Tejano Night

The 115^th Washington's Birthday Celebration kept rolling on February 18^th when the El Metro Park & Ride hosted the Jalapeno festival and Tejano night. Apart from the high octane food contests the night was a concert for all who enjoy the cultural rhythm of Tejano music. The event was a great way to continue the festivities after the Washington Birthday parade, which had taken place in the morning. The event started at three in the afternoon and wasn't scheduled to end until one in the morning. La Costena Jalapeno eating contest started at 6:30 with the winner being Louis Bruni eating a total of 106 jalapenos! This was his second time at beating the heartburn pepper, in 2009 he won by eating just a shade under 90 jalapenos.

Soon after the Jalapeno eating contest ended the Tejano concert began with La Mafia being the headliner. Tejano night concert also featured the musical talents of Costumbre, Elida Reyna y Avante, with a special guest Ilyssa Saenz. The audience was dim, but in less than an hour the whole concert area was packed with people enjoying the familiar beat we all know in South Texas. The only thing that hung in the air more than the sound of music was the smell of food from the vendors. Corn in a cup, lemonade, funnal cakes, tacos, turkey legs, and more.

Given that this was an event for all ages, the Gamez family of four was asked what they thought of the event. When asked if they were loyal fans and attended every year they responded no, but that they do enjoy themselves when did do attend. When asked if there was anything draw backs to the event or any improvements they would suggested, "There is not much to do for the younger kids". That does make sense because unless the kids want to eat or listen to Tejano music there is no games or entrainment for kids under the ages of, let's say, 12.

Motorcycle enthusiasts, were asked what they thought of the event. Turns out they were from San Antonio and it was their first time attending the event for which they had never heard of until this year. When asked how they found out about it they said they heard it through radio promotions. This even has been hosted since 1978 and some people from San Antonio are just hearing about it, is their enough advertisement meaning done?

This year the event was sponsored by Stripes and it would have been hard to not see their advertisement. Stripes was partnering with Extra, the chewing gum brand, and were giving out free chewing gum, plastic water bottles, and coupons to promote their brand. Sames auto dealership was also present with shiny new Ford cars parked all over the grounds.

Tejano night and the Jalapeno Festival are Laredo tradition, and in a town whose people have been known to say "there is nothing to do", this is a good way to prove them wrong.

(You can reach Jesus Garcia via email at : jesusgarcia@dusty.tamiu.edu)