Don't be Jealous of People, Be Inspired!

 

Focusing Positive Energy Toward Your Competition: The Power of Growth Mindset

It's easy to fall into the trap of negative thinking when we see our competitors doing well. We may find ourselves hoping for their failure, criticizing ourselves for not being at their level, or begrudging them for their success. However, these negative thoughts only hurt us and do nothing to our competitors. In this blog post, we'll explore the power of a growth mindset and how focusing positive energy toward your competition can help you grow your own skills and improve your business.

Starting with a Negative Tone

It's natural to feel negative emotions when we see someone else succeeding, especially when we feel like we're not making progress ourselves. However, it's important to recognize that this negativity only infects our own thoughts and actions, and does nothing to our competition. Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts, we can shift our mindset and focus on the positive.

Focusing Negative Thoughts Only Hurts You

When we focus negative thoughts on our competition, it only hurts us. We may become envious, resentful, or critical, which can affect our own ability to succeed. These negative emotions can also impact our relationships with our competitors, creating tension and hostility. By focusing positive energy toward our competition, we can build better relationships and create a more positive environment for everyone.

Criticizing Yourself Instead of Growing Your Own Skills

Focusing on the success of others can lead us to criticize ourselves and our own abilities. Instead of seeing their success as a point of learning, we may feel discouraged and stuck. This negative mindset only holds us back from growing and improving our own skills. By shifting our focus to positive energy, we can use the success of our competitors as a motivator to improve ourselves and our businesses.

Being Happy for Their Success

When we see someone else succeeding, it's important to be happy for them. This positive energy can help us build better relationships with our competitors and create a more positive environment for everyone. Instead of feeling envious or resentful, we can choose to celebrate their success and use it as a motivator to improve ourselves.

Using Their Success as a Driver and a Positive Motivator

When we see our competition winning, we can use their success as a driver and a positive motivator. Instead of focusing on beating them, we can focus on improving ourselves and our businesses. By examining their success as a point of learning, we can identify what they're doing right and how we can be better. This positive energy can help us grow and improve, without being held back by negative emotions.

Creating Positive Energy for Both of You

When we focus positive energy toward our competition, we create positive energy for both of us. There is enough business for everyone, and their success does not take money from us. Instead, it's material proof that we can do the same if we apply ourselves in a positive way. By building better relationships with our competitors, we can create a more positive environment for everyone, and ultimately grow our businesses together.

Conclusion

Focusing positive energy toward your competition is a powerful tool for growth and success. By shifting our mindset and focusing on the positive, we can build better relationships with our competitors, improve our own skills and businesses, and create a more positive environment for everyone. So, the next time you see your competition succeeding, celebrate their success and use it as a motivator to improve yourself. With a growth mindset, anything is possible.

Craig Grove

GRT Realty/RGV Living 

Is a Housing Crash Coming to the Valley?

Image Credit: MPAMag.com

Following any housing boom, you will hear the familiar claim that a housing crash is imminent. However, this is more based on flawed logic from "experts" who are parroting other "experts" who are simply citing historic trends on a national level. However, standard historic trends based purely on past housing booms are not sufficient to explain the current situation due to differing variables in the current market place and varied regions across the country.

The first thing to consider is that all housing is local. So although the greater economy will affect housing trends, the economic activity in your local market is the real indicator of whether there will be a housing bust that will affect you. For example, the recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank will have a global impact, but it will affect the tech sector first and foremost. The people in this industry and in heavily technology-based regions will be affected as they navigate through the banking collapse. This will cause people to need to sell homes and relocate or downsize. So, this will very likely affect home prices in the related areas. If people in related regions and industries are overleveraged, they will need to sell their homes. If multiple people put their homes on the market at the same time, there will not be enough buyers. This will cause the housing prices to drop in the related areas.

With respect to our geographic region, we have a completely different economic base than the heavily tech-invested areas, for example. Here are just a few reasons why we are different. Our primary job creator in our region is related to state and federal government. Due to our young population, relatively low economic income levels, and geographic orientation on the border, we have a disproportionately high level of government employees relative to the overall population. Being on the border with Mexico creates an intense level of Law Enforcement employment, and we benefit from cross-border trade. Whether the national economy is weak or strong, south Texas benefits from cross-border trade. If the economy is strong in the US, we buy goods and pull labor from Mexico. If the economy is good in Mexico, they buy goods from us and travel in the US.

In addition to being heavily government and border-related in our region, in Brownsville, we now have the benefit of having SpaceX. Brownsville is fortunate to have a seaport, an international border, and now we are a literal Space Port! Throughout history, regions of trade and ports to exploration tend to do well regardless of the national or global economic climate. For example, the Space Industry is projected to be a 1 Trillion dollar industry. With Brownsville now being one of the very few sites that have a Space Port, we are destined to get a share of that economic activity. And even a tiny bit of 1 Trillion dollars is an astounding amount of money. For example, due in large part to SpaceX's development in Brownsville, our economic activity due to private investment jumped from $212,000 Million in 2021 to $425,000 in 2022. As you can see, this is over double! It is literally more than a 100% increase in economic activity. By any measurement, this is absolutely astounding.

Being a hub to international trade and a frontier to exploration puts us in a unique position to weather an economic storm more than almost any region. When there is economic instability, people with money look for other places to spend money. One such place to do that is Trade and Exploration. Trade and Exploration expose potential investors that are high risk but high yield, especially when it comes to exploration. This is why in the past, you saw the Kings and Queens of the great powers of the past send their explorers on unthinkable missions. Their goal was to expand their wealth and influence. In doing so, they spent money which stimulated economic activity in the affected regions. 

Despite the concerns about a housing crash in the wake of a housing boom, it's important to understand that the situation is more complex than historical trends suggest. The economy of a particular region, as well as local factors, play a crucial role in determining the housing market's health. In the case of our region, we have a unique economic base that makes it more resilient than others, even during tough economic times. With its proximity to Mexico and the presence of government jobs, cross-border trade, and SpaceX, our region is well-positioned for continued growth and prosperity. As long as we stay vigilant and continue to leverage our strengths, we can be confident in a stable housing market and a bright future for our community.

Craig Grove

GRT Realty/RGV Living

Image Credit: MPAMag.com

The Power of Prayer is Universal!

Hello everyone,

I had a blog post ready to go about the local and national housing situation, but today I felt inspired to share a positive message about the power of prayer. With so much negativity in the world, it's important to take a moment to focus on the positive and uplifting things in our lives. And prayer can be just that.

Prayer is not just about religion. It can be a powerful tool for relaxation, focus, and positivity. As Dr. David H. Rosmarin states in "The Science of Prayer" in the Wall Street Journal, "the research that has been done on prayer shows it may have similar benefits to meditation: It can calm your nervous system, shutting down your fight or flight response. It can make you less reactive to negative emotions and less angry."

Personally, I have experienced the power of prayer in my own life. When I was in a negative place and struggling with grief, prayer helped me focus on gratitude and a desire to find a positive direction in life. And it worked. Through consistent practice, I was able to move past my grief and into a happier state of being.

It's important to note that prayer doesn't have to be religious. If you are conflicted about religion, you can start by just believing in a higher power and expressing feelings of gratitude, regret, repentance, and hope to that perceived higher power. As you consistently practice this, you may find religious meaning and direction in your quest.

The key to any exercise is consistency. If you consistently focus on the things you are grateful for, own the things you regret, and look forward in a positive manner, you will begin to release regret, see your blessings, and manifest new ones. Of course, this is not a quick fix. It will take time and effort, and setbacks may occur. But the key is to keep coming back to the practice with humility and confidence, knowing that you are not alone.

So, if you haven't already, don't be afraid to start praying right now. Some of us may feel regret or shame over a failure to be in touch with our higher purpose or God. But the simple fact of the matter is that there is no judgment in this space. You are never too far behind or too bad of a person to start letting go of the past and focusing on improving your future. You can't change the past, but the future is completely under your control. Be grateful, be humble, believe in your future, and express it silently to a higher power.

The power of prayer is real. It can bring relaxation, focus, positivity, and a sense of direction to your life. It's never too late to start praying, and you won't regret it. So, take a moment today to focus on the positive and uplifting things in your life, and express your gratitude and hope to a higher power.

Craig Grove

GRT Realty/RGV Living

Photo Credit: iStock by Getty Images 

Should I Panic About the Banking Situation in the US?

 

Photo Credit: Men's Health

It's been a tough couple of years for the economy. Yesterday's crash of Silicon Valley Bank, the second largest failure in bank history and the largest bank failure since 2008, has left many people worried about what's to come. As we navigate through these uncertain times, it's important to understand what's happening and how it could affect you and your family.

Banks typically buy lots of government bonds at very low rates, which they can then sell at a profit. However, if there is a run on the bank, banks will be forced to sell their bonds at a huge loss. The problem is that banks only keep a small fraction of the money they have lent out on hand. When there is a bank run and they have to sell bonds at a loss, the bank loses money. This is known as fractional banking, and it's one of the reasons why banks can fail.

The question on everyone's mind is whether this is the tip of the iceberg. Could this spread to other banks? It's too soon to know for sure, but we should always be prepared for something like this. If it does happen, it could affect the regular person in several ways depending on their income/wealth level.

So, what can you do to protect yourself and your family? The good news is that the FDIC insures deposits up to $250,000. So if you have less than $250,000 in the bank, theoretically you are fine as even if your bank collapses, the FDIC should cover your losses.

However, if you are one of the small percentage of Americans who has over $250,000, you should consider diversifying your investments to different banks and different types of investments. Sitting on more than $250,000 in one bank is not advisable.

With respect to immediate needs, it would be a good idea to have cash on hand. You should always keep at least enough cash to cover your household operations for about a month. I know this is easier said than done, but it's something to work towards.

So, should you be panicked about the banking situation? No, you should be prepared and cautious. If more Americans were prepared, there would be less need for panic. Panic arises for most at the thought of not being able to get money to cover daily needs. So make sure you are diversified, keep some cash on hand, and don't panic.

While the changes happening in the economy may be scary, it's important to stay positive and take action to protect yourself and your family. By being prepared and cautious, we can weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.

Craig 

**** Note: Craig Grove is not a financial advisor. Be sure to consult with a trusted financial advisor before you make any financial changes. **** 

Is Visualization Corny or Legit?

Photo Credit: TonyRobbins.com

Visualization of your goals is a concept that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, but for many people, including myself, it seemed too corny and unscientific to be taken seriously. However, as I've come to learn, there's actually a lot of evidence to support the idea that visualizing your goals can be an effective tool for achieving success.

For much of my life, I considered myself a practical person who was simply being realistic about the world. I didn't see myself as being negative, but looking back, I can see how my tendency to focus on the worst-case scenario was actually a form of negativity. I didn't realize it at the time, but my subconscious mind was taking my negative thoughts and using them as a code to create negative outcomes in my life.

This is where the power of visualization comes in. When we visualize positive outcomes, we set our subconscious mind to work towards achieving those outcomes. It's like we're programming our brain to focus on what we want, rather than what we don't want. And as we take small steps towards our goals, our brain continues to work in the background, using the power of visualization to help us achieve our dreams.

Of course, it's important to note that visualization alone is not enough. We still need to take action and put in the effort to make our goals a reality. But by combining visualization with action, we create a powerful synergy that can help us achieve things we may have once thought were impossible.

So, how can you start using visualization to achieve your goals? The first step is to take an inventory of the things you're grateful for. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day challenges of life and forget about all the things we have to be thankful for. By taking a few minutes each day to focus on the good in our lives, we create a positive mindset that's more receptive to visualization.

Next, start setting realistic goals for the short, mid, and long term. This doesn't mean you have to settle for less than what you really want, but it does mean being honest with yourself about what's achievable given your current circumstances. When you've set your goals, take some time each day to visualize yourself achieving them. Imagine what it will feel like to reach your goal, and focus on the positive emotions that come with success.

Finally, start taking small steps each day towards your goals. These don't have to be big, dramatic steps, but rather small, incremental ones that move you closer to your desired outcome. As you take action, continue to use visualization to reinforce your goals and keep your subconscious mind focused on what you want.

The power of visualization is a real and effective tool for achieving success. It may seem corny or unscientific at first, but with practice, you'll start to see the benefits of focusing on what you want rather than what you don't want. By taking the time to visualize your goals, setting realistic targets, and taking small steps each day towards success, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Slow Down & Be Grateful For What You Have

 

In our busy lives, it's easy to become preoccupied with everything we need to accomplish. Whether it's managing a business, participating in community events, or dealing with health issues in the family, it can be challenging to take a moment to stop and appreciate all the good things in our lives.

My Home at Night

Recently, I found myself in a similar situation. I was running from one responsibility to another, trying to keep up with everything on my plate. I was stressed and worried, trying to make sure that everything was going smoothly. But amidst all the chaos, I realized that I was losing sight of the things I should be grateful for every day.

My Team at the Harlingen Opening 

The turning point came when we opened our new Harlingen GRT Realty office. I was nervous about the event, wondering whether people would show up. But as it turned out, we had a tremendous outpouring of support from the local community and our Brownsville team. It was a reminder that I am incredibly blessed, and I should take a moment to appreciate all that I have.

Me and My Boys at the Sombrero Fest Kayak Fun Race

As the event ended, and the day turned to night, I began to feel grateful for all the success we had achieved. I woke up the next day to a beautiful South Texas day, with my sons sleeping late in their rooms, and my wife making me breakfast. Madison was getting better every day, and I had my son's baseball game to look forward to in the afternoon.

My beautiful wife Christine

The lesson I learned is simple but important: don't get so caught up in everything you're trying to accomplish that you lose sight of what you should be grateful for every day. Take a moment, slow down, and count your blessings. There's always something to be grateful for, no matter how busy or challenging life may seem.

My Step-Daughter Madison 

So take some time today to smell the roses, appreciate the good things in your life, and focus on what really matters. You'll be surprised how much it can change your perspective and bring you happiness and peace.

Fun For All at the Charro Days Gala

Photo Credits: Melissa Castro

The Charro Days Gala last night was a night to remember! As soon as guests arrived at the Amigo Land Events center, they were greeted with the sounds of two separate live music venues, one in the front lobby and one on the main stage. The setup was cocktail style with standing tables, giving everyone the chance to mingle and dance the night away.

The food was a hit with everyone, featuring a Taquiza that offered delicious tacos, including Bistec, shrimp tacos and Nopales. Most invitees were dressed in beautiful costumes, celebrating Charro Days in style. The atmosphere was lively and festive, with everyone soaking up the fun-filled night.

To capture the memories, there was a photo booth and a 360 camera station, which was a huge hit with a long line of eager party-goers. The full-service bar and high-end tequila bar kept everyone's spirits high. The Tequila bar offered all the Tequila you could drink for only $5!

Everyone had a fantastic time catching up with old friends and making new ones. The Charro Days Gala was an excellent way to celebrate the annual festival, and everyone was thrilled to be a part of it. It was a night full of laughter, dancing, and delicious food, and we can't wait for next year's event!

    

All Photos Credit of Melissa Castro Via Facebook. 

Behind the scenes of Charro Days & Sombrero Festival

 

Charro Days and Sombrero Festival are two of the most important events celebrated in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. These festivals are known for their vibrant colors, music, dancing, and traditions. Both festivals take place in Brownsville, Texas and are celebrated in late February or early March. These festivals take all year to plan and require the efforts of thousands of people to execute successfully.

The Charro Days and Sombrero Festival planning committees work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that the festivals run smoothly. They are responsible for organizing everything from the entertainment and decorations to the food and beverage vendors. These committees consist of directors, volunteers, city staff, school administrators, students, police officers, fire department personnel, paramedics, sanitation workers, and many more.

The success of these festivals depends on the involvement of the community. The community comes together to design and build floats for the parades, create and sew the traditional costumes, and provide the food and beverage options for festival-goers. Rental companies are also involved in providing equipment for the various events.

One of the significant benefits of these festivals is that they bring in a large number of tourists from near and far. This generates hotel, dining, and sales revenues for the local businesses. These festivals play a crucial role in boosting the local economy, and they have become a significant source of income for many businesses.

In addition to their economic impact, these festivals also play a crucial role in building the community. They bring people together and provide opportunities for people to connect and celebrate their culture and traditions. These festivals promote a sense of pride and belonging among the people of the Rio Grande Valley.

The Charro Days and Sombrero Festival are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people of Brownsville, Texas. These festivals are a celebration of their culture and traditions, and they have become an essential part of the community's identity. These festivals are a symbol of the community's resilience, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of coming together to celebrate and support one another.

Charro Days and Sombrero Festival are two of the most important festivals in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. The planning and logistics of these festivals are complex and involve the efforts of thousands of people. These festivals have a significant economic impact on the local community and play an essential role in building community pride and identity. These festivals serve as a reminder of the importance of coming together to celebrate and support one another.

Sombrero Festival Past & Present

 

The Sombrero Festival is a beloved tradition in Brownsville, Texas, which has been held annually since 1986. The festival began as a modest event, but it has grown tremendously over the years. In the first 20 years of its existence, the festival was grossing approximately $200,000 per year. Today, it grosses approximately $1.1 million, a testament to its continued popularity and success.

The festival's success hasn't just benefited the organization that runs it. The festival's annual operating expenses, which typically run between $900,000 and $1 million per year, are just one part of the economic impact of the event. The organization makes donations to non-profit organizations that volunteer at the festival and to events or organizations in the areas of beautification, tourism recreation, and education. These donations average from $75,000 to $125,000 per year, depending on the success of each festival year.

Calculating the economic impact of the festival is a difficult task, as it involves considering not only the money spent at the festival itself, but also the ripple effect it has on the local economy. However, it's clear that the festival has a significant impact on the region. The festival draws visitors from across the country and beyond, many of whom extend their stays to enjoy other local attractions.

Roy De Los Santos, CEO of Sombrero Festival and Brownsville City Commissioner, is a vocal supporter of the festival. He recently said, "The weather forecast looks fantastic for this coming week, which should make for another amazing Charro Days and Sombrero Festival. I encourage the community to come out and remember every dollar spent goes to support amazing causes and the local economy! Have a good time for a great cause!" De Los Santos understands that the festival is not just a fun event, but also an important driver of economic activity in the region.

Brownsville Commissioner/SF CEO Roy De Los Santos

Photo Courtesy of Rio Grande Guardian 

In addition to its economic impact, the festival is a cherished cultural tradition that celebrates the unique heritage of the region. It brings together people of all backgrounds to enjoy music, food, and fun, and it helps to build community and foster a sense of shared identity.

The Sombrero Festival is an important event that has a significant impact on the Brownsville region. It's a fun and exciting celebration of the area's unique culture, and it's also a powerful economic driver that supports local businesses and non-profit organizations. So, come out and enjoy the festival, and remember that every dollar you spend goes to support a great cause!

Ojo Loco 

Don Breeden & The Art of Charro Days!

Artist Don Breeden, 

Photo Courtesy "Valley Business Report" 

Charro Days Fiesta is a colorful and lively celebration of Hispanic culture that takes place in Brownsville, Texas. This local celebration is renowned for its vibrant costumes, festive music, and delicious food. However, one of the most iconic aspects of this event is the Charro Days poster, which has been created by the same artist, Don Breeden, since 1992.

First Charro Days Poster from 1992

Breeden is an internationally recognized wildlife artist from Brownsville who has also has an ad agency, a traveling Art Gallery and developed his own line of fishing attire. He was initially commissioned by the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau to create the first Charro Days poster, and after that, the tradition was taken over by the Charro Days committee.

For Breeden, this annual project is both a challenge and an honor. He reflects, “Every year is a challenge to decide what to do. Not so much what, but what should I leave out, there’s so much about Charro Days that it’s hard to encompass it all in one image. I try to create an image that people can relate to, something that stands out.”

Breeden’s dedication to the Charro Days celebration and its significance to the community is evident in his work. He says, “It’s been a real honor to have been able to do this every year. I remember back to my childhood days, those experiences have given me quite an insight to what Charro Days means to us here in Brownsville.”

Despite the challenges, Breeden remains enthusiastic about the annual project, noting, “It’s been a trip, one that I have enjoyed and look forward to every year. A big thanks to First Community Bank for making it happen every year.”

Charro Days Fiesta is an important celebration that honors Hispanic culture and traditions. Breeden’s annual poster captures the spirit of the event and has become an integral part of its history. With its bright colors and captivating imagery, the Charro Days poster is a testament to the beauty and vitality of this cherished local celebration.

What is the Beard Posse?

 

When it comes to local traditions, few can match the beard-obsessed antics of Brownsville's Charro Days Fiesta. And at the heart of this follicle-fueled fiesta is the "Order of the Brush" - or as it's now known, the Beard Posse.

The Grand Order of the Brush was founded way back in 1938 by a man with a name that was almost as impressive as his facial hair - Alex Austin Hargrove, aka "Daddy" Hargrove. As a local businessman, civic leader, and friend of Charro Days founder Kenneth Faxon, Hargrove was the perfect candidate to establish a custom that would go down in Brownsville history.

The Order was simple - any man caught without a beard during Charro Days would face a hefty fine. And to ensure that everyone was on board with the facial hair frenzy, the Order decreed that all residents of Brownsville should refrain from shaving from January 1st until the end of the fiesta.

Today, the Beard Posse continues to patrol the streets, on the lookout for any smooth-faced offenders. So if you're planning a trip to Brownsville during Charro Days, you'd better start growing your beard now, or risk paying a fine that could put a serious dent in your wallet.

Ojo Loco & Dr. Tony Knopp 

But don't worry, it's all in good fun - and for a good cause too. All fines and donations collected by the Beard Posse go towards supporting the Brownsville Historical Association, a non-profit organization that helps preserve the city's rich cultural heritage.

So whether you're a die-hard beard enthusiast or just looking for an excuse to skip shaving for a few weeks, the Beard Posse is a unique and hilarious part of Brownsville's history that's well worth experiencing for yourself. Just remember to keep that razor safely locked away until Charro Days comes to an end!

Interview with BHA Exec. Dir. Tara Putegnat

- Ojo Loco 

"Viva La Barba" 

The Importance of Charro Days & Sombrero Festival

 

The Charro Days Fiesta and Sombrero Festival hold a special place in the hearts of many people in Brownsville, TX. For me, these festivals are more than just a celebration of our community's shared heritage and culture. They are a chance to connect with old friends, make new ones, and experience the warmth and friendliness that our community is known for.

The festive atmosphere of the Charro Days Fiesta and Sombrero Festival is infectious, with lively music, vibrant colors, and a sense of excitement that is hard to resist. These events are an opportunity to let loose and enjoy all that life has to offer. The parade floats, marching bands, and traditional Mexican attire are all sights to behold.

For me, the best part of these festivals is the chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones. The friendly people of Brownsville are always eager to welcome visitors, and there's a real sense of community that you just don't find in many places. Whether it's dancing the night away, sampling delicious tamales, or just enjoying a cold drink and chatting with friends, these festivals are a great way to connect with others and celebrate our shared culture and history.

In addition to the personal connections, the Charro Days Fiesta and Sombrero Festival are also essential for our local economy and tourism industry. They bring in thousands of visitors each year, providing a boost to local businesses and creating job opportunities for residents. The festivals also help to put Brownsville on the map as a tourist destination, highlighting our unique cultural offerings and promoting understanding and appreciation of Hispanic culture.

The Charro Days Fiesta and Sombrero Festival are more than just festivals. They are a celebration of our heritage, culture, and community, and a chance to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. The vibrant atmosphere, lively music, and friendly people of Brownsville make these events truly unforgettable, and I encourage everyone to come and experience them for themselves.

Sombrero Festival Kayak Fun Race

 

Get ready for a day of fun and excitement as the Sombrero Festival Kayak Fun Race is happening tomorrow at Cobblehead's Restaurant, a locally owned business in Brownsville, Texas. This event is not only a great opportunity to have fun with your friends and family, but it also supports a good cause as all proceeds benefit Sombrero Festival and the Brownsville Marathoners Running Club. 

The Sombrero Festival Kayak Fun Race was founded in 2010 by Tiny Barrientes, Albert Moreno and Joe Kenney, with the aim of bringing the community together and promoting healthy outdoor activities. Since then, the event has become a beloved tradition in Brownsville, attracting locals and visitors alike.

The event will start promptly at 11 AM, so make sure to arrive on time to catch all the action. Last-minute registrations are welcome, so if you haven't signed up yet, don't worry – you can still join in on the fun. And if you're not interested in racing, you can always come out and cheer on your friends and family as they compete for the gold.

The race will feature three heats – one for men, one for women, and one mixed. Each team will consist of two people, and all participants must wear a sombrero during the race. Kayaks will be provided, so all you need to bring is your competitive spirit and a willingness to have a good time.

After the race, you can relax and unwind on the deck of Cobbleheads Restaurant, with a cold beer in hand. It's the perfect way to end a day of fun and excitement.

So, if you're looking for something to do tomorrow, come on out to the Sombrero Festival Kayak Fun Race at Cobbleheads Restaurant in Brownsville, Texas. It's a great way to support a good cause, have some fun with friends and family, and maybe even win a prize. We hope to see you there!

Baile Del Sol Kicks Off Charro Days

Baile Del Sol is a vibrant celebration that brings together our community in a joyous and colorful fiesta. This event is an important cultural tradition that not only celebrates Hispanic heritage but also kicks off the much-loved Charro Days Fiesta.

As we come together to dance, eat, and enjoy music, we are also passing on our cultural legacy to the younger generation. Baile Del Sol offers an opportunity for families to share stories and customs that have been passed down for generations. It's a chance to teach our children about our cultural traditions, language, and history.

This event is also a time to gather with friends and make new ones. Baile Del Sol creates a sense of unity and belonging within our community, reminding us that we are all part of something greater. From the vibrant music to the delicious food and the colorful costumes, every aspect of this event encourages us to embrace our culture and celebrate together.

So, I encourage everyone to come out and be a part of this exciting event. Baile Del Sol is an opportunity to experience the joy and richness of our cultural heritage while connecting with others in our community. Whether you're young or old, Hispanic or not, this event is for everyone who wants to celebrate diversity and have a good time.

So, let's put on our dancing shoes, grab our friends and family, and head to Baile Del Sol today. You won't want to miss this lively celebration of Hispanic heritage, community, and fun. See you there! 

Photo Credit Yvette Vela Source AP

Ojo Loco Covers Charro Days & Sombrero Festival

 

Charro Days and Sombrero Festival are two of the most anticipated events in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. These festivals, celebrating the cross-border culture and heritage of the area, have been held annually since the 1930s, and continue to draw crowds from all over the world.

As a journalist and blogger who is passionate about local events and culture, I am excited to announce that I will be covering these festivals in-depth this year, through my alter ego Ojo Loco. From blog posts to live interviews and chats, I will be sharing all the highlights and interesting stories related to these events.

For those who are unfamiliar with Charro Days and Sombrero Festival, these two events take place in the cities of Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, on either side of the border. The festivals are held in late February, and feature a range of events including parades, music, dance performances, and food and drink vendors.

Through my coverage, I will be exploring the history and significance of these festivals, as well as the cultural traditions they celebrate. I will also be introducing the leaders and organizers who make these events possible, and highlighting their contributions to the local community.

I am particularly excited to share the stories of those who have participated in these festivals over the years, and the impact that these events have had on their lives. I believe that Charro Days and Sombrero Festival offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the cross-cultural connections that exist in our world, and I look forward to highlighting these connections through my reporting.

As Ojo Loco, I will be providing a fun and informative perspective on these events, and I hope that my coverage will inspire others to attend and participate in these festivals in the future. Be sure to stay tuned for all the latest updates and insights from Charro Days and Sombrero Festival, and join me in celebrating the rich cultural heritage of our region.

Letter to Readers & Brownsville Living Followers

Dear readers,

I wanted to take a moment to address the lack of activity on my podcast and blog for the past year. As some of you may know, I am the owner and broker of GRT Realty, a real estate business here in Brownsville. Over the past year, the business has grown tremendously and we now have over 55 agents on our team. With this growth has come increased responsibility and time commitment, which has unfortunately resulted in me having less time to focus on my passion for creating content.

In addition to my professional responsibilities, I also have two teenage boys who are growing up before my eyes. As any parent knows, raising children requires a significant amount of time and attention, and I have been prioritizing my family above all else.

However, I want to assure you that my love for Brownsville and my desire to showcase the best aspects of our community has not waned. I am still dedicated to shining a light on the amazing people, businesses, and events that make Brownsville such a special place. As time permits, I will continue to create content in the form of mini interviews, live streams, and blog posts.

I appreciate your patience and understanding during this time, and I hope to continue providing valuable and engaging content for years to come. Thank you for your continued support of my work and our community.

Sincerely,

M. Craig Grove

Brownsville Living Founder