Thursday, December 22, 2011

Hidalgo Festival of Lights

This being our 5th winter down here in the Valley we’ve developed some of our own Christmas traditions. One of our favorites is the Magical Light Display at Higalgo.

Hidalgo is a small village about 20 minutes south of Pharr and the City Hall Plaza is the setting for more than 3,000,000 lights and 900 displays

 

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This is one of those events that is much more fun when you can share it with friends.

Here are Canadians Ken & Marg standing in front of the World’s Largest Killer Bee:

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We first met this crazy couple from Saskatchewan during our first year down here and altho’ they’ve not been back to Texas since we still keep in touch with them.

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We opted for the Horse Drawn Wagon Tour (which was an experience in itself) for $6 per person. They also offer Trolley, Tram or Hayrides at $3 each.

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Another year we got to share with Jack & Bonnie.

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This is one of our many favorites. The detail in these pieces of art is simply amazing!

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That sculpture is actually made up of these tiny bottles filled with colored liquid.

There is one whole block dedicated to the theme of a A Partridge in a Pear Tree:

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Can you see the 3 French Hens and 8 Maids a Milking?

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This little village goes all out for this incredible display.

Much to the delight of young and old, Santa and his reindeer are also on hand:

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The last couple of years they have been offering a wonderful roast beef dinner at a very reasonable price served on the City Hall’s spacious front entrance.

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Derek & Phyllis joined us last year.

They are another Canadian couple from Alberta that we’ve had some fun times with. They are spending this winter in California.

 

 

 

Several local school and church choirs provide awesome entertainment. Their wonderful music can be heard through most of the plaza.

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This year the weather has been cool and damp and  that’s what the forecast looks like for the next few days so I posted some shots that we’ve taken on our previous visits. We are still planning on visiting Hidalgo but probably not until after Christmas.

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What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

2 comments:

  1. Fantastic light displays...WOW! And that Santa looks like the real deal:)) Pretty cool stuff.

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  2. Donna - You amaze me! How you take the time to comment on everyone's blog including my little posts.

    Quite frankly, after reading your last incredible post this morning, I told the Cowboy that was it! I'm done blogging!

    Both you and Russ are such beautiful people and it shows in your writings. I sincerely hope that our paths cross someday.

    Thank You!

    Sharon

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