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We’re just connecting the dots
WINTER TEXAN Volume 10 • Issue 11 January 1, 2025
Your Connection to the Rio Grande Valley
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It’s the first day of 2025, and I know it’s going to be a great year! I am already excited to see what the year has in store, and knowing several months of it will be spent with all of you makes me even more certain. As many of you know, I went through surgery recently. You haven’t seen me out and about because of the recovery process— from the surgery, as well as from the non-stop pace I’ve been keeping for several years. I’m not going to lie; recovery can be both a struggle and a much-needed break. While I had to slow down, I couldn’t get my mind to do the same. The wheels were spinning and spinning, and I can’t wait to present all of my ideas to the WHRGV Team and see where they take us. Let’s head into 2025 with positive vibes and an attitude of gratitude and fun. The Winter Texan Expo is only 20 days away, and I know you’re as excited about that as I am. Happy New Year! See you all soon!
Thank You
SEASON SPONSORS 2024-2025
Clowning Around at Tropic Star by Eryn Reddell Wingert Photos courtesy of Tropic Star Clown Troupe
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n 1996, Velma Seutter came up with an idea to cheer up residents of Tropic Star RV Resort in Pharr. Gathering up a group of friends, she created a clown troupe. The troupe started with about six performers, gradually growing to more than 25. They expanded from visiting anyone who was sick within the park to performing out in the local community, taking part in parades; visiting schools, retirement homes, hospitals, and veterans homes; and even crossing the border into Reynosa to entertain orphans. Georgette McGuire shared this history she garnered from two books filled with photos of troupe performances
from over the years. The last notated entry was “November 13, 2010-11.” That was until about seven years ago when McGuire says another resident, Wayne Blindaur, revived the troupe, motivated by a personal connection to clowning. According to McGuire, Blindaur’s mother was a clown with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. His idea was presented at a park meeting in 2017. It was approved, and soon he had a list of participants originating from the Midwest and Canada. Soon after its revival, McGuire says fellow winter visitor Darlene Kraven knocked on her door and asked if she wanted to be a clown. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2