Events Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

VIDEO: Hundreds attend NW Screwworm Meeting: Expert Panel lays out Facts and State’s response plans

admin — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 02:30:09 +0000

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

06-10-26

About 300 plus attended the NW Screwworm Community Meeting sponsored by Spear AG during the morning session and over a hundred attended the evening session held at the Uvalde County Fairplex Events Center. Texas State Senator District 80 Don McLaughlin appeared with two other State officials at the evening meeting covering recent updates on Texas Counties where Screwworm cases have been confirmed as well as what animals are at risk.

The two-hour meetings discussed the animals at risk and steps ranchers, farmers, pet owners and locals should take to identify possible screwworm larvae infections on animals and how to report the problem. One official stressed the key way to address the problem is to keep “eyes-on” animals. They went on to stress the importance of looking for any odd behaviors and monitor any wounds that the NW Screwworm larvae could infect.

The Uvalde Hesperian will post additional information presented at the meeting in a future report.

The post VIDEO: Hundreds attend NW Screwworm Meeting: Expert Panel lays out Facts and State’s response plans appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Local family hosts Free “Tea Party” literacy event to kick off summer break

admin — Sat, 30 May 2026 20:55:12 +0000

05-30-26

Submitted by Cheyenne and Andres Vielma

Image credit: Grok AI Stock Photo

(We’re) hosting a free children’s event for the kids out on summer break. The goal is to make reading exciting. I am very passionate about child literacy and right now the rate is very low. I want to spark a joy inside them and give them a safe space to explore their mind. Hope to see you there! This event was funded by me and my husband, for the community.

Jessica Ruby Cottle has graciously allowed us to use her farm to hold these events. It is pretty well known in the city. She has a market there. Its right on FM 140. 310 FM 140. It’s as if u were going to Pearsall. It’s a well-known business.

This is free community event for the children and intellectually disabled adults. The goal is to share food and entertainment with the community, and my joy for reading. You can expect, food, deserts, Bailey’s lemonade, a story time, and a small discussion.

The child literacy rate is exceptionally low. I want to give the children incentive to read. With the ability to read, comes the ability to articulate yourself. It is so important to give children a way to not only express their feelings but encourage them to dream. Books do that.

I have done many food drives and fed my community during the food stamps shut down. This is a way for me to not only feed the kids who are off from school, because they will be missing those meals, but to provide entertainment and share my enthusiasm for literature at the same time.

It fulfills my heart. I don’t have any other reasons why I am doing this lol.

I just enjoy making people happy.

So the first hour we will eat and drink lemonade and explore the garden while we wait for all the kids to arrive, and the second hour will be for reading and a short discussion.

The post Local family hosts Free “Tea Party” literacy event to kick off summer break appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Southwest Texas College Recognizes More Than 1,100 Graduates at Commencement

admin — Wed, 20 May 2026 23:09:39 +0000

Press Release by Southwest Texas College

PHOTO ID: Mia Castro of Uvalde at one of the five ceremonies, which were held at the Uvalde County Fairplex Arena on May 8 and 9.

05-20-26 5/20/26

(Uvalde, Texas) Southwest Texas College (SWTX) marked its 79th commencement with ceremonies in Uvalde on May 8 and 9, celebrating graduates from dual credit, liberal arts, and applied sciences programs. According to SWTX Registrar Steve Martinez, 1,126 of the 1,363 graduates took part in the spring 2026 ceremonies, joined by family, faculty, and staff in recognition of the achievement. LIST OF GRADUATES

Ceremony highlights

The ceremonies featured remarks centered on perseverance, preparation and opportunity, with Vice President of Academic Affairs April Ruhmann telling graduates their success was “the beginning” of new accomplishments. Families, faculty, staff and school district partners were thanked for helping students reach graduation day. PHOTOS

Academic honors

The ceremonies recognized graduates earning honors such as summa cum laude, magna cum laude and Phi Theta Kappa distinction. College leaders also noted the role of dual credit and early college partnerships in helping students earn college credit while still in high school.

Program details

The commencement schedule included two dual credit early college high school ceremonies, a liberal arts ceremony and two applied sciences ceremonies. Officials from Southwest Texas College, including board members and administrators, participated in the ceremonies and conferred degrees and diplomas. The ceremonies were streamed on the college’s official YouTube channel.

Graduates can purchase their photos by using the link below.

GRADUATION PHOTOS

About Southwest Texas College
Southwest Texas College is a regional, “open door” institution serving an 11-county area that stretches from the Texas Hill Country to the US-Mexican border. Since 1946 SWTX has provided accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. The college’s mission is to enrich lives and advance growth through the education of our diverse communities.

To learn more about SWTX, visit swtxc.edu. For more information on this story, contact Ismael Martinez, SWTX Social Media/Public Relations Specialist at 830-591-2942 or imartinez@swtxc.edu.

The post Southwest Texas College Recognizes More Than 1,100 Graduates at Commencement appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Marcy Grace joins UvaldeRadio.net in advance of her upcoming Memorial Day Weekend Show

admin — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:31:44 +0000

Article submitted by UvaldeRadio.net

05-21-26

After more than a year since their last on-air conversation, Marcy Grace reconnected with longtime friend and radio host Robert Miguel Wednesday morning during a phone interview on the Robert Miguel Morning Show on UvaldeRadio.net.

Calling in from her new home in Rockport, Grace joined the program to promote her upcoming Memorial Day weekend appearance opening for Stoney LaRue this Saturday night at House Pasture Cattle Company in Concan. The show officially kicks off the 2026 summer concert season at the legendary Hill Country venue and marks another major appearance in Uvalde County for the rising Texas artist.

The interview served as both a promotional call and a catch-up session for Uvalde Radio listeners who have followed Grace’s career since the release of her debut Texas radio single “El Camino” in 2019. Robert and Marcy have shared a long history of on-air conversations over the years, dating back to her early days as a relatively unknown newcomer performing around South Texas while based in San Antonio.

Reflecting on that first meeting years ago, Robert recalled:

“A little girl, huge voice, and I’ve been a fan ever since.”

Since then, listeners across Uvalde County have watched Grace steadily grow into a seasoned professional with an increasingly strong presence throughout the Texas music scene. During Wednesday’s interview, Marcy herself acknowledged how much she has changed personally and professionally since those early radio appearances.

“I used to be super shy, super shy girl,” Grace admitted. “I think maybe even when I met you the first time, I was kind of, you know, kind of shy… and now it’s easier for me, and I’m kind of coming into my own a little bit better now.”

That evolution has become especially noticeable in the way Grace now approaches networking, collaborations, and branding opportunities — all while continuing to build her reputation as a hardworking independent artist.

One of the biggest topics during the interview was her recent move from San Antonio to Rockport, where she has quietly settled over the last two years. Robert jokingly pressed her for the “real reason” behind the relocation, leading to one of the interview’s funniest exchanges after rumors apparently circulated that she had moved for a relationship.

“There was this rumor going around — I don’t know who started it — but that I moved down here with my fiancé,” Grace laughed. “That’s not true. I do not have a fiancé. I’m still married to my music.”

Instead, Grace explained that the move was motivated by family ties, her love for the coast, and new creative opportunities emerging in the area.

“Rockport’s always been kind of like a second home for me,” she said. “It’s kind of welcomed me into a community over here, and it’s been really great.”

She also discussed the growing music infrastructure developing along the coast, particularly through the Rockport Songwriter Association, which has opened new doors for local artists and songwriters.

Even with the move, Grace emphasized that her longtime band remains largely based around San Antonio and continues to record and perform together — something Robert noted is increasingly uncommon in modern country music.

“The band I play with live is the band that I record with,” Grace said proudly.

That live chemistry is already evident on her latest Texas radio single “Tear It Up,” a high-energy country-rock anthem currently making its way across the state. Grace described the song as one that naturally represents her sound and stage show.

“People usually really rock out to this song,” she explained. “I really feel like this song kind of sums up my style pretty much, from the rock side and the country side and kind of all in one.”

The track also serves as the title cut for her first full-length album, which she says finally captures the true personality of her live performances.

The interview also spotlighted just how much Grace’s profile has expanded since relocating to Rockport. Robert jokingly told listeners:

“They treat you like a superstar. I mean, you’ve got cardboard cutouts and endorsements.”

The comment referenced Grace’s newest collaboration with Dog’Gone Brewery in Rockport, which is launching her signature beer called “El Camino” — named after the very song that first introduced many Texas listeners to her music several years ago.

Grace described the partnership as a dream opportunity.

“It’s something that artists really kind of dream of,” she said.

Robert quickly pointed out the full-circle nature of the story:

“And now the song has got its own beer. What a full-circle story, right?”

The brewery partnership grew out of networking and community connections Grace has developed since arriving in Rockport. In addition to the signature beer, she is also helping launch a summer songwriter series at the brewery while continuing to collaborate with musicians, filmmakers, and promoters across Texas.

That collaborative spirit also carried into the music video for “Tear It Up,” which was filmed at the historic Sam’s Burger Joint and directed by filmmaker Arturo De Las Fuentes from New York. Grace described the shoot as an energetic community-driven experience involving fans, dancers, and even professional wrestler Terrale Tempo.

As for Saturday night’s concert in Concan, Grace made it clear that sharing the stage with Stoney LaRue is a milestone moment in her career.

“That’s been one of those bucket list guys that I’ve wanted to play with,” she said. “Getting to do it in Uvalde County of all places, in the House Pasture, one of our favorite venues — it’s just really a cool, cool show.”

Grace is no stranger to the House Pasture stage, having previously performed there alongside Texas favorites Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager. However, this Memorial Day weekend appearance feels especially significant because it serves as the unofficial launch of another busy Texas summer concert season.

Fans attending the show can expect a high-energy set blending country, rock, and Red Dirt influences, along with several newer songs that Grace says longtime listeners in Uvalde County may not have heard yet.

And for anyone unable to catch her performance in Concan this weekend, Grace also encouraged listeners to attend another nearby appearance just days later in Utopia. Toward the end of the interview, she promoted the upcoming “Heartbeat of Texas” benefit concert scheduled for May 30, supporting Hill Country preservation efforts through the Hill Country Preservation Coalition. The event will also feature Bruce Robison and Bernie Nelson.

For Uvalde Radio listeners who have followed Marcy Grace’s journey since the beginning, Wednesday morning’s phone interview offered a reminder of just how far she has come — from a shy young singer pushing her first single to Texas radio into an increasingly confident artist building a career through relentless work ethic, strong relationships, and a genuine love for Texas music culture.

Hear the full interview with Marcy Grace on demand at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/texas-music-interviews–5772359

The post Marcy Grace joins UvaldeRadio.net in advance of her upcoming Memorial Day Weekend Show appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

City of Uvalde Marks Completion of Citywide Playspace Initiative

admin — Sun, 17 May 2026 14:29:31 +0000

Press release from the City of Uvalde

Top Picture by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

05-17-26

This build marks the completion of the citywide playspace initiative, ensuring that all playspaces identified at the start of the partnership in 2022 have been built or renovated. As a result, every child in Uvalde now has access to a quality place to play near where they live or go to school.

As KABOOM! celebrates its 30th year, this milestone reflects the joy of kids, communities, and partners, while reinforcing a continued commitment to community healing and long-term investment in youth.

Today’s children face increasing pressures—from limited access to playspaces and nature to rising mental health challenges and screen time—making play more critical than ever. KABOOM! envisions a world where safe and amazing places to play exist for every child in America so that kids can grow up happy and healthy.

This new playspace represents progress made possible through collaboration between City of Uvalde, H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust, and KABOOM!, and reflects a shared commitment to protecting childhood and strengthening community well-being.

This new playspace with City of Uvalde, H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust, and Mars is part of a nationwide effort led by KABOOM! to end playspace inequity – the reality that far too many children – especially children of color – do not get the chance to play on a playground, something that should be part of every child’s life. Their work is to ensure every kid can experience the numerous physical, social, and mental health benefits of play regardless of background or where they live.

Community members led the creation of the playground, from design to installation. In February, kids from the City of Uvalde shared drawings of their dream playspaces with project organizers. These ideas were integrated into the new playground design. This project represents progress in ensuring every kid has a place to play, providing a state-of-the-art playground for more than 5,000 children to enjoy each year.

The City of Uvalde has a population of over 5,000 children under the age of 19. Providing play spaces in neighborhoods across the city gives caregivers more accessible options, especially for those without reliable transportation. These neighborhood parks are also valuable for grandparents and families who can walk to enjoy the outdoors together. Beyond recreation, these spaces encourage physical activity, support social interaction, and help children build important communication skills. We are proud to have completed this project as a space for the entire community to enjoy.

To learn how partners can join KABOOM! in their efforts to end playspace inequity, visit https://kaboom.org/become-a-partner/.

The post City of Uvalde Marks Completion of Citywide Playspace Initiative appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Lone Star Liberty PAC Launches Statewide Runoff Early Vote Tour With Special Guest AG Paxton

admin — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:37:19 +0000

Press release from Lonestar Liberty PAC

05-12-26

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Picture credit: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/about-office

DALLAS— Lone Star Liberty PAC today announced the launch of a statewide early vote runoff tour with Special Guest Attorney General Ken Paxton as Texans begin casting ballots in the Republican runoff election.

The one-week grassroots tour will feature seven rallies across Texas alongside additional press events and coalition stops that will be announced throughout the week. The tour is designed to energize conservative voters, drive early vote turnout, and reinforce Paxton’s standing as the proven conservative fighter in the race.

Throughout the week, Lone Star Liberty PAC will rally supporters across major Republican strongholds while highlighting General Paxton’s record of fighting the Biden administration, defending Texas’ border security efforts, protecting constitutional freedoms, and taking on the political establishment on behalf of grassroots conservatives.

“Texans are ready to send a clear message that the conservative movement in this state still belongs to the grassroots — not the Austin and Washington establishment,” said a spokesperson for Lone Star Liberty PAC. “Ken Paxton has spent his career fighting for the people of Texas, defending our conservative values, and delivering results when it matters most. This tour is about turning out voters and finishing strong.”

The runoff early vote tour will include the following rally in San Antonio:

San Antonio Rally

Thursday, May 21
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The Angry Elephant

The post Lone Star Liberty PAC Launches Statewide Runoff Early Vote Tour With Special Guest AG Paxton appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

VIDEO: Saturday Splash: Rotary Club opens splash pad at Jardin de los Heroes Park

admin — Sat, 09 May 2026 23:42:21 +0000

The post VIDEO: Saturday Splash: Rotary Club opens splash pad at Jardin de los Heroes Park appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

SWTX honors service, excellence at Dean’s Breakfast

admin — Thu, 07 May 2026 20:27:05 +0000

SWTX honors service, excellence at Dean’s Breakfast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5/5/26

UVALDE, TEXAS

Southwest Texas College held its annual Dean’s Breakfast on Friday, May 1, honoring faculty and staff for service, retirements and outstanding contributions across its Uvalde, Del Rio and Eagle Pass, Crystal City, Hondo and Pearsall campuses. PHOTOS

President Hector Gonzales recognized 12 retirees for nine to 27 years of service. Honorees: Kirk Palermo, nine years; Alfredo Hernandez, 10 years; Josephine Mendez, 10 years; Dale Gear, 11 years; Yolanda Yvette Mirelez, 13 years; Cynthia Martinez, 17 years; Teresa H. Zamarrippa, 17 years; Rosa M. Rodriguez, 17 years; Richard Davis Jr., 20 years; Hector Rivera, 22 years; Juanita Reed, 26 years; and Dr. Mark Underwood, 27 years.

Outstanding awards

Outstanding Faculty Member: Albert Ybarra, presented by Frank Luna and Isabel Alvarez.

Faculty Association Teaching Excellence Award: Lorie Compton-Betty, presented by Veronica Williams.

Outstanding Staff — Professional: Amanda Santos, presented by Dr. Randa Schell.

Outstanding Staff — Paraprofessional: Aracely Ruiz, 34 years of service, presented by April Ruhmann.

NISOD Excellence Awards: Dr. Onesimo Martinez II, associate psychology professor, and Lucas Limbrick, diesel technology instructor. Both will receive medals May 24 at the national conference in Austin.

Service pins

More than 40 employees received service pins for five to 45 years.

45 years

Amanda Hadley

30 years

Connie Buchanan

Aracely Ruiz

25 years

Jo Ann Sanchez

Margot Mata

20 years

Victor Lopez

Derek Veazey

Concepcion Silva

Subburaj Kannan

15 years

Vanessa Uriegas

Xaviera Haynes

Gabriela Davis

10 years

Alyssa Gonzales

Frankie Pannell

Armando Mondragon

Janna E. Calk

Jose Zavala

Martin R. Garcia

Marisa Hinojosa

Maria E. Martinez

Rebekah Garza

5 years

Dana Garza

Leopoldo Aviles IV

Daniel Dickson

Michelle Martinez Vera

David Alonso Sanchez

Gerardo Luna

Ricardo Perez

Antonio Flores Jr.

Antonio V. Ruiz Jr.

Christina Maldonado Crowley

Alyssa Gomez

Donald McBlain

Jose Luis Ayala

Laura Bustillos

Lizet Medrano

Leaders emphasized SWTX’s family atmosphere and student commitment during graduation reminders.

To learn more about SWTX, visit swtxc.edu. For more information on this story, contact Ismael Martinez, SWTX Social Media/Public Relations Specialist at 830-591-2942 or imartinez@swtxc.edu.

The post SWTX honors service, excellence at Dean’s Breakfast appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Trees, Bees and Community Roots Celebrated at UvaldeRadio.net’s Party On The Plaza

admin — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:21:49 +0000

Submitted by UvaldeRadio.net

4-27-26

UVALDE — Community, conservation and local heritage came together Friday evening as residents gathered in the heart of downtown for UvaldeRadio.net’s Trees & Bees Party On The Plaza, a celebration honoring Arbor Day and Uvalde’s enduring identity as the Honey Capital of the World.

Held from 6 to 9 p.m. beneath the mature oak and pecan trees of the downtown plaza, the event transformed the historic square into a lively community gathering space framed by the Uvalde Grand Opera House and the County Courthouse. The evening also marked the latest installment of UvaldeRadio.net’s monthly Party On The Plaza vendor market, held every final Friday of the month, with this edition centered on the intertwined importance of trees, bees and natural resources in the region.

The event coincided with Arbor Day and served as a reminder of Uvalde’s heritage as a designated Tree City USA community. Organizers emphasized the ecological, historical and economic roles trees and pollinators play in Southwest Texas, where agriculture, native brushland and conservation remain deeply connected.

Local and regional vendors filled the plaza offering artisan goods, food, drinks, crafts, and potted plants and trees, while the Texas Master Naturalists Brush Y Canyons chapter shared information about its mission to develop well-informed volunteers dedicated to education, outreach and stewardship of natural resources and natural areas across Texas communities.

On the honey side of the celebration, local honey vendors were also featured, including The Blinged Buck, UvaldeRadio.net’s official Uvalde Honey partner, offering its 100 percent raw Uvalde Brush Honey. The event also welcomed Uvalde County Honey Queen Cashlyn Varnon, who posed for photos with residents, autographed 8×10 photos, and handed out golden paper crowns to children, making them honorary princes and princesses for the evening.

During a short interview conducted by UvaldeRadio.net Promotions Assistant Mercedez, Varnon spoke about her pride in representing Uvalde and the importance of drawing attention to the region’s bee population and honey industry. Known for producing high-quality honey from the nectar of guajillo brush, Uvalde’s honey industry remains a defining part of the area’s identity, agriculture and culture.

Varnon also announced the return of the Uvalde Honey Festival, set for April 8-11, 2027, when the annual event—canceled for 2026—is expected to return as an expanded four-day celebration.

UvaldeRadio.net Program Director Robert Miguel Rodriguez, who organized the event, emceed the evening, conducted giveaways and introduced special guests City of Uvalde Mayor Hector R. Luevano and Rachel Sarlls, regional urban ecologist with the Texas A&M Forest Service for the San Antonio region.

Mayor Luevano addressed attendees with an official Arbor Day proclamation, reflecting on the holiday’s origins in 1872, when the Nebraska Board of Agriculture first established a day devoted to planting trees. He also spoke about Uvalde’s past recognition as a Tree City USA community and the importance of renewing that civic spirit.

In one of the evening’s most memorable moments, the mayor quoted Isaiah 61:3, saying residents “may be called the oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified,” drawing a parallel between the strength, stability and long life symbolized by oak trees and the enduring spirit of the Uvalde community.

Mayor Luevano then presented the framed proclamation to Sarlls, who encouraged residents to recognize the vital role trees play in everyday life. She pointed to the shade the trees provided during the event, noted the pecans scattered in the grass and invited the crowd to take a deep breath and appreciate the oxygen created by the trees surrounding them.

Following the event, Sarlls praised the community’s efforts.

“It is amazing to have a community come together to celebrate not only trees for Arbor Day but honey as well, two things that go hand in hand,” Sarlls said. “Our pollinators and trees help support each other, the planet, and us and our communities. Bringing the community together to connect with nature is always a worthwhile cause. Trees help clean our air and water, provide shade, and also just simply make people happy. Thank you for celebrating trees and proclaiming April 24th as Uvalde Arbor Day. It was an honor to be a part of the celebration. Keep moving forward in celebration everything you have grown and everything future generations will plant.”

The proclamation was met with cheers before music resumed and the plaza returned to the sounds of conversation, laughter and shopping. Families lingered into the cooler spring evening, children gathered fallen pecans beneath the trees, and residents enjoyed the sense of shared community as the sun set over downtown.

Organizers said the event reflected how conservation and community can go hand in hand, linking Uvalde’s agricultural roots, environmental stewardship and civic pride.

UvaldeRadio.net will continue its monthly Party On The Plaza series with a School’s Out Party On The Plaza scheduled for May 29, coinciding with Uvalde High School graduation, followed by an America 250 Party On The Plaza celebrating the semiquincentennial birthday of the United States the weekend before July 4.

More information about UvaldeRadio.net events and programming is available at uvalderadio.net and on the station’s Facebook page.

The post Trees, Bees and Community Roots Celebrated at UvaldeRadio.net’s Party On The Plaza appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Keep Knippa Beautiful (KKB) to host First Annual Pickleball Tournament

admin — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:03:07 +0000

Article submitted by UvaldeRadio.net

04-08-26

A new community event is bringing neighbors together in Knippa, Texas while helping support efforts to keep the small town clean and welcoming.

During a live interview on UvaldeRadio.net, host Robert Miguel spoke with Connor Kimble of Keep Knippa Beautiful (KKB) about the organization’s upcoming First Annual Pickleball Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at the Knippa Tennis Courts.

Keep Knippa Beautiful is a local volunteer group affiliated with Keep Texas Beautiful, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to empowering Texans to improve and beautify their communities through litter prevention, cleanup projects, and civic engagement.

Kimble explained that the organization formed earlier this year and has already begun tackling projects aimed at improving the appearance and pride of the community. Volunteers have organized trash cleanups around town, adopted a stretch of highway east of Knippa for regular litter pickup, and are planning projects such as installing a new welcome sign near the railroad tracks and restoring the historic cross overlooking town.

“We’re just proud of this place and want to help make it look as good as it can,” Kimble said during the interview.

Kimble himself is originally from nearby Uvalde, Texas. After marrying his wife—a Knippa native—he moved to the small community and quickly became involved in local initiatives. Now a business owner in the area, he says supporting community projects simply felt like the right thing to do.

“All the little towns around here have a lot of pride,” he said. “When you live somewhere like Knippa, everybody knows everybody, and people really care about the place they call home.”

That community spirit is a big reason behind the upcoming pickleball fundraiser. The tournament will feature two-person teams, with 20 total team slots available and both competitive and recreational divisions so players of all skill levels can participate. Entry is $50 per player, and proceeds will go directly toward KKB’s community improvement projects. Organizers also plan to have concessions, merchandise, and prizes for participants.

Even those who don’t play are encouraged to attend.

“Just coming out and supporting the community is a big part of what we’re trying to do,” Kimble said. “It’s about meeting neighbors, having fun, and helping the town at the same time.”

Pickleball itself has exploded in popularity in recent years, and Kimble says part of the sport’s appeal is how accessible it is. Played on a smaller court than tennis and often described as a mix of tennis and ping-pong, the game allows players of different ages and skill levels to compete together.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re young or older—anybody can get out there and play,” he said. “You still get a good workout, but it’s really just a fun social game.”

Registration details, sponsor information, and updates about the event can be found on the Keep Knippa Beautiful Facebook page.

The First Annual Pickleball Tournament begins April 18 at the Knippa Tennis Courts, with organizers hoping it will become a yearly tradition that helps strengthen community pride in the small town of about 850 residents.

Listen to the full interview with Connor in podcast format on demand at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/people-of-uvalde–4346894

The post Keep Knippa Beautiful (KKB) to host First Annual Pickleball Tournament appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.