(Courtesy Photo/Hugo Robles)
By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the PRESS
The southernmost tip of the island sprang to life Saturday as hundreds poured into the Cameron County Amphitheater and southern end of Isla Blanca Park for a full-throttle trio of events: the Fajita Fest Cook-Off, the WSPBR beach rodeo, and the United Collectibles Expo. Smoke and spice rolled, boots clashed with beach chairs, and collectible cards and handmade crafts were offered up to eager buyers as the music played on.
The morning saw contestants for the Fajita Fest Cook-Off setting up their grills and smokers, the scent of charred meat and spicy citrus drawing visitors the moment the gates opened at 11 a.m. Local teams and traveling pit crews pitched tents, chasing a cash prize and hometown bragging rights. The El Maguey Grillers out of Rio Grande City stood out, serving up tender beef fajitas while half their crew slipped away to fish off the seawall.
“The guys are down there fishing,” one team member laughed, nodding toward the water. “They’re making the most of being here.”
From classic beef and chicken to coastal seafood, the range of flavors kept lines long and bellies full. Kids under 12 got in free, and the family-friendly setup spilled onto the Boy Scouts camp at the far south end.
Games, shaded seating, and plenty of ice-cold drinks helped keep energy high all afternoon.
The World Senior Professional Bull Riders (WSPBR) took over the shores with their “Strappin’ In The Sand” bull riding event and Texas’ first-ever beach rodeo. The nonprofit organization, built to support athletes 35 and older, brought bulls and bravado to the Gulf Coast, where waves rolled and dolphins leapt just beyond the arena fencing along the shipping channel.
Put on by Reparo Ranch Productions of Laredo and led by Gaby and Santiago Martinez, the event marked a first not just for South Padre, but for the state. “It took a lot of work to get it here, but I’m so glad we could be the first,” said event producer Gaby Martinez. Riders in the 55-and-over category drew big cheers, including Frank Hobdy, a seasoned veteran and champion rider from Weatherford, Texas, whose steady hand and grit kept the crowd locked in.
“They’ve knocked it out of the park. This is incredible,” said WSPBR Vice President Kerry Meuir, his face breaking out in a grin. “For our senior athletes to be the ones bringing a rodeo to the beach for the first time, it’s a dream come true.”
Live music filled the day and carried into the evening, keeping dancers moving until midnight. An impressive lineup included Grupo Solido, Sonora Dinamita De Anaidita, Oscar Ayala, Los Gallitos, La Dezz, Grupo Zendero, The Ibarra Boyz, JR Reyna Y Grupo Eligido, Alexandra Y Sus Diamantes, Los Ruidosos Del Norte, and Amos De La Noche. Cumbia, Tejano, and modern Latin beats echoed through the stone arena as the sun dropped behind the Laguna.
Inside the amphitheater’s event center, the United Collectibles Expo brought in a steady flow of fans and collectors. Super Bowl champions and Dallas Cowboys legends Tony Hill and Charles Haley were on hand, posing for photos with attendees. The expo was packed with unique finds, rare trading cards, and pop culture memorabilia. Ginna and Israel Elizondo of Izzy’s Collectibles RGV in Edinburg were among those taking part, snapping pictures with the players and browsing the vendor booths.
Three major events, each with its own heartbeat, shared the same stretch of sand, pulling visitors from across Texas and beyond, and spotlighting South Padre Island’s growing power as a host for large-scale, culturally rich gatherings. As the music faded, the bulls settled, and the last fajitas hit the grill, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a day of events, it was a full-blown celebration, South Texas style.
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