Saddle up for Ranch Fest

Ranch Fest is an event for all ages that showcases the culture and heritage of South Texas through hands-on activities, food vendors, demonstrations and musical performances at the Museum of South Texas History.

The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg.

Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors, students and active military, $5 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and under, according to the Museum of South Texas History’s webpage.

Pamela Morales, the communications officer and interim programs officer of Museum of South Texas History, said Ranch Fest’s history and origin goes back to over 20 years ago.

“Ranch Fest before 2024 was Heritage and History Day,” Morales said. “And, before Heritage and History day, it was Pioneer and Ranch and Crafts Day. That event has been going on for about 20-plus years.”

She said the event has been rebranded this year.

Angel Andres Vargas Jr., a sophomore computer science major, said one of his main interests is history.

“I like to study history,” Vargas said. “I watch videos, and sometimes articles, and I think I’m planning to attend the Museum of South Texas History now.”

Morales said the history and origin started in the early 2000s.

“To highlight and focus on the activities that were done back when electricity was not around,” she said. “Just to give people an idea of how some of the activities at home, maybe on the ranch and the farm, were made.”

Morales told The Rider most of the demonstrators are local.

“For example, this year we will have a horseshoe maker,” she said.

Francisco Guajardo, chief executive officer of Museum of South Texas History, said “the main focus and purpose of the museum’s exhibits are to present the story of the heritage and history of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico.”

Guajardo said there will be a presentation on bootmaking.

“We have a very notable family that has been making boots in South Texas for many years,” he said.

The Mandujano family of Weslaco will showcase a “remarkable” attraction.

“They will be doing a show and tell on how to make boots,” Guajardo said. “And, so I think that’s going to be remarkable.”

From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., attendees can watch local snake handler Fred Zaidan present South Texas snakes.

“I know people are fascinated with snakes, so that’ll be a fun little demonstration,” Morales said.

She said she would love to see UTRGV students or professors attend.

“We definitely would love to see everyone come by and enjoy this event,” Morales said. “It’s just down the street.”

For more information, visit the Museum of South Texas History’s webpage. The museum is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd.