OMG.....we had to get out aging bodies....including my sagging hulk......out of bed at 5:30 this morning to get ready to leave by 6:50AM!!!! Yep, we were following Doug and Diane to Reynosa, MX.......and so, after leaving Llano Grande in a small caravan, we arrived on the USA side of the border, parked our car(s), and then walked the small distance to the Duty Free Shop on this side of the border.
As instructed, the square dancers from all over the Valley began to arrive there and by 8:30AM.....the music was going, the caller was getting us ready....and soon we were dancing in the parking area of the Shop....and having a blast!!!!! After about 15 minutes, we were invited inside the Duty Free Shop for drinks(small margaritas), cookies, tea, etc., etc.......an early morning reception for all of us. Returning to the outside, a local high school band from the RGV, their Pommie team, their Mariachi Band, and their Mexican Folklorico Dance group were in the parking area and starting to get ready to parade across the bridge ahead of us into Mexico....and the city of Reynosa.
Today's activities, as well as other events all weekend long, were a part of the annual BorderFest.......celebrating the goodwill and closeness of the Texas city of Hidalgo and the Mexican city of Reynosa! WOW.....what a crowd materialized as the time for the parade/walk across the bridge/border/Rio Grande. There were ceremonies on the bridge at the border line, but we could not see any of that. Then things got going......and several hundred square dancers, Winter Texans, families, etc., etc. followed the band and other student groups across the bridge and into Mexico........and then going about a half mile to the city square/plaza where the Festival was being held.
The theme was "China" and therefore, there were two "Dragons" that wound their way to Mexico for the Fest. Arriving at the plaza........the introductions were given on stage...and then the official International Square Dance began.......and OMG.....WHAT a great time it was!!!!!
After dancing for almost an hour in the sun, the 1st Lady and I dropped out and went to have some lunch.........FREE!!!! Yep......the BorderFest was providing lunch for EVERYONE!!! Tacos, panchos, Cokes, water.........stand in line for a few minutes and then find a place to seat under the canopies. What a great PR that was........lunch for hundreds of people!!!
After that......our "groupie" took the Trolley ride around parts of Reynosa....ending at the bridge. We returned to the USA.....passport control was simple today.....and then got our truck and drove the 35 minute trip back to Llano Grande. A GREAT event!!!!!!
The remainder of the day was spent just relaxing.....the winds were very, very strong....up to 40 mph......to windy to be outside doing anything fun. The 1st Lady did some laundry....and then we just enjoyed the evening........
CHECK OUT THE PICTURES BELOW!!!
WHAT a day!!!!! The color, the music, the excitement, the dancing, the friends that we did all of this with...........WOW!!!!!! What an experience!!!!! The people of Mexico are soooooo friendly, so appreciative, sooo helpful........and all of this just goes to demonstrate that.......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
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