Winter Texans enjoy South Texas

Juan A. Navejar Jr

It is estimated the Rio Grande Valley nets more than $6.2 million from temporary residents during the winter months. In order to get to the Rio Grande Valley by car, RV or truck, they must pass through our area each year.

Winter Texans headed south travel on Highway 281 will typically go around the city because they are eager to get to the Rio Grande Valley but others are finding out Alice is a great place to stop like Anita Pricely.

“We were coming down and headed south when we had an accident. We were assisted by deputies and stayed in a hotel a couple of days while we got back on the road,” Pricely said. “Everyone was so nice and helpful. I like to thank them all. Alice has some great people and will be stopping each time we come through there from now on.”

More than 9,000 Winter Texans attended the Winter Texan Expo sponsored by the Welcome Home Rio Grande Association last week. The Alice Chamber of Commerce and Convention Visitors Bureau attended the event with one goal in mind, to get them to stop in Alice.

“For the last several years, we have attended the travel show to share information about Alice and the area and get them to stop in Alice,” Chamber Executive Director Juan Navejar said. “It is working, just talking to those who stopped by our booth, we heard from so many that said, ‘we stopped in Alice for gas or food this year’.”

The Winter Texan Expo is one of two in McAllen held each year. The shows offer not only tourist information but health services and general information to assists these short-term visitors.

“I think it is important to keep track of those from out of state who pass through town or stop overnight,” Navejar said. “Each year, we get some 20 to 30 couples who stay in our immediate area either in an RV park or in an Alice hotel.”

Of the 9,000 who attended the McAllen Show, many were from Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Tennessee, Canada and Mexico.

“We will make sure and tell everyone to stop in Alice don’t just go around the city,” Pricely said. “They are so nice there and will treat you right.”