First Annual Tribute to the Rio Grande River Deemed a Great Success
By: Miguel Munoz, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2019
Eagle Pass Water Works System General Manager Jorge Barrera announced that the First Annual Tribute to the Rio Grande River was a great success with thousands of Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico citizens participating in all of the events held as part of the tribute.
The First Annual Tribute to the Rio Grande River kicked-off with two outstanding historical and cultural presentations on Friday, October 18, 2019 by Dr. Mario Montano of Colorado College (Colorado Springs) and Dr. Otto Schober of Piedras Negras at the historical The Victorian House, located at 475 N. Adams Street in Eagle Pass, amidst an audience of approximately 100 persons.
Both Drs. Montano and Schober presented a beautiful PowerPoint presentation with photographs of the Rio Grande River from its inception in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to its discharge in the Gulf of Mexico in Brownsville, Texas. Following their presentations, each speaker was presented a gift basket by Eagle Pass Water Works System General Manager Jorge Barrera and guests were provided refreshments and snacks and had an opportunity to meet and greet Drs. Montano and Schober. Mexican Consul General Ismael Naveja Macias and Eagle Pass City Councilman Luis E. Sifuentes attended the event.
On Saturday, October 19, 2019, the First Annual Tribute to the Rio Grande River continued with a slate of activities and events for the entire family. Early in the morning, over 75 people participated in the kayak and canoe races sponsored by Epi’s Kayaks and Canoes, LLC at Shelby Park on the banks of the Rio Grande. Participants sailed off from the Shelby Park Boat Ramp to a point underneath the second Eagle Pass International Bridge.
Other activities held on Saturday, October 19th, included the Water Awareness Mile Relay Race, the Hole in One Contest, the Tug of War Contest, a Youth Soccer Tournament, a Music Festival, and food and refreshment booths.
The highlight of Saturday, October 19th, was the official Rio Grande River Tribute Ceremony celebrated by both Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras dignitaries in the middle of an island on the Rio Grande. Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English Cantu unveiled a permanent marker in the island proclaiming the importance of protecting and preserving the Rio Grande River. Eagle Pass Water Works System General Manager Jorge Barrera and Piedras Negras Water System General Manager Teodoro Rodriguez read proclamations regarding the critical role the Rio Grande plays in social, economic, trade, and political interaction between the United States and Mexico, specifically Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras.
Attendees enjoyed a beautiful, sunny and warm day with temperatures rising to 95 degrees on Saturday, October 19th.
