By LAURIE COKER
Special to the NEWS
HARLINGEN, TX—San Benito will be highly represented at this year’s TexasFest celebration, which will take place here April 12-14.
Held at Harlingen Field, 1216 Fairpark Blvd., Harlingen, and spearheaded by the Texas Heritage Independence Celebration Association (THICA), a nonprofit organization encompassing Texas Revolution reenactors, TexasFest celebrates the rich history, diverse culture, and resilient spirit of the Lone Star State, particularly the Tejanos who fought for Texas’s independence.
Organized by the TexasFest Committee in collaboration with local community partners, this annual event is an immersive experience for attendees of all ages.
According to organizers, including THICA member and San Benito resident Victor Rosas, the festival grounds will be alive with a variety of activities, performances, and barbeque.
One of the highlights of the event is the commemoration of three pivotal battles from the Texas Revolution: the Battle of the Alamo, Gonzales, and San Jacinto. Texas history buffs will have the opportunity to witness reenactments that bring these historic moments to life, offering a deeper understanding of Texas’s struggle for independence.
In addition to the battle reenactments, attendees can indulge in the results of the IBCA State-sanctioned BBQ Cook-Off, featuring barbecue creations from talented pitmasters. The festival will also showcase a diverse array of live music performances spanning various genres.
According to Rosas, TexasFest is a hub of cultural exploration, adding that performances by Aztec and Folkloric dancers and the Ballet Folkórico Tradición Mexicano troupe highlight the region’s rich heritage.
Attendees can also admire the artistic talents of local students at the student art show and immerse themselves in living history displays and demonstrations. For participating elementary schools, the art show will showcase the best 30-40 art pieces that attendees will vote on for awards.
The festival includes activities such as the Lone Star Dream Student’s Musical, tug-of-war competitions featuring frontline warriors, and special presentations by area school districts. Moreover, attendees can browse various food and craft vendors, offering an array of delectable treats and unique handmade goods.
Organizer Fred Garza, who began the event in 2007, started the festival to provide a better-rounded version of Texas history and to focus on the Tejano soldiers who fought for Texas alongside James Bowie, William B. Travis, and David Crockett. He wanted “to bring recognition to Tejanos like Juan Abamillo, Juan A. Badillo, Carlos Espalier, Gregorio Esparza, Antonio Fuentes, Jose Maria Guerrero, Damacio Jimenez, Toribio Losoya, and Andres Nava, who also defended the Alamo.” Garza pointed out that Esparza fought against his brother, who was in the Mexican army – brother against brother. Additionally, Garza said, “Esparza was the only one who was given a proper burial, while others who died were placed in mass graves.”
Rosas, who’s also the organization’s treasurer, said the event “is living history and caters to the children,” so they know the history and recognize the Tejanos who also fought for Texas.
He also said pre-event weekend entrance bands can be purchased for the three-day event for $3 through April 11. General admission is $8 per day, and veterans with service ID can enter for $4 per day.
Gates open at 1 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday.
Friday’s (April 12) scheduled events feature San Benito’s SBHS Mariachi/Conjunto group at 2:30 p.m. and again at 5 p.m., and the Resaca City Boys will hit the main stage at 8 p.m. San Benito talent will be featured between 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, and the Resaca City Boys will once again hit the main stage on Sunday starting at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday events will showcase the Battle of Gonzalez and the Battle of Alamo with reenactors ages 17-50. On stage, 4th graders will perform a version of the battle at the Alamo. As part of this monumental event, organizers will present the “Riderless Horse Ceremony” to honor all veterans and those who died in battle. They will display the last flag flown over Vietnam, explained Garza.
TexasFest is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization made possible through the support of sponsors and volunteers. The event celebrates the community’s collective heritage and showcases the city of Harlingen’s vibrant culture and hospitality.
TexasFest 2024 is supported by the City of Harlingen, the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Chamber of Harlingen, and the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
For more information and updates on TexasFest 2024, including the schedule of events and ticket information, visit the official website at www.happybirthdaytexas.com. Inquires can also be directed to Rosas at (956) 367-3448 or Diane Bates at (956) 739-0401.
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