast side up and remove any butcher’s twine that’s still holding the legs together.

Remove the legs. Slice through the skin between the leg and body on one side; pull the leg away from the body, then cut through the joint to remove the leg. Repeat with the other leg.

Separate the drumsticks from the thighs. Locate the joint in the middle of each leg and cut through it.

Remove the wings. Pull each wing away from the body and cut through the joint to remove.

Remove the breast meat. Slice downward along the breastbone, following the curve of the ribs on each side.

Slice meat and place on a platter.

Source: foodnetwork.com

Carve a Turkey HOW TO MASHED SWEET POTATOES

INGREDIENTS:

½ stick of butter

4 oz. chopped walnuts or pecans

5 lbs. sweet potatoes

1 tsp. of vanilla

3 to 4 TBLS. of honey

Basil Cream (or milk)

DIRECTIONS:

Bake potatoes for 30 minutes at 300 degrees, then peel and mash.

Mix in softened butter, honey and nuts with enough cream for desired consistency.

Garnish with basil.

HENNEKE FARM’S OKRA GUMBO

INGREDIENTS:

6 cups of cut up okra

1 tsp. salt

2 pints of Henneke Farm picante sauce (Mild, Spicy, Omama or Bite Me)

1 tsp. black pepper

1 large onion

4 cloves of garlic

DIRECTIONS:

Add all ingredients into a slow cooker. Cook on high for 1 hour, then low for another 1 hour.

This unique and innovative space is designed to support interactive training and education opportunities for our caregivers, family caregivers, and industry professionals.

The center is located within our Senior Helpers Office and set up to mirror a client’s home, focus on the highest risks areas, such as the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.

The result is a truly interactive learning experience with the tools and resources to continue to provide compassionate care and improve the quality of life for our clients, their families, and come see this unique training space for yourself!

IN THE Heart DEEP

STORY BY CHRISTINA CAVAZOS

San Antonio blends Texas history and Mexican heritage with modern charm

It’s the birthplace of Tex-Mex, which can be experienced in its culture, music and cuisine. It’s home to the most popular tourist attraction in Texas. It’s a city where art comes to life.

It’s colorful, it’s casual and it’s authentically Texan.

Located deep in the heart of Texas, San Antonio is a beautiful blend of Mexican and Texan culture. With a bold spirit and a rich history that dates back more than 300 years, San Antonio is committed to preserving its past but also progressing forward for its future.

Home to everything from historic missions and museums to family attractions and one-of-a-kind

The world-famous Mi Tierra Café and Bakery in San Antonio is known for its authentic Mexican food and for the festive décor that hangs from the ceilings and walls.

One of San Antonio's most popular destinations, more than 1.6 million people visit the Alamo each year.

| CONT. FROM PG. 59

shopping, it’s no surprise that San Antonio is the second largest city in the state. According to information provided by Visit San Antonio, it’s the seventh largest city in the U.S. and one of the fastest growing. The city is host to more than 39 million visitors each year, according to Visit San Antonio, as people flock to the city for a true taste of Texas spirit.

REMEMBER THE ALAMO

Throughout its history, San Antonio has been a colony of Spain, a territory of Mexico, a part of the Republic of Texas and a city in a state in the United States.

Today, remains of 18th century Spanish structures dot the city, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The oldest and most iconic is the Alamo, which stands today as a cultural icon.

The Alamo originally was known as Mission San Antonio de Valero. The mission, from which the city derives its name, was founded in 1718 by Fray Antonio de Olivares. Subsequently, four additional missions, founded by Roman Catholic missionaries, opened in the area: Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Mission Espada and Mission San Juan.

In the 18th century, the five missions collectively formed the largest concentration of Catholic missions in North America.

Today, the city continues to preserve the historic structures so

visitors may experience their history and architectural beauty.

In 1978, the United States Congress created the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and in 1993, the city of San Antonio created the concept for the Mission Trails hikeand-bike system. The city provides routes for visitors to walk or bike between all five missions.

All the missions remain free to visit; however, some additional features at the Alamo have a fee.

Additionally, Missions San José, Concepción, Espada and San Juan continue to have church services. While the Alamo no longer has church services, the church itself at the historic site remains open to visit.

In 2015, the five San Antonio missions were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States. The San Antonio missions are the only site in Texas.

Of the five missions, the Alamo –of course – went on to hold an even greater place in history as it was the site of a historic battle in Texas’ fight for independence from Mexico. According to Remember the Alamo Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support for the historic site and its preservation, more than 1.6 million people visit the Alamo each year.

In 2011, the Texas Legislature tasked the Texas General Land Office with management and preservation of the Alamo. In 2015, efforts began to

The CommonWealth Mollete at CommonWealth Coffeehouse and Bakery in San Antonio features handmade viennois bread served open face with refried beans, fontina cheese, chorizo and pico de gallo.

On Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, San Fernando Cathedral in down town San Antonio is transformed into an art installation.

Churros from Honchos - The House of Churros.

restore the Alamo and in 2019, Alamo Plaza was reunited with the Alamo Church and the Long Barrack, the last remaining structures from the 1836 battle.

Today, construction is underway for a new 24,000-square-foot Alamo Exhibition Hall and Collections Building, according to Alamo Trust, Inc. The new facility, which is slated to open later this year, will house Alamo artifacts and items from two collections under one roof. It will also feature exhibition space to serve as a museum until a new museum and visitor center is built.

Longer range plans include opening a new Alamo Visitors Center

and Museum in 2026.

VIBRANT CULTURE

No visit to San Antonio is complete without visiting the Downtown District, which is home to the River Walk, Market Square, Hemisfair Park and other popular attractions that offer glimpses of San Antonio’s culture.

The San Antonio River Walk –which is one of the city’s most popular attractions – features shopping, dining, sightseeing, hotels, and more on a 15-mile oasis along the San Antonio River. Visitors can explore the River Walk by foot or by boat. Narrated barge tours are a popular way to experience the River Walk.

Along the River Walk, brightly colored umbrellas line the riverbank. They’re adjoined by tables in which diners enjoy a variety of food, typically the city’s famed Tex-Mex, while catching views of the river.

Though lined with visitors, the River Walk offers a sense of tranquility amid the city.

Nearby, Market Square offers a completely different atmosphere that deeply reflects San Antonio’s ties to Mexico, and visitors might just hear the tunes of a Mariachi band or two while exploring.

Market Square is a historic plaza that serves as both a market and social hub, encompassing three blocks of shops, galleries and restaurants. The shops in the market allow visitors to purchase Mexican hand-made goods. In some cases, artists can also be seen working on-site.

Market Square is reputed to be the

CONT. ON PG. 62

San Antonio's Japanese Tea Garden was built on the site of a former operating rock quarry.

The historic Market Square in San Antonio. Over

CONT. FROM PG. 61

largest Mexican market in the U.S. It’s also home to some of San Antonio’s most renowned Tex-Mex including the iconic Mi Tierra Café and Bakery.

The market is also a popular location for many concerts, especially Tejano concerts, and other events.

For a dose of outdoor family fun, visit Hemisfair Park. The park features abundant green space, an amazing playground, native flower gardens, and it’s home to the Tower of the Americas.

Standing at 750 feet tall, Tower of the Americas offers the most spectacular views of the Alamo City. The Flags Over Texas observation deck gives stunning views and enables guests to learn about the history of the six flags that once flew over Texas. An admission ticket also includes access to the Skies Over Texas 4D Theatre Ride, which takes visitors on a trip across Texas.

Tower of the Americas also offers a variety of dining options, such as Chart House, an award-winning restaurant that offers revolving views of the city below.

CONTEMPORARY NEIGHBORHOODS

Intermixed with San Antonio’s historic districts are revitalized areas that are bringing new life to some of the city’s neighborhoods.

The Pearl, for example, is now one of San Antonio’s trendiest districts. The Pearl, which is home to shops, restaurants, outdoor markets, apartments and more, has revitalized

space previously occupied by the historic Pearl Brewery.

The site formerly operated by Pearl Brewing Co. dates back to 1883 when it was originally owned by J.B. Behloradsky Brewery and the City Brewery. In 1883, an investment group purchased the property and that same year San Antonio Brewery formed. In 1887, the popular Texas beer known as Pearl originated. In 1952, the brewery changed its name to Pearl Brewery after the iconic brew. The brewery changed hands a couple of times, eventually coming under the umbrella of Pabst Brewing Co. It closed in 2001.

The brewery grounds were repurposed and are now home to locally owned restaurants, weekly farmers markets and unique shops. The former bottling plant, for example, is now a food hall that features a variety of cuisines from ramen to Mexican street food.

For those who want to know where the locals go in San Antonio, look no further than Southtown. Just a few blocks from most of San Antonio’s tourist attractions, Southtown features an up-and-coming arts community, unique shopping and contemporary dining that puts a twist on fan favorites.

Be sure to visit Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum. Located on the banks of the River Walk, Blue Star Contemporary is a 160,000-square-foot art museum that anchors what is known as the Blue Star Arts Complex. The complex comprises former warehouses that have been transformed into small

artist galleries, studios, retail shops and more. The museum features rotating exhibits, artist talks and more.

It's easy to spend a day relaxing and strolling at Blue Star Arts Complex. Oftentimes, artists are present in their galleries and easily engage in conversations. Retail spaces offer unique shopping where visitors are certain to find one-of-a-kind gifts. Meanwhile, food and beverage options abound.

OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN

The Japanese Tea Garden, which is free to visit, features a lush garden that is open to the public year-round. The tea garden was established on the site of a former operating rock quarry.

The quarry was transformed into a complex that includes walkways, stone arch bridges, an island and a Japanese pavilion.

When guests enter the tea garden, they’ll first arrive at the pavilion. With beautiful stone columns, the pavilion is an ideal location to take in views of the full garden, including its lily ponds and waterfall.

Walkways allow guests to have closer views of various features.

Meanwhile, the San Antonio Zoo features more than 8,500 animals on 56 acres of land. In addition to touring the zoo and viewing the wildlife, there also are a variety of unique experiences available to guests for an added fee. For example, for those who want to gaze eye to eye with the zoo’s tallest mammal, giraffe feedings provide a unique experience. Other zoo experiences include behind-the-

|

The sun sets on Mission San José, one of five historic missions in San Antonio.

tours are one of the most popular ways to explore the River Walk in San Antonio.

zoo experiences include behind-thescenes experiences with different animals, such as hippos and okapi.

In other animal attractions, SeaWorld San Antonio gives guests an up-close experience with marine mammals. From animal experiences to a variety of rides and attractions, SeaWorld offers fun for the whole family.

GOOD EATS

Taco ’bout some good food, San Antonio is home to some of Texas’ best Tex-Mex and more.

No visit to San Antonio is complete without a visit to Mi Tierra Café and Bakery. This world-famous restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican food and festive décor.

Open 24/7, Mi Tierra features bright decorations that hang from the ceilings and walls. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations and there’s often a wait, so be prepared to enjoy a drink or two in the bar or lobby while taking in the festive atmosphere.

The restaurant seats more than 500 and each room is uniquely decorated, including one that has an altar to the iconic Tejano singer Selena.

The food is to die for. While Mi Tierra’s menu is vast with a variety of items, including breakfast that’s served all day, a specialty is the El Rancho Special. This dish features succulent beef tips simmered in pepper, onion and tomato sauce, served with guacamole, Spanish rice and beans.

While dining, guests will likely hear the musical selection of various Mariachi performers. | CONT. ON PG. 64

For a more contemporary take on traditional Mexican fare, visit Rosario’s. This contemporary restaurant has routinely ranked among the best in San Antonio for the last few years and for good reason: the food is simply divine.

Rosario’s has two locations – one in Southtown and the other on the northern end of town. While the food is great at both locations, Southtown features a more unique ambiance to the dining experience. Southtown was the original location of Rosario’s, which first debuted in 1992.

Rosario’s is now an anchor business in Southtown.

With live music, specialty cocktails, and good food, guests will leave Rosario’s wanting to return. The menu features a mixture of Tex-Mex classics and housemade specialties. Try the chile relleno, a poblano pepper stuffed with spiced beef, potato and raisins, topped with ranchero sauce and white cheese. The dish is served with rice and beans.

If visiting on a weekend, check out the Weekend Market at The Pearl. This market features dozens of local food vendors selling a variety of fare. For a quick bite at the market, try YAPA Artisan Empanadas which features home-made empanadas stuffed with a variety of toppings.

For coffee lovers, visit

CommonWealth Coffeehouse and Bakery. This coffee shop, which has a few locations in San Antonio, features a quality cup of joe as well as authentic French pastries that are made from scratch daily, along with breakfast and lunch items.

On weekends, the brunch menu features a variety of homemade options. Try the CommonWealth Mollete, which features handmade viennois bread served open face with refried beans, fontina cheese, chorizo and pico de gallo. Or try the Avocado Toast, which features thick cut homemade French bread topped with diced avocado, red pepper flakes, sea salt and microgreens.

Walking the lighted River Walk, driving through well decorated neighborhoods as well as listening to Christmas music in the Market Square are activities visitors to San Antonio can enjoy throughout the holiday season.

IF YOU GO

ZOO LIGHTS

Nov. 18 – Jan. 1, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. San Antonio Zoo | sazoo.org

117TH SAN ANTONIO DEUTSCHE

WEIHNACHTSFEIER

Dec. 11, 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

Marguerite B. Parker Chapel on the campus of Trinity University gowilson360.com/events/ united-states/texas/san-antonio/ events/117th-deutscheweihnachtsfeier-2/

FORD HOLIDAY RIVER

PARADE AND RIVER

LIGHTING CEREMONY

Nov. 25, 6 – 9 p.m. River Walk thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/ ford-holiday-river-parade/

If you are interested in attending holiday programs, concerts and lighted exhibits, take a look at some of the many events offered from now until after New Year’s Day. Most charge a fee to attend. Check their websites for costs and other details.

DCAPPELLA

Nov. 27, 7:30- 9 p.m. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 100 Auditorium Circle tobincenter.org

GOOD MARKET: HOLIDAY POP UP Dec. 3, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Brick at Blue Star | 108 Blue Star

BLACK HISTORY HOLIDAY LIGHTS RIVER BOAT TOUR

Dec. 10, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum at LaVillita 218 S. Presa St. saaacam.org/event/black-historyholiday-lights-boat-tour-2/

MAJESTIC THEATER Nov. 29-Dec. 4 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas Dec. 27 - A Magical Cirque Christmas Dec. 29 - Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet

224 E. Houston St. majesticempire.com

Q UENEDIT DANCE THEATRE: THE NUTCRACKER Nov. 26-27

Lila Cockrell Theatre, 200 E Market St, inside the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center sahbgcc.com/Facilities/Lila-CockrellTheatre

T HE NUTCRACKER AT BALLET SAN ANTONIO Weekends from Dec. 3-12 115 Auditorium Circle No. 20 balletsanantonio.org/

RAILR OAD CAR AT SANTA’S RAILROAD WONDERLAND

First three weekends of December, 5-8 p.m. Texas Transportation Museum txtransportationmuseum.org/ events/

SIX FLAGS HOLIDAY IN THE PARK Nov. 19-Jan. 1 sixflags.com/fiestatexas/events/ holiday-in-the-park

T HE LIGHTSCAPE AT SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDENS Nov. 11-Jan. 8, 5:45 -9:15p.m. 555 Funston Place | sabot.org

MAKING Holiday Magic HAPPEN

STORY BY TAMARA DIAZ | TDIAZ@VICAD.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIT MACAVOY | KMACAVOY@VICAD.COM

Astylishly coiffed up-do – abounce with long curls or swirled in braids – may be just the thing to transform a woman into sugar plum royalty this Holiday Season.

Christmastime holds a promise of sparkling enchantment, afterall, and owner Stephanie Perry and the 12 other stylists at Beehive Salon know how to make some holiday magic happen.

Alexia Flores, 27, of Victoria, and her mother Sheila Canales, 49, of Amarillo, went in for a bit of the Beehive’s fairy-godmother touch.

In less than an hour, their lustrous raven strands were transformed into courtly art under Perry’s and stylist Lauren Edison’s expert fingers. All the pair needed was a royal carriage to whisk them away.

Three villains – two of which are a pair most readers know only too well – also appear in the narrative, but that comes later.

First, meet the hair-do magic maker.

Perry has lived in South Texas her whole life and in Victoria for the latter half.

She is a bubbly gal, wearing a red dress, cinched at the waist, with lipstick to match. The rouge brightens her cordial smile. Her phone rings and the tone is the theme music from Harry Potter – magical.

She is married and a mother of two young sons, as well as being a mother to her salon, she said.

The salon, then, is the oldest of her children at almost 8 years old, Perry said. Her boys are 4 and 1 years old.

“I’m grateful I started the business before I had children because starting the salon really was like having a baby at first,” Perry said. “When I had my children, the business was 4 or 5 years old, and I know it’s not a tangible person, but it felt like it could walk without me – be on its own. It allowed

me to focus on my sons.”

The boys, she said, want a little sister. That would add a princess to the story.

“If I did have a girl, she'd have some really great hair,” Perry said with a smile and a wink.

In order to operate her salon, Perry had to learn how to defeat a familiar pair of villains – bacteria and viruses. Hair stylists must pass a bacteriology exam during licensing, she said.

“This is one of the few professions that is licensed for skin-on-skin touch. We have to learn how to decontaminate items from bloodborne pathogens,” Perry said. “We had to learn about the risk of spreading communicable diseases, which was a big thing during COVID-19.”

Her salon follows a strict disinfection protocol that was enhanced by the pandemic.

“Even though it’s calmed down, we

still follow the changes in how we disinfect that came about because of COVID-19,” Perry said.

Those microscopic ne’er do wells have not been a problem thanks to the Beehive’s cleaning regimen.

Perry suffers from what she calls “mom brain” and said her thoughts are scattered. There is a link, however, some say, between a scattered mind and creativity.

Perry is an artist, afterall. Her canvas is atop her clienteles’ heads, and she takes her charge very seriously.

She attended beauty school at the Career Development School, 104 Profit Drive, during her junior and senior years of high school.

She was president of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, now called SkillsUSA. Her education entailed “more than just hair.” The club prepares a skilled workforce.

“SkillsUSA empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens,” the mission statement reads, “SkillsUSA

improves the quality of America’s skilled workforce through a structured program of citizenship, leadership, employability, technical and professional skills training.”

“You had to take the school seriously or you would be removed and your spot given to another applicant. It made us mature in a way that made us ready to take on this career,” Perry said.

She passed the state cosmetology exam on her third try. She was ‘giggly’ the first two times and the judges disapproved, she said.

The third time she buckled down, suppressed the urge to giggle, and earned her license. That was in 2001.

By 2012, after a long apprenticeship, she was ready to run the Beehive.

Her salon offers cuts, styles, coloring, balayage – a soft blended coloring, eyelash extension service and basic facials.

One stylist is a barber to the male clientele.

To get to the second villain in the story, one has to go back to Flores and Canales.

Flores’ father, Elton John Flores, was murdered in 2000, when she was just 5 years old, she said. Her mom raised Flores and her younger sister on her own.

The man who killed Flores’ father –the other villain in the narrative – was convicted of murder and has been in prison ever since, she said.

Then, two years ago, Flores said,

her mother’s house burned to the ground. Canales lost everything and was forced to begin anew.

Despite it all, Flores and her mother both have pluck and verve and were ready for their hairstyling adventure.

Flores is possessed of a sweet and welcoming disposition despite the pain visited on her by her father’s death.

She said of her mother, “I salute her. She’s a very strong woman and mother. I wasn’t an easy child growing up. I definitely gave her a run for her

money. Now I'm a CNA waiting to go to nursing school and my sister is a dialysis technician, on her way to be the administrator of DaVita.”

Flores works at Citizens Medical Center on a postoperative surgery floor. She’s been there six months, hoping to start nursing school in October.

Of her visit to the Beehive, she said “It was a salon I've seen before but I never knew the atmosphere was so great inside, and I am definitely going back.”

John Wayne Schulz said he has always had a deep love for country. After performing for military service members overseas, he returned home and joined the Marine Corps.

Singing on ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ was just one dream of many

STORY BY JON WILCOX | JWILCOX@VICAD.COM PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY JOHN WAYNE SCHULZ

Standing in the bright lights of "American Idol" as a season 10 top 40 finalist was the treat of a lifetime for John Wayne Schulz. But looking back, the country singer songwriter is glad he was cut from the show when he was. His parting from the show allowed him three precious months to remain by his mother's side before she finally succumbed to breast cancer.

"I just thank the Lord that I had that time with her," Schulz, 35, said in late September. "Because I wouldn't have had that if I was on the show."

And as it would turn out, that stint on "American Idol'' was merely one short chapter in a life story so incredible it seems torn from the pages of fiction.

Growing up in Karnes City, Schulz

developed an affinity for music early on, which was only rivaled by his love for the Lone Star State.

When his parents revealed to him at a young age that he was the only one of his six siblings to be born outside Texas, "I literally bawled my eyes out. I didn't understand how that was possible."

He instead was born while his father was working briefly in Montana. When his mother's water broke, they took off in a truck for the Texas border. Unfortunately, they only made it a few miles, and Schulz instead got to Texas, as soon as he could, as they say.

At about the age of 6, Schulz's life took a turn when his mother caught him singing George Strait's "Ocean Front Property."

"She thought, 'Dang, that kid can sing,'" and didn't hesitate to put him on stage at a local talent show.

"And I just belted it out. It was pretty much history from there. I just love performing," he said.

Over the next few years, Schulz won every talent show he entered. Soon, his mother was driving him around the state for performances, including Miss Rodeo America pageants where he found a home away from home, and dances at the Crossroads Country Opry in Victoria.

"He was very well mannered, 'yes sir, no sir,'" said John Sullivan, Schulz's old bass player and current president of the Opry. "He was very good even at that age. When he sings, people take notice."

One day his mother sat him down, asking whether he really wanted to pursue singing. If he did, his mother vowed to be there every step of the way.

"She said, 'If this is something you really love, I will support you 100%. Just let me know, and I will spend the time, money and gas,'" Schulz said. "This is coming from a mom who is raising five other kids and doing her best ... She was amazing. She was a super mom for sure."

So, when Schulz finally was accepted into "American Idol" in 2010, it seemed to be the culmination of a childhood dream. In fact, it was just the beginning of a journey that

Schulz even now can hardly believe happened.

After being cut from the television show, Schulz was invited with other "American Idol" contestants to tour overseas with American Armed Services entertainment, performing for military service members and their families in Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Guam, Australia and other military bases in the Pacific.

Schulz, who had always had a deep love for country, said he was moved by the personal sacrifices of his audience. He remembered in particular talking to a 12-year-old girl who had spent nearly her entire life away from the U.S.

"I just thought, 'This little kid is giving up her time in America and her youth, so her family could be over here and serve,'" he said. "What a sacrifice this family is making."

When Schulz finally got home, he walked into a Marine recruiting office and a few weeks later was on his way to boot camp.

Schulz's love affair with music might have ended there, but years into his service as an infantry machine gunner, an email popped in his inbox and was nearly missed. On a whim, he took a look. It was from "American Idol," and they wanted him back for season 15,

the show's final season.

Despite being an active-duty Marine, Schulz's commander was emphatic about him returning to the show.

"My commander was like, 'You are going,'" Schulz said.

Schulz made it again into the top 40, and with the show behind him he’s now chasing other pursuits.

These days, Schulz works as a flight instructor for SkyWest Airlines, fulfilling another childhood dream of taking to the skies.

He still hopes to move to Nashville one day to make it big as a country artist. And there's still time for Schulz, who still plays in the Crossroads with the band he once performed with as a kid.

But he also now has his eye on another, more important dream — becoming a husband and father.

He is dating a Victoria occupational therapist at Twin Pines Nursing Home, where he performed for residents in early October.

"I could have 2,000 hours of flight time. I could win CMAs and Grammys, but none of that would mean much to me more than being a good father and good husband," he said. "That is the measure of a successful life."

John Wayne Schulz hangs out with Twin Pines residents during an October performance at the Victoria nursing home.

•

•

TONY VASQUEZ

•

•

• Pumpkin Patch Event

• Victoria Bach Festival's ‘Mariachis & Margaritas’

Photo by Danny Vivian

Amy Mundy, Geanie Morrison and Jill Fox

Ashlie Thomas and Jennifer Kent

Victoria Symphony Duck Safari Kickoff Party

MOONSHINE DRINKERY SEPT. 15

Chris Wall and William Myers

Bonnie Riley and Jake Truss

Penni Gietz and Darryl One

Erin Hately and Vanessa Heinold

Variety Dinner

hosted by Viva Texas Film Festival HAUSE VENUE | SEPT. 17

Amy Mundy, Melissa and Torin Bales, and Constance Filley Johnson

Molly Duke Gonzales

Robert Royer and Fe Vela

Gary Branfman and Tracy Oliver

Victoria Ballet Theatre Patron Party & Fall for Dance opening

VICTORIA COLLEGE’S LEO J. WELDER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS SEPT. 24

Kennedy Velasquez, Leilani Valdes and Caroline Valdes

Meaghan Mackenzie-Rolfe, Jillian Cudin and Cassidy Olson

Kaitlyn Haschke and Phoebe Schneider

Norma Franz, Leslye Franz and Rachel Watkins

Melbourn Motl and Gay Motl

Pumpkin Patch

Event PEACHES & TORTILLA | OCT. 1

Dora Oliva, Gary Moses and Vickie Romero

Alexa Albrecht and Phil Albrecht

Amanda Collins and Crisi Fetters

Lascena and Matt Simmons

Victoria Bach Festival's ‘Mariachis & Margaritas’ THE CLUB WESTERNER DANCE HALL OCT. 2

Garrett and Jenna Mize with Kelly and John Villafranca

Buck Moore and Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez

Brooke and Mike Mercer

Mariachi Las Coronelas

Josh and Elisa Vega

Calendar of Events

VICTORIA

FROM THE VAULT: NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE TOUR

Nov. 22 – 2 p.m. Museum of the Coastal Bend 2200 E. Red River St. bit.ly/3Slrpuu

TURKEY TROT VICTORIA Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day) – 7:30 a.m. Patriot Park, Victoria bit.ly/3EZ9GWE Hosted by Victoria Area Road Runners Association

41ST ANNUAL VASA POD THANKSGIVING WEEKEND CHILI COOK-OFF Nov. 25-27 Victoria Coleto Lake RV Resort 500 Coleto Park Road

SBS-MAKING CHRISTMAS ABOUT COMMUNITY

Nov. 26 − 10 a.m.-8 p.m. DeLeon Plaza Victoria Vendors selling food, drinks, merchandise to start your holiday shopping,and free kids fun. Santa and Mrs. Santa 1-3 p.m. Alcoholic beverages available after 4 p.m. Community Christmas Kick-off Party 4-8 p.m.

HOLIDAY ARTISANS MARKET Dec. 1-2 − 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Museum of the Coastal Bend 2200 E. Red River St. bit.ly/3VPo4H9t

JINGLE & MINGLE! Dec. 1 − 5:30-8:30 p.m. 3610 N. Ben Wilson St. 361-550-6419

CONSPIRARE CHRISTMAS Dec. 1 − 7:30 p.m.

Victoria Fine Arts Center 1002 Sam Houston Drive conspirare.org/

E. VINCENT WOOD EXHIBIT Dec. 1 – Jan. 22 Nave Museum | navemuseum.org

MOTHER CLUCKERS DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS BLOCK PARTY Dec. 2 − 6-10 p.m. Downtown Victoria Forrest to Juan Linn streets bit.ly/3F6fq13

CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE Dec. 2 − 5-9 p.m. DeLeon Plaza

LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 3 − 6 p.m. Downtown Victoria

3RD ANNUAL OH WHAT FUN CHRISTMAS Dec. 3 − 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Velocity Powersports, 2604 N. Navarro St. facebook.com/VelocityofVictoria

THE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 8 –11

Victoria College’s Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St. victoriaballet.org/the-nutcracker.html

HWY 87 TRADE DAYS MARKET Dec. 17 − 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Son Valley Ranch, 8793 U.S. 87 North 361-572-9604

DOWNTOWN VICTORIA ART WALK WITH CROSSROADS ART HOUSE Dec. 17 − 1-6 p.m. STAINED GLASS TOUR Dec. 17 − 5:30 p.m. DeLeon Plaza Victoria Main Street Program victoriamainstreet.org

DECORATE COOKIES FOR SANTA WITH SANTA RITA MARKET

Dec. 11 − 6 p.m. 2914 N. Laurent St. Event by Santa Rita Market and Crossroads Art House Tickets: bit.ly/3gw9vYU

CHARITY CONCERT SERIES: GENE WATSON LIVE Jan. 19 − 7:30-9:30 p.m. Victoria College’s Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts 214 N. Main St. weldercenter.org/events

CHICAGO NIGHTS LIVE

Jan. 21 − 7:30 p.m. Victoria ISD Fine Arts Center 1002 Sam Houston Drive bit.ly/3MQhxrq

Dana Dobbs

231 S. Market St. Goliad, TX 77963 361-412-8651

Tues - Sat 9:00-6:00 Follow Us!

CUERO

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

Nov. 21 - Jan. 2 − 6-10 p.m. nightly Cuero Municipal Park cuerochristmasinthepark.org

SHOP SMALL SATURDAY/SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Nov. 26 cuerochristmasinthepark.org

CHRISTMAS IN DOWNTOWN Dec. 9 − 6-10 p.m., Dec. 10 − noon-10 p.m. Cuero Main Street cueromainstreet.com

SANTA’S LAST “SHOT” SHOPPING Dec. 20 − 5-8 p.m. Downtown Cuero

EDNA

2022 ANNUAL LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE

Dec. 8 − 6 p.m. Downtown Edna

SHOP LOCAL Extended hours every Thursday in December until 7 p.m. Shop until noon on Dec. 10 Downtown Edna

GANADO

GANADO FARMER AND HANDMADE MARKET

Nov. 26 − 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 24 − 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 111 S. Third St. bit.ly/3t3dwHj

GOLIAD

CHRISTMAS IN GOLIAD Dec. 2 − 4-7 p.m., Dec. 3 − 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 205 S. Market St., Goliad bit.ly/3Smlghx

CHRISTMAS RENDEZVOUS AND TRADE FAIR

Dec. 3 − 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Presidio La Bahia - Goliad 217 Loop 71, Goliad 361 645-3752 goliadcc.org/community-calendar

JARROD BIRMINGHAM'S FAMILY CHRISTMAS SHOW

Dec. 17 − 7 p.m. Schroeder Hall, 12516 Farm-to-Market Road 62, Goliad schroederhall.com/

HALLETTSVILLE

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Nov. 27-28

Lights and exhibits to stay up through the holiday season On the square in downtown Hallettsville Halletsvillefol.org

6TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN A SMALL TOWN WINE WALK Dec. 10 Times to be determined. hallettsville.com/

CHRISTMAS IN THE KLINGE-CKINVESTIGATION OF THE OLD LAVACA COUNTY JAIL Dec. 10 − 3 p.m.-Midnight 305 N Main St., Hallettsville bit.ly/3eO51w9

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP DOMINO TOURNAMENT (STRAIGHT DOMINOS) Jan. 15 KC Hall, 321 U.S. 77 South 361-798-2311

PORT LAVACA

THANKSGIVING DINNER Nov. 24 − 3-5 p.m.

Port Lavaca / Matagorda Bay KOA Holiday 1348 County Road 302, Port Lavaca bit.ly/3ggKrES

STORY TIME WITH SANTA’S ELF Dec. 10 − 3-4 p.m. Port Lavaca/Matagorda Bay KOA Holiday 1348 County Road 302, Port Lavaca bit.ly/3sfylP6

SLEIG(HAY) RIDE WITH SANTA & CHRISTMAS MOVIE Dec. 25 − 5-7 p.m.

Port Lavaca / Matagorda Bay KOA Holiday 1348 County Road 302, Port Lavaca bit.ly/3EXq1LD

PORT O’CONNOR

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE IN PORT O’CONNOR Dec. 3 − 6-8 p.m.

Intracoastal Canal in Port O'Connor portoconnorchamber.com/

ROCKPORT

ROCKPORT TROPICAL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Dec. 3 − 10 a.m

Rockport Festival Grounds bit.ly/3TEKjNT

CHRISTMAS IN FULTON Dec. 14-15, times to be determined Fulton Convention Center 401 N. Fulton Beach Road, Fulton bit.ly/3greiuD

SANTA IN THE PARK Dec. 15

Civic Center, 710 W. Ave. A, Port Aransas

YOAKUM

CHRISTMAS ON GRAND Dec. 3 − 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Downtown Yoakum bit.ly/3eR9TAs

YORKTOWN

MAJESTIC LIGHTS OVER COLETO CREEK Now thru Dec. 10 Downtown and Yorktown Park 361-64-2661