FIESTA DE LA FERIA 2019

Updated: March 1, 2019

Great Turnout Marked Annual Event’s 26th Year

by Tony Vindell/LFN

As Narciso Camacho and his wife sat on a window ledge of a local business, one could see or hear voices of scores of people walking along Main Street here in La Feria.

The senior couple was taking a break before heading toward the commotion and said they have been doing the same for several years.

“This is fiesta time,” Camacho said. “This has been going for quite a while.”

He was referring to the Fiesta de la Feria, an annual event that began 26 years ago and still is going strong today.

La Feria Police Department officers making and selling chicken and beef tacos. Photo: Tony Vindell/LFN

The fiesta was held Saturday, Feb. 16 and, judging by the number of people seen along the city’s main drag, it was a blast.

There was car show, in which close to 190 entries were submitted, for foreign, classic, modern, muscle and low rider cars and trucks.

There were also motorcycles and even farm tractors competing in the car show.

Eddy Alvarez, with E & O Ventures, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm after prizes were awarded to the first three places in each of the 12 or more categories.

He took first place in both the motorcycle and classic categories.

“This is awesome,” Alvarez said. “This event brings friendship. Just look at this turnout.”

The Weslaco resident said he has owned the 2009 American Iron Horse for 11 years and the 1957 Chevy Bellaire for the last three months.

Paul Benavidez took first place with his 1996 Acura Integra GSR.

“This is my first time here,” he said. “I have put a lot of time into this vehicle.”

Mayor Olga Maldonado, second from left, and Julian Guevara, far right, presenting trophies during car show. Photo: Tony Vindell/LFN

Benavidez couldn’t believe his car won over other foreign–made vehicles such as a Jaguar and Mercedes Benz.

“I was worried,” he said, “but the British-made car took second place.”

Eddy Alvarez shows his vehicles that took first place.

While the car show was going on, the north side of Main Street was crowded with vendors selling an array of merchandise.

Facing City Hall was a food court where businesses, individuals and some organizations, like the local police department, were cooking and selling burgers, tacos, brisket sandwiches, freshly squeezed fruit juice and the always present funnel cakes.

Kids and adults rode the little train throughout the day.

Ram’s, a vendor was selling what he called a Taco Gigante – a Texas-sized flour tortilla stuffed with meat, refried best, cheese and onions.

Several groups played on stage as people danced Tejano music to their hearts content.

Jim and Marlyf Weaver, a couple from Iowa, said they always have enjoyed going to the Fiesta de la Feria.

“We have been coming here since 2010,” she said while walking their dog, Lacey, which sat inside a baby stroller. “This festivity is getting bigger and bigger every year.”