Harlingen Happenings

By Mary Torres, Special to MyRGV.com

The Valley Byliners, a nonprofit writer’s organization “that cares” about writers and provides support to writers in the Rio Grande Valley, and the Harlingen Public Library invite you to participate in the Byliners Poetry Night, Tuesday, June 15, at the library!

The group is pleased to announce that this will be a live event and you’re invited to come and recite your favorite poem or just pop in and enjoy the poetry being read. For more information visit their Facebook page.

The Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum and the Rio Grande Valley Museum Association invite you to visit two new exhibits, “Here Come the Brides” featuring beautiful vintage wedding dresses from the collection of June Ramirez, The Antique Emporium, Downtown Harlingen and “On the Surface,” a solo show by Rachel Comminos also of Downtown Harlingen that features beautiful hand-tufted textiles on exhibit until September 26.

Save the date for the opening reception for “On the Surface, Thursday, June 17, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Museum hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 P.M., Sunday, 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. and Monday – closed. For more information call 956-216-4901.

Viva Streets Harlingen and the Harlingen Parks and Recreation Department invite you to Downtown Harlingen to enjoy a fun family movie on select evenings during the summer at Lozano Plaza, 123 W. Jackson Ave. (Corner of Jackson and “A” St.) The first movie in the “Movies in the Park,” series will be “Wonder Woman 1984,” scheduled for Friday, June 18, at 8 P.M.

The event is free and open to the public. Come early to enjoy other festivities, and set up your blankets, chairs, and a picnic. The movie will start once the sun has set. The use of a face mask is recommended Call (956)216-5950 for more information.

The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, UT is opening soon! Many visitors were sad in 2020 when the library closed due to global COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. One positive aspect of the extended closure is that the library, along with many other libraries across the country, were able to remodel and inventory their collections without construction dust and noise disrupting guests.

When the library reopens, guests can take advantage of newly organized research materials, upgraded technology, better lighting, new desktop book scanners, expanded room for interactive experiences, and more.

The Family History Library will reopen start a phased reopening on July 6, 2021with limited hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hours will be expanded from there, so be sure to check their web page at www.familyhistory.org for the most current opening status and visitor information. Some local FamilySearch Centers and libraries are also reopening based on the direction of their local ecclesiastical leaders and government guidelines.

If you plan to visit a FamilySearch center soon, please call ahead to ensure it is open and learn its hours of operation.

The popular and informational Downtown Morning Coffee is coming back! On Thursday, July 1, 2021, from 8:30 a.m. to 9: 30 a.m., The Visit Harlingen, Texas Office, and the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the event at 311 E. Tyler Ave. Come join the group for free coffee and conversation about Downtown Harlingen.

The San Benito Historical Society has announced the summer schedule for the Callandret Museum, 305 Doherty St., San Benito, TX. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Other days/times will be by appointment. The museum, the only one of its kind south of Houston dedicated to celebrating the contributions of African Americans in South Texas and beyond is a “must-see.” Visit [email protected] for more information.

Congratulations to all the graduating seniors from Rio Grande Valley High Schools! Many school districts are opting for in-person ceremonies this year and the return to the more traditional events I’m sure is welcomed by many.