Rugged Cowboys Serve Cute Cowgirls at 2023 Paradise Park Luncheon

by Ginger Engels, Paradise Park

E very February for several decades, Paradise Park in McAllen hosts a Ladies’ Luncheon in our park. We open it up to ladies outside our park, as well. This year’s theme was Bows to Boots, We’re Cowgirl Cute in Texas.

What can you expect to experience when attending one of our luncheons?

You’ll see a creatively decorated hall, enjoy some form of entertainment, be treated to a lunch served by men from our park, and see a beautiful handmade quilt (or two) to be raffled off. The quilts are handcrafted and donated by our own talented quiltladies group!

This year’s luncheon theme began to take shape in the craft room as many of the ladies began to share their ideas with each other. Soon, different committees were formed, and people in the park stepped up to volunteer their time and talents. Many women worked over the summer gathering up and making westernthemed items. A big thank you to our own Texas Border Patrol; they allowed us to recycle and reuse their discarded horseshoes, which worked perfectly as a part of our table centerpieces. Many volunteer hours went into painting the props and backdrops for our hilarious skit, “The Conestoga Wagon.” To add to the fun, many of the ladies donned western wear of all kinds.

Our servers, dressed as rugged cowboys, served a great lunch to 154 hungry cowgirl attendees. The “grub” consisted of a delicious hamburger steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and carrot cake with cream-cheese frosting, all made by our volunteer cooking crew.

Tired of paying for activities you don’t participate in?

Ready to live the local life while in the Valley?

Want a community your whole family can live in?

Over 120 gifts from our generous residents were donated to give out as door prizes, and the ladies were also able to try their luck at winning one of the beautiful quilts by purchasing tickets. We can hardly wait until next year’s luncheon in February. The theme for that event will be A Victorian Tea. The actual date will be determined at a later date. We would love to extend an invitation for ladies from other parks to join us next year. Come as you are or dress up in Victorian dresses, hats, fascinators, and jewelry, enjoy a nice cup of tea, and have lunch with the ladies of Paradise Park in McAllen! •

We are an all-ages community

• Year-round pool

• WIFI

• Billiard Room

• Bathrooms

• Playground

• Pickleball

• Horseshoes

• Hot Tub

• Rec Hall

• Laundry Room

• Shower Room

• Dog Park

• Shuffleboard

Rates ates are $350 per month, $250 security deposit, and $25 application fee, electricity at .16 per/kwh.

1820 Clay Tolle St. Mission, TX 78572

956-585-5381