La Feria Events Committee Continues Plans for Centennial Celebration in Conjunction with the 2015 Fiesta de La Feria

Updated: December 17, 2014

Early Highlights Include Expanded Two Day Event

The City of La Feria will celebrate its’ 100th Birthday next year during the Fiesta de La Feria February 27-28, 2015. The Events Committee is planning a special event to recognize the colorful history and culture of the community. The group is ramping up all the regular events which always attract large crowds from the live music, student art events, the popular car show and the food and vendor booths.

The City of La Feria Events Committee consists of city staff, local business owners, representatives from the local school district and law enforcement, and other members of the community who devote their time, energy and resources for the benefit of La Feria. Front row (L to R) Olga Oberwetter, Tabitha Outlaw, Kin Mendoza, Eva Menchaca, Paula Rodriguez, Veronica Gamboa, Carmen Cadena, Florence Reichle, Betty Jo Dunlap, Robbie Zapata, Reva Ayala, Zulema Vuittonet. 2nd row (L to R) Ben Guerrero, Maria Chavero, Ruth Dearinger, Lori Weaver, Alma Martinez, John Ftacek, Joe Sanchez, Sunny K. Philip, Glenn Sowers, Emma Martinez, Frank Tamez, Esmeralda Sanchez, and Ron Cathey. (click to enlarge)

The celebration will highlight the history of La Feria since its founding in 1915. During the early days, Bailey H. Dunlap was the first mayor of the city in 1915 and served on the City Commission. He was a member of many civic organizations and was a Mason and a Shriner. Dunlap operated Dunlap and Sigler Insurance Agency and was active in selling real estate in the entire Rio Grande Valley. He died March 22, 1957, having served his community, his state and his nation well. Bailey H. Dunlap will always be remembered as a truly great gentleman with a generous heart. The committee hopes to create a timeline of events in the city so all can realize the challenges and accomplishments of the community through the last 100 years. –excerpts from The Bicentennial History of La Feria, Texas by Eddie Gathings McNail.

Activities are not in stone yet, but the committee hopes to offer tours of the grounds at the Tichenor Mansion, displays of old photos, history of our winter visitors, Indian displays, and recognition of outstanding La Ferians. For fun, all the community men are asked to grow their beards for the occasion. We will keep you posted on new developments. If you would like to contribute an idea, special photo or would like to serve on this special committee, call the city at 797-2261.

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