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...preserving and presenting the borderland heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico

 

To All Special Event Participants

 

T H A N K   Y O U ! 

 

 

Mexican folk art calavera/skull bride and groom loaned by George and Virginia Gause. Bridal gown designed and made by Kathleen Carrizal-Frye.


The role the community plays in creating unique special events at the Museum of South Texas History cannot be overstated or over-appreciated. Every year, people from throughout the region join with the museum to demonstrate crafts, provide music and dance exhibitions, build Day of the Dead altars, help with children's activities, and lend items from their private collections to make these one-day experiences extra special to the museum's visitors.

 

One of the most unique "couples" at the recent D�a de los Muertos/Day of the Dead event was the Mexican folk art calavera/skull bride and groom belonging to George and Virginia Gause. This couple has welcomed visitors to the museum for the past eight years, due to the Gauses' continuing generosity. As the bride's paper wedding garb deteriorated over the years, however, it became necessary to find a new dress for the bride. Up stepped another longtime participant, Kathleen Carrizal-Frye. Her proven artistic skills as an altar builder were quickly applied to providing the bride with a new wedding dress so the couple could assume their place in the lobby, greeting visitors to the Day of the Dead celebration and Altar Exhibit.

 

These are just two examples of the many people who make these events special. From mariachi groups from La Joya and Edinburg, to UTPA and Edinburg dancers, to individual altar builders, face painters, quilters, re-enactors, wood carvers, weavers and spinners, ferriers, pan de campo/ cowboy bread makers, aguas fresca/ fruit water sellers, bee keepers, and flintknappers the richness of the museum experience on a special event day flows from the generosity of members of the community who willingly share themselves and their talents.

 

Special Events Officer Melissa Tijerina is clear about the importance of the community participants. "These events continue to improve and grow thanks to the creativity and participation of individuals in the community. We are grateful to each and every one of them." said Tijerina.

 

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