Ballet Folklorico viva Mexico performs at a variety of civil and charitable events across the Coastal Bend. The nonprofit group formed in 1997 and is dedicated to preserving, enhancing and sharing the beauty of authentic Mexican folklorico dance. Courtesy photo
A hummingbird migration, 1,800-plus bicyclists and Hispanic Heritage Month have all converged on the Coastal Bend this weekend. We have everything you need to know to go right here.
HummerBird Festival
Rockport-Fulton turns the focus on the twice-annual migration of the Ruby-throated hummingbird through its town with the 28th HummerBird Celebration on Sept. 15-18. The Coastal Bend is the last stop for the birds before the last push over the Gulf of Mexico to Central America, where they will spend the winter.
The birds fly alone and low by day in search of nectar sources for energy. By using tailwinds, they can travel as far as 23 miles a day, according to experts. They usually refuel in the early morning, travel through the midday and begin foraging again in the late afternoon.
The event is held at the Lockport-Fulton High School, 1801 Omuhundro St. in Rockport, as well as in the yards of hummingbird enthusiasts across the area. Thursday events include self-guided Hummer Homes tours, a two-hour boat birding trip, speaker programs all day and a welcome reception at the Rockport Center for the Arts from 6:30-8 p.m.
Friday, join a birding bus trip to Fennessey Ranch led by expert birders, more bus and boat tours, speaker programs, outdoor exhibits and photography classes. Saturday is the same with the addition of a breakfast. On Sunday, go on a four-hour brunch on the bay trip with extensive bay birding. For a complete list of events and times, visit rockport-fulton.org/HB.
Conquer the Coast
More than 1,900 riders have signed up for the annual Conquer the Coast ride. This year, the 65-mile ride’s ceremonial rider will be a ghost bike mounted on a truck in honor of fallen bicyclist Andy Heines. The communications director for the AEP Texas, Heines was killed while riding his bicycle by a hit-and-run driver July 25.
Riders line up at North Bayfront Park next to the American Bank Center beginning at 7:30 a.m. Those taking off on the 65-mile route go first, followed by the 21-mile and 10-mile riders. The event, owned by the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Foundation and produced by Ryan Sanders Entertainment and High Five Events, is in its 13th year.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Several organizations have planned Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations throughout commemoration Sept. 15-Oct.15. The national event celebrates the historic and cultural contributions of Americans whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It begins on the anniversary of independence for Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Chile celebrates its independence on Sept. 18 and is included in this group as well.
For events, speakers, parties and more, check out the following websites:
• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
• Del Mar College
• United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce
• Instituto de Cultura Hispanica de Corpus Christi
For even more events, visit 101corpuschristi.com/EVENTS for the most comprehensive event calendar in the Coastal Bend. Download whatever interests you directly to your digital calendar or set up a get-together by instantly emailing info to family and friends. All with the touch of a finger or click of a button.
