We’re just connecting the dots
WINTER TEXAN
Winter Texan Expo Travel-Focused Fun
Volume 11 • Issue 14 February 4, 2026
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We are still on cloud nine after hosting two incredibly successful Winter Texan Expos. Our McAllen show celebrated its 33rd year, and Brownsville will mark its 5th anniversary next season, milestones we’re proud of because these events are all about showing appreciation for our favorite people: YOU, our Winter Texans. The Expo remains the largest event in Texas dedicated entirely to the Winter Texan community, and this year absolutely delivered. Travel and tours took center stage, with destinations, attractions, and cruise partners from across the state sharing new adventures and ideas. One of the highlights was the addition of travel presentations--covering everything from cruising to dream trips to Ireland and beyond--giving attendees a chance to learn and plan your next getaway. As always, the best part was reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new friends. A special crowd favorite this year was the GA Barber School, whose team gave more than 200 complimentary haircuts, proof that the Expo is just as much about fun and care as it is about information. Planning is already underway for next year’s events, and we’d love to hear what you’d like to see. Your ideas help shape the Expo, and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2027.
Thank You
SEASON SPONSORS 2025-2026
Save the Dates
Winter Texan Expo 2027 McAllen: January 19 and 20 Brownsville: January 21
A Winter Texan Expo vendor shares information–and a laugh–with attendees.
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Story and Photos by Eryn Reddell Wingert
here was a vibe at the 33rd Annual Winter Texan Expo. It was evident the moment you walked into the McAllen Convention Center. The place was buzzing; it was electric. The main exhibit hall was alive with conversations, demonstrations, music, comedy acts, and tour and travel presentations. There was an emphasis on touring and traveling at this year’s Expo, with opportunities spanning not only across the region but throughout Texas and even Ireland, Mexico, and Alaska--not to mention the opportunity to register to win a free cruise and tour tickets. Hundreds took part. Thousands of people attended Welcome Home RGV’s annual threeday event that took place in McAllen and Brownsville last month, along with over 160 vendors. Frequent Expo visitors and BFFs are photobombed by a Smile
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Innovations vendor.