Partner Event Reservation(s)

Texas Tropical Trail is hosting its next Partner Event on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 9 a.m. in Weslaco!

Here is the agenda (subject to change):

9 a.m.– 9:30 a.m. —Welcome and refreshments – Texas A&M Kingsville Citrus Center, 312 N International Blvd, Weslaco, Texas 78599

Pan dulce from Marine’s Bakery, fruit and coffee provided.

9:30 a.m. – Tour Citrus Center

The Citrus Center is a historic testament to the advancement of the citrus industry in the Rio Grande Valley. In 1948, the Citrus Center opened in Weslaco with education, research and training campuses and facilities that expanded to other sites in Harlingen. This is also the site where the Star Ruby and Rio Red grapefruits were developed. The tour will be led by Citrus Center Executive Director Dr. Mamoudou Setamou.

10:10 a.m. – Tour ITheatre at the Tower, 120 S Kansas Ave, Weslaco, Texas 78596

This historic towering building was built in 1928 serving as a ground water tank for the newly founded city of Weslaco. However, it outgrew its use in 1941. Visionaries from the community saw the water tower as a potential community theater. Since 1970, the ITheatre has held performances and productions. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with Neil Shuford and Steve Urbina.

10:45 a.m. – Tour The Weslaco Museum, 500 S Texas Blvd, Weslaco, Texas 78596

The Weslaco Museums started in a stone building but, after much community support and outgrowing its locations, it is now situated in the heart of downtown Weslaco. Permanently displayed are artifacts relating to the history of Weslaco and surrounding communities. On temporary display is a student-led exhibit titled “Thinking of Ahead: A Glimpse of Tomorrow.” Welcome by Executive Director Crystal Rodrguez.

11:30 a.m. – Tour Villa de Cortez Hotel, 260 S Texas Blvd, Suite 400, Weslaco, Texas 78596

Previously known to the Weslaco Community as the Cortez Hotel, the Villa de Cortez Hotel was built in 1928. The hotel wasn’t just a place for lodging, but it also held spaces for a barber shop, beauty salon, post office and other amenities. Currently, it operates as a place to host weddings, quinceaneras and other community social events. Tour includes a short documentary and a look at several historic social spaces such as the ballroom.

12 p.m. – Lunch at Villa de Cortez Hotel

Partners will have a tasty meal from Cortino’s, an Italian restaurant in operation since 1966 in Weslaco.

12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Weslaco Area Chamber-Commerce & Visitors Center, 275 S Kansas Ave, Weslaco, Texas 78596

Partners will be welcomed by staff at the Weslaco Area Chamber-Commerce & Visitors Center followed by a viewing of the documentary, “1015,” highlighting the history of the 1015 onion.

2 p.m. – Texas Tropical Trail Board Meeting at the Weslaco Area Chamber-Commerce & Visitors Center