In 1983, after 10 years of research and development by Texas A&M horticulture professor Leonard Pike, the Texas 1015 onion was introduced to the world. Notable for being an onion that doesn’t make you cry, the Texas 1015 is one of the sweetest of all the sweet onion varieties.
Weslaco, the South Texas town where the onion was developed, holds the annual Texas Onion Fest on March 25 downtown. City officials, the Weslaco royal court, and community members compete in an onion-eating contest, one of the event’s biggest draws. Each contestant is given a plastic bag full of sliced raw Texas 1015 onions, and whoever finishes their bag first wins. “The community round is the most exciting, as we have people of all ages participate,” says Barbara Jean Garza, president and CEO of the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. “Last year, the winning contestant finished in minutes.”
Other events include cooking demonstrations from students at South Texas College’s Culinary Arts program and talks from local onion farmers, as well as live entertainment on two stages, a horse show, children’s rides, and the 1015 Market offering artisan crafts and goods.
—Amanda Ogle
Texas Onion Fest, March 25 Downtown Weslaco facebook.com/texasonionfest
BIG BEND COUNTRY
DEL RIO
Texas State Parks Centennial Dark Skies Celebration
March 18
Celebrate the dark skies of Devils River State Natural Area. The event is held at the recently established Dark Sky Viewing Area within the headquarters complex. Devils River State Natural Area, 21715 Dolan Creek Road. 830-395-2133; tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/devils-river
FORT STOCKTON
Texas History Days
March 2
The museum welcomes children for exhibits and special presentations on the history of Pecos County and the state of Texas. Annie Riggs Memorial Museum, 301 S. Main St. 432-336-2167; annieriggsmuseum.org
FORT STOCKTON
Comanche Springs Rodeo
March 23-25
The rodeo features a parade, dancing, live music, and traditional rodeo events. Thursday admission is free, and Friday is Family Night where kids ages 12 and under get in for free. Pecos County Coliseum, 1658 Airport Drive. 432-336-2264; comanchespringsrodeo.com
MONAHANS
Spring Street Jam
March 25
Enjoy live music and vendors at this street dance. Ward County Event Center, 1525 East Monahans Parkway. 432-943-2187; monahans.org
TOYAHVALE
Starry Skies of Balmorhea
March 18
Balmorhea State Park partners with the McDonald Observatory to host a nighttime constellation education event. Guests float in the pool while looking up and learning about the stars and galaxy. Balmorhea State Park, 9207 SH 17. 432-375-2370; tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/balmorhea
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GULF COAST
ALVIN
Music Festival and Cookoff
March 24-25
The barbecue cookoff is accompanied by performances from Tejano group Siggno and country stars Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager as the duo Dos Borrachos. Bob Briscoe Park, 3625 Briscoe Drive. 281-331-3172; alvinmusicfestival.com
BAY CITY
Riverside Smoke Off
March 31-April 1
Participants prepare a wide range of barbecue staples such as brisket, pork ribs, beans, and Dutchoven sweets. Kids 5 to 17 years old can participate in the rib-eye steak and pork rib categories. First place wins a $2,500 prize. Riverside Park, 7330 FM 2668. 979-323-1660; cityofbaycity.org/221/events
BRAZORIA
Heritage Celebration
March 4-5
Celebrate Texas Independence Day
