A kaleidoscope of images from the Celebration

Here we go again! Our wonderful 107th Celebration is history and we prepare for the next one, as we speak.

A happy surprise smack dab in the middle of the hubbub was a visit by cousins Joyce and Bob Emrich, returning from San Miguel de Allende, where they have restored a home, to their "real" home in Galveston . Bob was bringing back an antique car to restore and the ensuing adventures of crossing it enlivened our weekend. Always great to see them and we promised again to coordinate a visit while they are in residence.

Also adding to a busy calendar, we hosted the Lucy Meriwether Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Colonial Valentine Tea at our home. What fun to be involved in so many wonderful activities with so many great friends. About 75 ladies attended. Other hostesses included Rosemary Contreras, Carolyn Jordan, Annabelle Hall, Julia Ruhlman, Virginia Goodwin, Nancy Hughes, Lourdes and Triana Collazo and Victoria Reed, of San Antonio . Cotulla hostesses included Fredna Wood, Alice Hogenauer, Lela Gebert and Margaret Sturgis.

Looking back at the kaleidoscope of images from the Celebration, we recall so many things. A tradition begun with the Angel Committee of the Society of Martha Washington is to bring grandmothers or other long-time members who no longer attend the ball to see the Colonial Pageant dress rehearsal. What fun it is to listen to the ladies recall past pageants and balls when they were more involved with the preparations. This year, Hortencia Sanchez was there to see her great-grandson Jason Macdonald escort her great-granddaughter Amanda Lopez. Josephine Brand, Elizabeth Foster, and her sister Dorothy Longoria also came this year.

Lorraine Withoff Laurel and Federico Carlos Zuniga ably portrayed Martha and George Washington. Each year, a glimpse of history is brought to life. This year, 13 debutantes and their escorts from Laredo and the surrounding area portrayed prominent persons of the time and their wives. They were guests at a ball given for President and Mrs. Washington. The new president, who in April of 1789 had taken the oath that proclaimed him to be the first president of the United States , was touring the states to promote the newly formed union and see for himself how the country was recovering from the ravages of war. They were honored at the Corporation Ball given by the citizens of Charleston , South Carolina at the Merchant's Exchange Building on May 2, 1791.

Mary Kazen, president of the SMW, was glamorous and unflappable and handled her many chores with grace. Rebecca Wise will assume her position for the coming year.

The 17-day, 36-event "Celebration with Something for Everyone" kicked off with the Commander's Reception. The Celebration encompassed a Twilight Pops Concert at TAMIU, Wine Tasting benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs, a Youth Dance Festival featuring 2,500 students, each one thinking the whole world was watching them!

Red, White, & Blue Day, the CPL/WBCA Carnival, Stars & Stripes Air Show Spectacular, Popeyes' Jamboozie street party, LCC Family Fun Fest; the WBCA Membership BBQ, the gigantic fireworks display, the Taste of Laredo, IBC Youth Parade Under the Stars; the LULAC-sponsored Noche de Cabaret featured everything from big band to salsa, mambo and merengue music. Whew!

The Senor Internacional program embodies the spirit of the Celebration, blending two nations and two cultures. A prominent citizen from the United States and another from Mexico are honored each year. The Jalapeño Festival invites participants to gobble hot peppers! This event is fun for the young adult crowd to race tricycles, toss eggs, and play at many other games and fun events.

Of course, the Society of Martha Washington Pageant and Ball, the Princess Pocahontas Pageant, the International Bridge Ceremony that precedes the Grand Parade and symbolizes the friendship between two countries. The big parade is enjoyed by everyone, from the wonderful grown up boys who have almost as much fun in their little cars and clown makeup as they do helping gazillions of kids in need. Thank you, Shriners, for your faithfulness!

The Mr. South Texas Luncheon honors someone who has improved the lives of others in South Texas . Matinee Mexicano en Concierto features famous international entertainers, and the Noche Mexicana recreates the feel of a tropical nightclub.

Nuevo Laredo events included Charreada y Escaramuza, a unique combination of skillful horse acrobatics and rodeo showmanship. The open-air stadium was filled with cheering fans from both sides of the border.

The Callejoneada features live music and walking the colorful sites of downtown Nuevo Laredo . The Rejoneada is a Portuese style bullfight fought on horseback. There is definitely something for everyone!

It is a shame that the outside press so often comes to cover our great party and seems to look for ways to put us down. Yes, some of the costumes cost some money (amounts hinted in the press usually greatly exaggerated). No one pays for them except families who decide they want to. Some choose to spend their money in other ways. Last time I looked, it was still a free country. Truth be told, the very families being criticized are usually among those who are the most civically active and who give the most charitably.

What our grand fiesta does is provide fun for everyone. No, not every girl in town can spend money on a big, sparkling dress. Does she really care? Does that make it wrong for those whose families are willing to provide this magical time for their daughters and sons to enjoy? Did Indians dress this elaborately? Did the Colonists? No, of course not. It has grown to be a show, a production for all to enjoy.

The connection between George Washington, Pocahontas, and the whole history of the Celebration has been explained a zillion times. Those who choose to accept our reasons do, and those who don't, won't.

I wonder why everyone can't just come and enjoy the cheerful, colorful, and unusual ambience we share in this wonderful sunny corner of the world?

Pro and con makes the world go ‘round. In any case, a very good time was, nonetheless, had by all!

In what our dad used to call the "in-laws and out-laws" category, we enjoyed visiting with cousin Frank Leyendecker and family. Carolyn Jordan is related on the Jordan side and we on the Leyendecker side.

It was nice to see little Hannah Gilpin with her parents Barry and Debbie. They lived next door when Hannah was born. She is now seven. We miss them and their parrot, who used to amuse us with his antics.

We do have to say that seeing our granddaughter enjoy the whole affair was great. Our entire family enjoyed seeing old friends, and entering into the spirit so wholeheartedly. Our beautiful and talented sister Linda created her gown, as well as many others, and it is always a marvel to watch her talent bloom. Sister Mary Tom and her Jack came from Blanco and greeted many friends, as did daughter Vickie and her family.

Glad to see Kay Hale, an animal loving cohort from lo, these many years ago. Her daughter Tammy is not only a gifted actress who had added so much to the Laredo Little Theater repertoire. She is also married to Robert Summers, who did such a great job as WBCA president.

Since its inception in 1980, the Princess Pocahontas Council has endeavored to enhance the role of Princess Pocahontas and her Court of Indian Princesses and Chiefs during the Washington's Birthday Celebration by staging elaborate presentations that tell of traditions, visions, and dreams and the enigma that enfolds them.

While making copies at Office Depot, the pleasant girl who helped us turned out to be a former dance classmate of our granddaughter's. Cristina Cavazos is working towards her degree and has opened a dance studio called Cristina's Center Stage. Cristina says it is the first dance studio located in south Laredo. She is very excited about her long-time dream to expose more south Laredo students to the art she loves so much. Good luck, Cristina! Invite us to your first recital!