TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 1 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012

VVolumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 took us fi rst to the Braman Winery Partner Event, we went back to where gift shop in Refugio for champagne it all started at the La Posada Hotel mimosas. From there, 53 of us, in Laredo. In March 2005, the fi rst including tourism partners from the meeting of the newly organized Texas TCBRTC, boarded a charter bus for Tropical Trail Region was held at the the short ride to Presidio La Bahia La Posada and hosted by the Webb in the Texas Independence Trail city County Heritage Foundation. of Goliad. (Please look elsewhere in In the years since then, we have this newsletter to read more about this returned to Laredo several times for Refugio/Goliad visit.) Partner Events, Tropical Trail Board Although it was our fi rst “cross Retreats plus the all-important state- over” to visit the attractions of another wide Tropical Trail brochure launch Heritage Trails Region, we hope it in 2008. And, each time, the Webb won’t be our last, and already have our County Heritage Foundation and eye on a future visit to Beeville, again Laredo CVB have been our hosts and in the Independence Trail Region. sponsors. Kudos to Margarita Araiza Our hosts in Refugio and Goliad were and Blasita Lopez for their help in Springtime along the Tropical the Refugio County Museum, Presi- 2005 and through the years. Trail was fi lled with wildfl owers this dio la Bahia and the Goliad County Our 2012 visit included a walk- year and what a welcome sight it was! Chamber of Commerce. Special ing tour of San Agustin Plaza in the We enjoyed the mild temperatures thanks goes out to Bart Wales and San Agustin National Register Histor- and visited Refugio, Laredo, Corpus Mona Foust for their help with this ic District near the Rio Grande River Christi and points in between. project. as well as a trolley ride and tour of the The Regional Map Book project Several meetings were held (Continued on page 3) and the planning for the Summer Heri- in Kingsville to begin the tage Trails Program Statewide Meet- planning for the June 5-7 ing in Kingsville have kept us busy, Heritage Trails Program but we also managed to have time to Statewide meeting. Carol host our fi rst ever Partner Event that Ann Anderson and the not only crossed “trails”, taking us into Kingsville CVB graciously the Texas Independence Trail Region, offered to host and sponsor but also combined regional tourism or- a welcome reception for our ganizations, to include members of the guests at the John Conner Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Museum on the campus Council (TCBRTC) on our bus trip to of Texas A&M University Goliad. Kingsville on the evening of LOOKING BEHIND US… June 5. April 2012 – Laredo Governor Rick Perry address Power On attendees March 2012 – Refugio and Goliad in Corpus Christi on the topic of the growth of the Our 79th monthly Partner Event For our 80th monthly Texas fi lm industry and tourism. TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 2 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012

robin discussion groups. Sue Shore, TTTTRTTR BOARDBOARD OOFF DDIRECTORSIRECTORS THC & I led one of the afternoon dis- NNancyancy DDevineyeviney ...... BBOARDOARD CHAIRCHAIR cussion groups on regional connections LLakeake CCorpusorpus Christi,Christi, TTx.x. to heritage tourism. It was wonderful to put faces with names that we had only RRickick SStrykertryker .... PPASTAST BOARDBOARD CHAIRCHAIR known through email and the telephone. CCorpusorpus Christi,Christi, Tx.Tx. And, of course, it is always a pleasure VValeriealerie BBatesates ....BBOARDOARD VICEVICE CHAIRCHAIR to visit with the many local preserva- PPortort IIsabel,sabel, TTx.x. tionists that participate in our programs each year. Lessons from the workshop: TTonioni NNagelagel ...... BBOARDOARD TREASURERTREASURER to remember that everyone has a story KKingsville,ingsville, TTx.x. to tell and to make sure I am prepared BBartart WWalesales ...... BBOARDOARD SECRETARYSECRETARY to tell mine and to look to the needs of RRefugio,efugio, TTx.x. my audience more than the list of things I want them to learn. In lieu of a Partner WWandaanda GGreenhillreenhill . BBOARDOARD MEMBERMEMBER Event in May all Tropical Trail Region HHarlingen,arlingen, TTx.x. Board members and myself attended MMikeike CCarlislearlisle ...... BBOARDOARD MEMBERMEMBER the fi rst Power On For Texas Film, CCorpusorpus Christi,Christi, Tx.Tx. Interactive & Tourism, Texas A & M CCynthiaynthia MMartinartin ...... EEXEC.XEC. DDIRECTORIRECTOR University CC- May 15th which all of our partners were invited to attend (con- KKingsville,ingsville, TTx.x. May was Preservation Month and ference admission was free). All told the Texas Historical Commission cel- there were 650 people in attendance. AABOUTBOUT THETHE TTROPICALROPICAL ebrated by offering fi ve regional work- The TTTR manned in conjunction with TTRAVELERRAVELER NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER shops across the state. The fi rst was the TCBRTC one of only ten booths al- PPublishedublished qquarterly,uarterly, tthehe TTropicalropical held May 1st at the Henrietta Memorial lowed. Texas A&M University System Center/King Ranch Museum in Kings- Chancellor John Sharp and Gov. Rick TTravelerraveler nnewsletterewsletter iiss ccompiledompiled bbyy ville. Entitled “Telling the Story of Perry were the featured keynote speak- tthehe BBoardoard Your Place,” the topic of the workshop ers. Experts in fi lm, music, interactive ooff DDirec-irec- will be ways to educate, infl uence and media, and tourism discussed the eco- ttorsors andand thethe garner support for a mission or project. nomic impact these important industries Guest speakers from around the region have on the future of Texas. Topics EExecutivexecutive include Toni Nagel, Director of Visitor included video gaming, low budget DDirector.irector. Program Services for the King Ranch, fi lmmaking, the Texas tourism industry, TThehe oobjectivebjective iiss ttoo ffurtherurther ppromoteromote Kenedy County Commissioner Sarita social media for small business and bbothoth tthehe uuniquenique aandnd bbeautifuleautiful hheritage,eritage, Armstrong Hixon and Brian McAuley, economic impacts of the Texas cruise cculture,ulture, aattractionsttractions aandnd nnatureature ttour-our- Site Manager, Levi Jordan Plantation industry and fi lm and television produc- State Historic Site during the morn- tions. iismsm opportunitiesopportunities wwithinithin oourur 2200 ccountyounty ing session. Speakers shared how they Governor Rick Perry offered an rregion.egion. connect with their communities and explanation of why these seemingly W Withoutithout tthehe ggenerousenerous ccoopera-oopera- shared ideas on how to effectively com- disparate industries were linked within ttionion ooff oourur PPartnersartners iinn tthishis rregion,egion, wwee municate with individuals, community one conference: “Our fi lm & music groups and offi cials in your community. industries, our emerging video game wwouldn’touldn’t hhaveave a sstorytory ttoo ttellell oorr a wwayay The afternoon was spent in round (continued on page 6) ttoo ttellell iit,t, ssoo wwee wwantant yyouou ttoo kknownow wwee aappreciateppreciate tthishis vvaluablealuable ppartnership.artnership. EElevenleven ttimesimes a yyearear oourur bboardoard mmeetseets iinn a ddifferentifferent llocationocation aandnd bbringsrings wwithith iitt aann oopportunitypportunity fforor hhostost ccommunitiesommunities ttoo sshowhow ooffff ttheirheir bbestest aandnd mmostost uuniquenique ffeatures.eatures. AAndnd tthishis nnewsletterewsletter wwillill rretelletell tthathat sstorytory ttoo a bbiggerigger aaudience!udience! T Too subscribesubscribe toto oourur quarterlyquarterly nnewsletterewsletter eemail:mail: iinfo@texastropical-nfo@texastropical- ttrail.comrail.com. UUnlessnless otherwiseotherwise iindicated,ndicated, pphotogra-hotogra- Kingsville Work Discussion Group. pphyhy iiss ccopyrightedopyrighted bbyy VValeriealerie DD.. BBates.ates. TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 3 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 Texas A&M International University Miller, Sandy Jumper, Mike Carlisle campus. and Tina Crow for helping staff these May 2012 – Corpus Christi exhibit tables. In lieu of a Partner Event during In mid-May, Bart Wales and May, the majority of the Tropical Cynthia Martin attended the fourth Trail board and many of our tourism and fi nal Jean Block Seminar in Waco. partners attended a Travel Summit on These seminars were designed to help the campus of Texas A&M University develop a vision and business plan for Corpus Christi sponsored by State the self-sustainability of the Heritage Representative Todd Hunter, Texas Trail Regions. A&M University Corpus Christi, Del Detailed planning continued Mar College, University of Houston throughout the month for the June 5-7 Victoria and the Texas Travel Industry Heritage Trails Statewide Meeting to Association (TTIA). be held in Kingsville. The daytime This summit was titled “Power meetings will be held at the Henrietta On for Texas Film, Interactive & Memorial Center/King Ranch Muse- Tourism” and drew over 650 attend- um and the Holiday Inn Express. Op- ees from all over Texas and beyond. tional dinners and tours will include Keynote speakers included Governor a Fiesta Dinner at the Caesar Kleberg Rick Perry and John Sharp, Chancel- Wildlife Center, a Ranch Dinner at lor of Texas A&M University. Panel the Holiday Inn Express, a bus tour of discussions included topics such as the King Ranch and a walking tour of “The Video Gaming Industry”, “Low historic downtown Kingsville includ- Budget Filmmaking”, “Heritage and ing the Depot Museum & Visitor Nature Tourism Working Together”, Center, the Flato Opera House, Saddle “Social Media for Small Business”, Shop and other downtown attractions “Essentials of Research for Effec- plus an update on the Kingsville Main tive Tourism Marketing” and “The Street Program. Economic Impact of the Texas Cruise LOOKING AHEAD… Industry”. On June 19 we’ll hold our 81st The Tropical Trail Region and monthly Partner Event in the Border the TCBRTC shared an exhibit table Byway town of Rio Grande City. with information about the cultural, Plans include a trolley ride and visits heritage and tourism attractions in to such historic sites as La Borde South Texas and the Coastal Bend Hotel, Robert E. Lee House at Fort area. Ringgold, Miffl in Kenedy Warehouse The very next day, many of and the Grotto of Lourdes. Our hosts the same folks were back in Corpus and sponsors for the day will include Christi at the American Bank Center the Rio Grande City EDC and the City to attend the annual National Tour- of Rio Grande City. ism Week Luncheon sponsored by Destinations have not yet been the Corpus Christi CVB. Again, the set for our July 17 and August 21 Part- Tropical Trail and TCBRTC shared an ner Events. If you would like for our exhibit table to provide printed materi- group to visit your community, please als about the area to the estimated 500 contact me at nancydeviney@yahoo. attendees. com. In the meantime, enjoy your Thanks to Cynthia Martin, April summer! Garner, Ann Neese, Rick Stryker, Bart Nancy Deviney Wales, Jane Marslender, Josephine Texas Tropical Trail Region Board Chair TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 4 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY RECEIVES TAM’S HIGHEST HONOR The Texas Association of the museum just achieved its fi eld by hiring well-trained staff Museums (TAM) President’s fourth American Association of who produce quality program- Award is the association’s high- Museums (AAM) accreditation ming and exhibitions. Follow- est honor bestowed on a Texas since 1973. TAM President ing a standing ovation, Rick museum, organization or group Kathy Shannon presented the Stryker graciously thanked the that exemplifi es excellence in award, nothing that the fourth TAM for the award and ac- the museum fi eld. This year accreditation is an extraordi- knowledged the hard work of TAM honored the Corpus nary accomplishment for any his staff. Christi Museum of Science and museum and particularly for a History. city museum. She noted that Photo below, left to right: Rick Under the strong leader- TAM admires the museum’s Stryker, Ruth Ann Rugg (TAM ship of Rick Stryker, who is commitment to advance the President), Ford Bell (AAM in his 27th year as director, professionalism of the museum President) TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 5 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 and interactive media companies, as well as our trav- el industry, all represent communities that have to be creative, adaptable and innovative if they want to continue succeeding. Luckily, Texas is chock full of innovative and creative people, qualities that refl ect our state’s character and pioneer origins.” Governor Perry went on to say that a 2011 UT study indicated that for every dollar we spend in our Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, we generate almost $19 in private sector economic activity. Texas recoups $7 in tax revenue from visitors for every dollar we spend on advertising. Preliminary numbers show travel in Texas in 2011 topped the previous year by about fi ve percent, with more than 208 million people visiting Texas destinations from within the United States alone with total travel spending coming in at an estimated $63.4 billion. That’s the highest amount of travel spending we’ve ever recorded. Those inter- ested can read Governor Perry’s full speech at http:// Nancy Deviney, Board Chair and Cynthia Martin, Executive www.texasinsider.org/?p=62481. (See photo on page 1.) Director, share duties at the TTTR booth at Corpus Christi’s TTTR Board Member, Bart Wales, and I attend- Power On. ed the third and fi nal Jean Block seminar in Waco May 22nd. These workshops were sponsored by the Texas Historical Commission to promote organiza- tional sustainability among each of the ten heritage trail regions of Texas. The participating Heritage Trail Regions came away from this session with three solid business ideas for collective sustainabili- ty. Each of these ideas will be further researched and evaluated for their income potential before settling on which one of the three to pursue. The conference agenda now out for the Moun- tain Plains Museum Association MPMA annual con- ference in Corpus Christi from October 2 - 6, 2012. MPMA always provides great educational experi- ences, wonderful tours and memorable times. The MPMA meeting is a golden opportunity to signifi - cantly expand your network. It is also important that we put our tourism hat on and show what a vibrant museum community we have in south Texas. Among Beth Nobles, Texas Mountain Trail ED, presents her team’s this year’s keynoters is Cheech Marin, television and fi lm actor and part of the comedy duo of Cheech and research. Chong, will talk about other major interest of his: pus Christi Bay/Gulf of Mexico, the Rockport Harbor Arts collecting Chicano art and connecting with Chicano audi- and Culture District, the King Ranch, South Texas Botanical ences. A third generation Mexican American, Cheech has Gardens & Nature Center and the Padre Island Sea Shore are received numerous awards for his work on behalf of Latinos. offered. He received the inaugural Legacy Award for Arts Advocacy Session topics include building successful exhibits, from the Smithsonian Latino Center. He also serves on the rethinking budgets for small museums, developing an edu- boards of the Smithsonian Latino Center and the Hispanic cational collaboration in your community, environmental Scholarship Fund. Kent Ullberg, a seafaring Swede who standards for collections, sharing community heritage online, lives on Padre Island, will talk about his changing career from information management strategies, preserving historic museum curator to one of world’s foremost wildlife sculptors. museum buildings, moving your archives into the digital age, Also, Meme Omogbai, Chair of the American Association of and utilizing volunteer services wisely. Tropical Trail ED, Museums and COO of New Jersey’s Newark Museum, will Cynthia Martin will be one of the presenters Friday, October moderate a discussion of the national museum scene along 5th at 10:30 am speaking to Museums and Heritage Tourism: with a power-packed group of nationally-recognized directors Opportunity Awaiting Those That Grasp It. We’ll discuss at the Directors Luncheon. how to document existing heritage tourism at your site, Tours of Environmental Science research centers in Cor- (Continued on page 25) TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 6 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 the beginning to bring as many Port Isabel EDC visitors as possible to all of your Refugio County cities; we can continue to do this Refugio County Historical Society with your help. Rio Grande Valley Museum Assoc. Robstown ADC THANKS TO OUR PARTNER Rockport - Fulton Chamber DONORS PARTNER City of San Benito DONORS TO DATE SEPT. San Patricio EDC 2011 THROUGH MAY 2012 Rick & Catherine Stryker Aransas Pass Chamber Starr County Marlett Bahn Taft Blackland Museum Valerie Bates Texas Coastal Bend Bishop Chamber of Commerce Regional Tourism Council Cameron County Texas Maritime Museum Janey Cone Three Rivers Chamber Costumes of the Americas Museum Valley International Airport Thank you, all of you who Cotulla-LaSalle County Chamber Verizon have sent in your partner do- Nancy Deviney Bart Wales nation to Texas Tropical Trail Edinburg Chamber Weslaco Chamber Region. For those who have not Sharron Farris Zapata County Chamber sent in the partner donation, and Friends of the Fulton Mansion Zapata County there are quite a few, come on Frontera Audubon Society “Marketing draws Tourists get that check out today. We are George West Chamber working hard to keep those visi- & Dollars to our Region” Grace Armantrout Museum tors coming to your city and we Wanda Greenhill can only accomplish this with TEXAS TROPICAL TRAIL Harlingen CVB your participation. Harlingen Arts & Heritage REGION & SOCIAL If you have not attended one MEDIA of our meetings, please come Museum and join us and see exactly what Home Depot Twitter, we do to promote your area. We Jim Hogg County Facebook or an have visited from South Padre John E. Conner Museum Kingsville CVB RSS feed, lots of Island to Laredo to Refugio ways to follow Kenedy Ranch Museum and all points in between. We the Texas Tropi- Laredo CVB send out over 800 invitations, cal Trail! Events, via email, every month! These McAllen Chamber of Commerce adventures, visits to your city are fun, en- McMullen County on-this-day-in- tertaining, informational and City of Mission history trivia and educational. After all, don’t we Museum Foundation of facts & more! all need to learn everything there Hebbronville is to know about our great state Museum of South Texas History and equally as important our cit- Nueces County ies and counties? Port Aransas Chamber Your Texas Tropical Trail Port Isabel Chamber Region has worked hard from City of Port Isabel TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 7 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 in Rio Grande Valley: A Relaxed nents, and has been responsible and Easy tour” in February and for developing VENT's program two “Spring in South Texas” tours of educational birding workshops. in April of each year. Well, it just Check out details of this VENT so happens that in March of 2013, tour at http://www.ventbird.com/ there will be a Birding Workshop birding-tour/2013/03/06/rockport- in Rockport that is designed and workshop. Kenn Kaufman has directed by Kenn Kaufman, who worked with Houghton Miffl in in recently issued a new edition of his producing several nature guides on classic Field Guide to Advanced birds and butterfl ies that are uti- Birding. The subtitle of the new lized by many naturalists. edition is Understanding what you This summer as the ther- see and hear, and that will be the mometer rises, we should attempt focus of the VENT tour approach. to keep backyard water sources The workshop will be a short but for birds and wildlife fi lled daily. concentrated fi eld session on how There are a variety of wildlife Our area is in such an en- to identify birds, with daily fi eld programs for school kids going on tertaining migratory path, you just trips and evening lectures, in a this summer, so check the local never know what to expect! Rock- beautiful and birdy section of the newspapers and tourism guides for port has their regular Humming- Texas coast. In 2000, Houghton information on whats happening in bird Festival in mid September, Miffl in Company launched Kenn's the various regions of the Tropical and some residents or visitors may new fi eld guide series, Kaufman Trail. think that mid September is the Focus Guides, with a brand new Keep cool and hydrated, only migration coming through. In guide to all North American birds. and take your binoculars with you! early May, we had an extraordinary The series now includes volumes Hummer migration that were emp- on North American butterfl ies Toni Nagel, tying area feeders daily! (2003) and mammals (2004). He Director King Ranch Visitor Pro- Earlier in this past Spring, has led nature tours on six conti- gram Services in mid April, we had an amazing abundance of Admiral butterfl ies feeding off the sunfl owers and other home feeders. Sibyl Deacon, a Master Naturalist in Kingsville likes to mix up a batch of brown sugar, bananas and beer and spread on a feeder for the butterfl ies.. You can search the internet for a vari- ety of recipes for butterfl y or moth mash, or fresh fruit can be a great bird or butterfl y attraction as well. As I was looking about to see what might be happening in our region this summer, I peeked at the Victor Emanuel Nature Tour (VENT) website. They offer birding tours and cruises all over the world and offer two “Winter TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 8 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 TROPICAL TRAIL & TCBRTC MEMBERS ON THE ROAD: REFUGIO & GOLIAD!

The Texas Tropical Trail Region group and members of the Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council (TCBRTC) joined forces on March 20 for a First Class visit to the Refugio Braman Wine Tasting Room and the Presidio La Bahia in Goliad. This visit involved crossing “trail” boundaries to visit Goliad, and, for the fi rst time, our monthly Partner Event was held in the Tropical Trail Region as well as the Texas Independence Trail Region. Fifty-three persons from all over South Texas met at the Braman Winery in downtown Refugio for champagne mimosas and then boarded a charter bus bound for a day of adventure in Goliad. Newton Warzecha, Director of Presidio La Bahia, met us in the Presi- dio’s Lady of Loreto Chapel to present an informative program about the Goliad Massacre and Texas history in general. From the Presidio, we headed to downtown Goliad and the Hanging Tree Restaurant. During lunch, Cynthia Martin, Executive Director of the Tropical Trail Region, gave an informative presentation on the “Who, What & Why of the Texas Tropical Trail Region” and Darlene Montague of the Goliad County Chamber of Commerce spoke to us about the businesses and attractions around the courthouse square. As an extra added treat, Mr. Warzecha invited everyone to visit his loft home located on the courthouse square. Following the loft tour, the bus returned to the Braman Winery in Refugio where all enjoyed wine-tasting and their gift shop. Special thanks to Mona Foust of the Goliad County Chamber of Com- merce and Bart Wales of the Refugio County Museum for making this special day possible. To see Valerie Bates’ photos of all the fun, please visit http://thetropicaltraveler.com/blog/2012/03/22/tropical-visits-refugio-goliad/ A similar visit to Beeville and the Berclair Mansion is being planned for the near future. TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 9 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 GOLIAD!

Hanging Tree Restaurant located on 144 N. Courthouse Square in downtown Goliad, just The Presidio at Goliad. across the street from the Goliad County Court- house and the real hanging tree. http://www. hangingtreerestaurant.com/

Architectural detailngs at the Presidio.

Residential loft at Soho Goliad.

Interior of Our Lady of Loreto Chapel. First Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico was signed on the altar, December 20, 1835. Goliad County Courthouse and clock tower. TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 1100 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 TROPICAL TRAIL ON THE ROAD: LAREDO!

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Our visit to Laredo al- lowed us to explore San Agustin National Register Historic District near the Rio Grande River and the numerous museums and his- torical buildings in the area. We began our day at the Villa Antigua Border Heri- tage Museum, site of the 2008 Texas Tropical Trail Region Brochure Launch. VILLA ANTIGUA BORDER HERITAGE MUSEUM: This restored WWashington’sashington’s BBirthdayirthday CCelebrationelebration two-story brick building, BBreezewayreezeway aatt CCasaasa OOrtiz.rtiz. MMuseum.useum. constructed in the early 20th century, was once home to two early Laredo merchant families. In 2002, the Webb County Heritage Foundation and the County of Webb acquired the home and undertook its historic rehabilitation. It now serves as the Villa Anti- gua Border Heritage Museum featuring exhib- its showcasing the history and heritage of the border region. 810 Zaragoza St. http://www. webbheritage.org/index_fi les/22BHM.htm CASA ORTIZ: With its beautiful gardens and amazing view of Mexico and the Rio Grande River, Casa Ortiz is a historical home that forms RRepublicepublic ooff RRioio GGranderande MMuseum.useum. TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 1111 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 a key part of the San Agustin Na- ratist movement which seceded works of art within her home set- tional Register Historic District of from Mexico because of opposi- ting to create a gathering space Laredo. Built by Jose Reyes Ortiz tion to centralist rule. where an artist celebrated, lived between 1829 and 1830, Casa A president was elected, a and worked her art daily. In addi- Ortiz was designated a Recorded cabinet appointed and a fl ag tion to the artist’s works, visitors Texas Historical Landmark in made. This gave Laredo its sev- will fi nd an impressive array of 1964. It is considered one of the enth fl ag, one more than the six works by artists who were Wat- oldest continuously inhabited which have fl own over Texas. son’s colleagues, friends or artists residences in Texas. At present, The structure was converted into whose works she collected. Casa Ortiz is managed by Texas a period house museum in 1955. As a child, Helen Richter A&M International University The museum is operated by the Watson (1926-2003) playfully and used for hosting University Webb County Heritage Founda- harvested mud from the banks of events, seminars, the Rio Grande, footsteps tours and for edu- from her home. The mud cational purposes in would be carefully molded collaboration with into clay pots of transitory the Webb County beauty, connecting Helen Heritage Founda- with her environment and tion. http://www. forging a link that nurtured tamiu.edu/casaortiz/ one of the nation’s most WASHING- highly regarded ceramics TON’S BIRTHDAY artists and educators. CELEBRATION Our sponsors and MUSEUM: This hosts for this day were museum features HHelenelen RRichterichter WWatsonatson AArtrt GGallery.allery. the City of Laredo, Webb exhibits unique to County Heritage Founda- Laredo’s grandest city-wide festi- tion. http://www.webbheritage. tion, Laredo Main Street Program, val which takes place every year org/index_fi les/21RRG.htm Laredo Convention and Visitors in February and includes displays HELEN RICHTER WATSON Bureau and La Posada Hotel. of sparkling gowns, photos and ART GALLERY: The gallery is http://thetropicaltraveler.com/ other memorabilia telling the a light-fi lled aerie that embraces blog/2012/04/19/tropical-trail- story of Laredo’s Washington’s the emphatic spectrum of her visits-laredo/. Birthday Celebration which has profound been going on for more than 100 infl uence as years. both artist REPUBLIC OF THE RIO and teacher. GRANDE MUSEUM: Formerly The gallery the home of Don Bartolome replicates Garcia, an early rancher and city Watson’s leader, the structure was built welcoming in two stages with the three rear Houston rooms thought to date to the Street stu- 1830s. In 1840, it served as the dio, which capitol of the Republic of the Rio openly Grande, a northern Mexico sepa- mixed TTexasexas AA&M&M IInternationalnternational UUniversity.niversity. TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 1122 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 TROPICAL TRAIL HOSTS ANNUAL THTP MEETING IN KINGSVILLE! Kingsville rolls out the wel- come wagon as the trails converged in south Texas from June 5 - 7. Events kicked off with a re- ception sponsored by the Kingsville CVB at the John Connor Museum on the Texas A & M University campus. Dinner followed at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center on the grounds of the Tio & Janell Kleberg Wildlife Research Park near the Uni- versity campus and featured a Fiesta Fajita Buffet and entertainment by Mariachi del Sol of Kingsville. Optional activities also included a tour of the King Ranch Museum, located inside the Henrietta Memorial Center and a King Ranch Bus Tour hosted by Marlett Bahn. During a ranch dinner featuring “King Ranch Casserole”, we were entertained with a performance by members of the Texas A & M Kingsville (TA- MUK) Drama Department as they presented “Come Abroad”, a brief history of Kingsville. Following dinner, we were serenaded by King Ranch kinenos (cowboys). Tropical Trail would like to express their thanks to the Kingsville CVB, King Ranch and all the door prize donors. See photos of the fun on the two following pages. KKinging RRanchanch kkinenoineno GGilbertilbert CCavazos.avazos.

MMariachiariachi ddelel SSolol ooff KKingsville.ingsville. TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 1133 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012

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TTwinwin bbrothersrothers andand KingKing RRanchanch kkinenosinenos LLoloolo SSingeringer aandnd KKinging RRanchanch kki-i- aandnd GGilbertilbert CCavazos.avazos. GGuitaristuitarist GGilbertilbert CCavazos.avazos. nnenoeno DDavidavid CCavazosavazos TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 1155 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 1166 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 Port of Indianola. They plan to make Kingsville their home. NANCY DEVINEY is a native Tex- an, born in Corpus Christi and raised RICK STRYKER graduated from in Kingsville. She has lived in the Austin College in Sherman, Texas South Texas area for over 60 years. with a bachelors degree in history and Nancy has been active in South then earned a masters degree from the Texas tourism for over 20 years. She University of Delaware in American currently serves as Chair of the Board history with a museum studies certifi - of Directors of the Texas Tropical Trail cate. He was a curator with the His- Region, and as President of the Texas torical Society of Delaware before Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council. becoming the Assistant Director of the She was Executive Director of the Freer Chamber of Grand Rapids (MI) Public Museum. In 1985 he came to his Commerce for 15 years and also wrote a monthly feature ar- current position as Director of the Corpus Christ Museum ticle for the South Texas Traveler magazine for many years. of Science and History, a department of the City of Corpus She and her husband, Frank Deviney, live on the shores Christi. He has served in various capacities including the of Lake Corpus Christi in Live Oak County near Orange governing council of the Texas Association of Museums and Grove. also served in various capacities including the president of the Museum Association of South Texas. Texas Tropical Trail Region Executive Director, CYNTHIA MARTIN came WANDA GREENHILL was born in to Texas from Colorado to attend the Alice, Texas and moved to Harlingen University of Texas at Austin where at the age of four. Wanda’s grandpar- she earned her Master’s degree in His- ents came to Harlingen in 1928. Being toric a native Texan, she is proud of her state Preservation. She has worked the past and wants to promote tourism in every fi ve years fi rst as consultant thenas way possible. Director of the non-profi t Zedler Mill Wanda and her husband Paul live Foundation advising the Board on the restoration, develop- outside Lyford in Willacy County. ment and interpretation of the c.1874 They have four children and ten extra special grandchil- Zedler Mill in Luling, Texas. There Cynthia took the leading dren. role in the development and implementation of an interpre- Wanda is past President of the Harlingen Arts & Heri- tation/marketing plan that not only promotes the mill as a tage Museum Advisory Board. She is Treasurer of the RGV heritage tourism attraction but promotes all of Luling as a Museum Association, which is the fundraising arm of the heritage Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum. She is an active volun- tourism destination. teer, Treasurer of the RGV Birding Festival and past Presi- Before coming to Texas, Cynthia managed and market- dent of the Northern Cameron County United Way. She has ed her own mortgage business in Berthoud, Colorado. As a been a Board member of the Harlingen Area Chamber of member of the Chamber of Commerce, she actively worked Commerce and past judge of the Miss Texas USA Pageant. to promote all Berthoud businesses and to support communi- Wanda was the fi rst woman president of the Bethel Lutheran ty non-profi ts. Cynthia has several years of experience with Church Council. the Berthoud Main Street program participating in fundrais- Wanda Greenhill currently serves on the Texas Tropi- ing activities and designing a more pedestrian friendly cal Trail Region Board and represents the Harlingen Arts & downtown streetscape that is being realized today. She Heritage Museum. was appointed to the Berthoud Historic Preservation Commission which advises the Town Trustees on all BART WALES is a native 5th gen- matters relating to preserving the historic character of the eration Texan, Bart was born in Mid- town. land, Tx. and raised in Refugio, Tx. Cynthia and husband, Miguel, are avid heritage tour- He attended school in Refugio and ists having traveled to sites as wide-spread and varied as the attended College at Texas A&M Uni- Golden Temple in Kyoto, Puerto Rico’s El Yunque rain for- versity College Station, Tx. receiving est, the Taos Pueblo, the Bennington battlefi eld in Vermont, degrees in Environmental Design and Flatonia’s Railroad Tower and south Texas’ own historic a Masters in Architecture. TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 1177 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 Bart returned to Refugio where he operated his own the University of San Diego and has published numerous business and has worked with many non-profi t groups. He articles and curated dozens of exhibits on a variety of facets served on the City Council and as Mayor of Refugio for 3 of our American History. terms. Toni currently serves as the Texas Tropical Trail Region Currently Bart is the Director of the Refugio County Board Treasurer. Museum, and President of the Refugio County Historical Society. He is also President of The South Texas Back Thru VALERIE BATES has been involved Time Historical Association, a group that promotes Historic with the Texas Tropical Trail Region Sites and Businesses in the Rural area from San Antonio to since 2005 and is serving on the board Corpus Christi to Victoria back to San Antonio. as Vice Chair. A resident of the Rio Bart can also be found in Corpus Christi on the week- Grande Valley since the late 60s, Val- ends where he works as a Designer for The Home Depot. erie has developed an appreciation for Bart has always had an interest in History, Art, and Ar- this region’s history and culture. As a chitecture. He currently lives in a Historic Home, that is open photographer, Valerie enjoys the op- for occasional tours, with a Collection of Art and Antiques to portunity to both document and show- rival none. case the unique beauty of south Texas. Valerie is the Market- ing Director and Public Information Offi cer for Port Isabel MIKE CARLISLE is from Cor- in Cameron County where she lives. pus Christi and serves on the Nueces County Histori- cal Commission and with the South Texas Historical Asso- ciation. Mike has a personal inter- est in preserving historic sites, encouraging and promoting historic preservation across the Tropical Trail Re- gion. Mike works for Verizon and has experience and currently serves as the 2009-2010 President of the Corpus Christi Northwest Rotary Club.

TONI L. NAGEL is the Di- rector of the King Ranch Visi- tor Program Services where she oversees the King Ranch Museum and Visitor Center and related tour program- ming. A native Texan, she has been working in the fi eld of history/museums for the last 20 years. Before coming to the King Ranch in October of 2008, she worked as the Photo Archivist/Curator of History at the Whatcom Museum in Bellingham, Washington and prior to that as the Archivist at the John E. Con- ner Museum at Texas A&M Kingsville. She received a BA in Archaeology and Muse- ums Studies from Baylor University and Masters in History with a historic preservation emphasis from Texas Tropical Trail Region ~ 635 East King Avenue, Suite 102 ~ Kingsville, TX 78363 ~ Phone: (361)592-4603 www.texastropicaltrail.com ~ Travelogue: www.thetropicaltraveler.com ~ [email protected] TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 1188 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 HURRICANE ALLEY WATER- tractions, but they’ll also be able Riptide Hideaway Bar, the park’s PARK OFFICIALLY MAKING to take in the best of what Cor- very own oasis in the sun, will pus Christi has to offer with the be serving up cold cocktails to LANDFALL IN CORPUS CHRISTI amazing views captured atop the guests that never have to leave the The wait is over….Hur- custom-designed VIP Deck and water….just swim up to the bar & ricane Alley Waterpark offi cially 6-story thrill slide, Cat 5, the only enjoy! made landfall! After breaking waterslide of its kind in the state For more information ground on August 5, 2011 and of Texas. regarding Hurricane Alley Water- beginning the 10-month long con- Hurricane Alley Waterpark park, please contact Ashley Hig- struction process, Hurricane Alley specializes in fun for the entire son, Public Relations Manager, Waterpark has opened its gates family with attractions suited for at (361) 883-9283 or visit www. to guests for a unique experience all ages & experience levels. The hurricanealleycc.com for park & that cannot be found anywhere kiddos will love running the bases ticket information. else in the Coastal Bend! in the unique baseball-themed Bill Durrill & Family, spray deck, The Diamond, as Owners, and Innovative Leisure water sprays playfully from bats, Partners, Project Managers, are balls & gloves. This particular extremely excited to bring this attraction is also a common area new & highly-anticipated devel- shared with Corpus Christi Hooks opment to Corpus Christi; giv- game-goers. Custom-designed, ing the city its FIRST & ONLY, 3-story waterslides, Momentum & 100% privately funded family wa- Storm Chaser (4-lane racer slide terpark! The park is now another named by the children of Driscoll exciting component that can be Children’s Hospital and the com- found in the list of options of- munity), will offer loads of fun fered to our locals & guests to the for guests of any age! The 12,000 area, making Corpus Christi a top sq ft wave pool, Storm Surge, and travel destination in Texas! winding lazy river, Gulf Stream, With its unique location in the will help guests beat the heat and S.E.A. District, custom-designed get their H2Overload! Captain attractions and integration into Kid’s Cove will offer a sea-faring Whataburger Field, Hurricane Al- adventure for the little ones ley Waterpark is unlike any other aboard Hurricane Alley Water- waterpark in the world. Designed park’s own replica aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Dusty, complete with The Texas Tropical Trail specifi cally to honor the local fl air Region has promotional of Corpus Christi & the Coastal slides, water cannons and replica Bend, guests will be able to not aircraft! When adult guests are materials available! Call only enjoy the exciting rides & at- looking for a relaxing escape, (361)592-4603

Revised Texas Tropical Trail Region Mission Statement (What we DO) The Texas Tropical Trail Region and its partners identify, preserve, interpret and promote the natural, historic and cultural resources of South Texas. Revised Texas Tropical Trail Region Vision Statement (What can happen as a RE- SULT of our work) The Texas Tropical Trail Region’s unique attributes and resources will be preserved and developed to create a strong economic impact in our communities. TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 1199 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 2200 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 2211 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 Rockport Music Festival, The second annual Rockport Music Festival will be held June 7-10, 2012. The event is designed to bring top acts to south Texas. Patrons will be able to hear a mix of Texas, blues, rock, jazz, and sing/ songwriter music. Call 361-463-6388 or email [email protected]. July 4th activities. Get in the patri- otic mood as you view the Patriotic Boat Parade at noon. Best views are from Fulton Beach Road. The Wendell Fam- ily Fireworks Show is held at dark the evening of July 4th. 43rd Annual Rockport Art Festi- val. The Rockport-Fulton area is known as a thriving art community and every year around the 4th of July weekend, art is abundant at the annual Rockport Art Festival. It will be held July 7-8, 2012. Local artists as well as ones throughout Texas and adjoining states set up their booths at the festival grounds next to the Rockport Beach Park. Displayed and sold are fi ne art, bronzes, pottery, photography and more. The work of the artists is juried to assure quality. The festival offers food, music, a children’s art tent, and entertainment. For more information call (361) 729-5519.

APPLY NOW TO BECOME A TREASURED COMMU- NITY AUSTIN, Texas––The Texas His- torical Commission (THC) is currently accepting applications for the 2013 First Lady’s Texas Treasures Award. Community representatives can ap- ply or be nominated based on criteria listed on the nomination form, avail- able at www.thc.state.tx.us/awards/ awdFrstLdyTxTrs.shtml A completed to realize signifi cant economic benefi ts as a result of their form and supporting documentation are due by August 31, strong cultural and historic preservation stewardship. 2012. Designated communities receive special signage Through the award, Texas First Lady Anita Perry, and a DVD promoting their cultural resources. To see video acting as honorary chair in partnership with the THC, hon- clips of the award-winning communities since 2009, visit ors communities that have shown a high level of creativity www.thc.state.tx.us. For further information on the First and ingenuity in recognizing and preserving their authentic Lady’s Texas Treasure Award, please contact April Garner, Texas sense of place. These communities use the resources State Coordinator, Texas Heritage Tourism Program at and preservation tools available from the THC and others 512-463-2630 or [email protected]. TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 2222 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 LADIES KINGFISH TOURNAMENT (LKT)- August 10th 2012 - August 12th 2012. Pre-registration is on for this great event! 200+ competitors. Bay and Offshore Divisions. Contact SPI Chamber to register at 956-761- 4412. Event takes place at SPI Convention Centre and Sea Ranch Marina II at South Point, Port Isabel. Sponsored by the SPI Chamber of Commerce. http://www.spichamber. com 28TH ANNUAL RGV INVITATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT- August 17th 2012 - August 18th 2012. Please visit website for further information http://www.rgvapi.com/fi shing/rules.html. FISHING FOR HOPE- August 18th 2012 - August 19th 2012. 7th Annual Doctor’s Hospital Renaissance Tournament at Louie’s Backyard 6am start, weigh in sta- GT 300 THE GREAT TEXAS CATAMARAN tion at Louie’s Backyard 12-2pm. Awards and dinner at RACE SOUTH PADRE TO GALVESTON- The Great Louie’s Backyard 8-10pm. To register call 956-362-3100 Texas Catamaran Race 300 miles of extreme sailing at its or email [email protected]. best! June 13 - 16 , 2012. The Great Texas Catamaran Race PARROT EYES FISHING TOURNAMENT- Au- is one of the premier long distance beach cat races in the gust 25th 2012 - August 26th 2012. Boat Tournament - country. This is distance racing at its best. In its 10th year, Max 3 anglers per boat. $100 per angler Species: Redfi sh, it is again expected to attract world class racing teams. Trout, Flounder. Dinner on Friday and Saturday included. Awards for each class will be given in addition to the First Call Katherine or Rumaldo at 956-772-9040 for additional to fi nish trophy. Please visit website for further informa- info. tion. http://www.gt300.com. DARGEL FISHING TOURNAMENT- June 29th 2012 - June 30th 2012. For Dargel, Explorer, Bay Quest owners only! 2012 Annual Tournament to be based at the South Padre Island Convention Centre. Register early to have a shot at winning a brand new 2012 Dargel Skooter! Register online now! http://www.dargel.com. FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS- July 4th 2012 - July 4th 2012, Annual fi reworks display celebrating the birth of our nation! 9:15 pm. Best viewing Bayside between Palm and Red Snapper Streets. Sponsored by the SPI Con- vention & Visitors Bureau, Phone: (956) 761-6433. 53RD ANNIVERSARY BEACHCOMBERS FINE ART SHOW- The 53rd Beachcombers Fine Art Show is being held at the South Padre Island Convention Centre July 25-29 2012. Deadline for applications is May 15 2012. All fees and images must be received by May 15 2012. New artists please note the jury considers applications in the order received. It is in your best intrest to apply early. Set up for the show is Friday July 27 2012 from 8am to 8pm. The shows runs from 10am - 6pm July 28 and 10am - 5pm July 29. 2011. http://www.beachcombersartshow.org. 73RD ANNUAL T.I.F.T.- August 1st 2012 - Au- gust 5th 2012. Come participate in the 73rd Annual Texas International Fishing Tournament! It is the largest bay and deep sea fi shing tournament in Texas! South Padre Island and Port Isabel waters. 1,200 competitors. For more info call (956)943-TIFT (8438) or send email to [email protected]. http://www.tift.org. TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 2233 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 2244 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 2012 Lighthouse Establishment Cinema Movie Schedule* 6/15...... JOURNEY 2: MYSTERIOUS ISLAND 6/29...... COWBOYS Vs. ALIENS 7/6. . . . KUNG FU PANDA 2 7/20. . . . . PUSS IN BOOTS 8/3...... DOLPHIN TALE 8/17. . .CAPTAIN AMERICA All Movie Times: 9:30 p.m. CALL 956/943-7602 for info FREE FAMILY FUN! www.portisabelmuseums.com *(Schedule subject to change.) Sponsored by: Museums of Port Isabel, Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation, Quik Stop TThehe TTropicalropical TTravelerraveler NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER PPageage 2255 V Volumeolume 3 ~ NNo.o. 1 ~ SSpringpring 22012012 (Continued from page 5) tively recruiting new board members Tropical Trail Region Board Chair, Nan- communicate its economic impact to aiming for a board that is geographically cy Deviney at nancydeviney@yahoo. civic leaders and funders, and imple- representative of our region, culturally com or call (361) 547-8033 or contact ment practical programs to increase your diverse and made up of individuals with Cynthia Martin, TTTR ED, at info@ visitation from heritage-friendly travel- varied backgrounds. We will be ac- texastropicaltrail.com or (361) 592-4063 ers. cepting applications for open positions for an application and letter that goes End it all at the MPMA’s Clos- through July 13th. into specifi cs regarding details. ing Party: Tacky Texas Tourists Party. Our Board meets the third Tuesday of Wear your tackiest clothes: striped every month in a different community pants, fl owered tops, crazy hats, mis- within our twenty county region. Board matched shoes, white socks, fanny pack, members are asked to attend a mini- far-OUT sunglasses, and the proverbial mum of nine of these meetings a year. camera ‘round your neck. The wilder the The Tropical Trail does not reimburse better. Costume contest for the tacki- members for mileage to/from or meals est male, female and couple (any duo). associated with these monthly meetings. Compete to win in the Tacky Games They serve three year terms. (salt-water taffy with chop sticks, any- What value or benefi ts do you get out one?). Then we’ll dance the rest of the of being a Tropical Trail Region Board PORT ARANSAS UPCOMING evening away in the best party ever! Member? EVENTS For a complete conference program, • Networking and friendships/sharing UNE visit the MPMA web site www.mpma. experiences by visiting attractions; J net. • Learn more every month about our 2 : CCA Take-A-Kid Fishing Tourna- The Texas Tropical Trail Region region; ment Board is making available fi ve scholar- • Exposure to other communities’ pro- 8-9: Casting for Kids Tournament ships to individuals from the Tropical grams and projects and to expose my 15-16: Game Warden Association Trail Region in the museum fi eld who community to others; Fishing Tournament otherwise might not be able to attend. • Collaboration on marketing efforts; 15-16: Powerpuff Tournament (wom- Scholarships cover registration costs for • Knowledge of heritage and ecotourism en only) one individual, a one-year membership attractions within the region to share 22-23: 18th Annual Fishing Break in the MPMA and $300 towards other with visitors and residents and specifi c expenses related to the conference such contact people within our region. The JULY as travel, lodging etc. For more informa- honor of working with dedicated Board 4 : Fireworks Display - The fun starts tion, contact TTTR ED, Cynthia members who have a genuine interest in at dark thirty at Roberts Point Park Martin at [email protected] the well being and the value of heritage 7 : Hope Devlin’s Kid’s Tournament or (361) 592-4063. tourism in South Texas. 12-15: Annual Deep Sea Roundup - The Tropical Trail Region is ac- Interested persons should email Oldest fi shing tournament on the Gulf Coast.This tournament features activi- ties for the entire family. Categories include of Bay/Surf division, Offshore division, Junior & Fly Fishing and a Piggy Perch contest for the children. For more information, visit the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce/Tour- ist Bureau’s website: http://portaran- sas.org/102/view/799/date/2012-07-12 19-21: HT-3 Tournament 20-22: Outboard Fishing Tournament 27-28: Blue Wave Owners Tourna- ment AUGUST 11: Majek Owner’s Tournament 8-12: Texas Legends Tournament 24-25: Texas Women Angler’s Tour- nament