Walkabout With Wheels Blog: The 13th Annual Winter Texan Appreciation Day Fiesta in Harlingen

Canadians and people from many US states who spend the winter in the Rio Grande Valley are not Snowbirds, who come south for warmer weather. They are Winter Texans who choose to live in this state during the winter. Harlingen, and other communities in The Valley host events to welcome back returning Winter Texans and new arrivals to show their appreciation to thousands of people who make this section of Texas home from November through April. The 100,000 or so winter residents add $760 million dollars to the area's economy.

Eric & the Winter Texan
Appreciation Day
Fiesta sign

Harlingen's Performing Arts Theater is teeming with Winter Texans who are visiting fifty or so booths to collect information and swag... From tote bags to the coveted Welcome Back Winter Texan Tee Shirt to Chick-Fil-A's Cow with an Eat Mor Chikin' Banner, everyone will be leaving with some freebies.

The Harlingen Public Library staff

fills goody bags with fliers about

library programs & services.

I recommend visiting the Library, which has something for everyone.

This is as close as I could
get to the H-E-B booth.

The Harlingen Fire Department is

on hand to provide information

& answer questions.

Step up, spin the wheel &
win a prize at the
Chick-Fil-A booth.

Everybody, get on up & dance!

Music by Pelican West

The Harlingen Citizens Police
Academy provides training &
volunteer opportunities to
assist the City's Police
Department.

Freebies, music, dance and... food...