As originally published by Texas Border Business newsprint Edition
In February 2005, some Valley jammers got together for a two-day music festival in the Action Spot at the Mercedes Livestock Show grounds. No admission fee was charged; a pass-the-hat donation was given. A survey revealed that there are more than 100 jams each week throughout the Valley, most of the jammers are winter Texans or snowbirds, and many of them are becoming permanent residents.
By February 2006, a newly formed organization dedicated to promote Country/Western, Blue Grass, and Gospel music was born. The name “Rio Grande Music Festival” was officially registered with the state of Texas. Non-Profit Organization status was applied for and granted by the I.R.S. and the State of Texas. A Board of Trustees with officers was installed. A Mission Statement, and Constitution with Code of Regulations, and By-laws were drafted and submitted for review for compliance with the I.R.S. and the Texas State Laws.
The Rio Grande Valley Music Festival is a membership organization with $25.00 yearly dues. A membership entitles the member to vote on issues presented at General meetings and admission to the Music Festival. A website was set up: www.rgvmf.com. The Music Festival was increased to cover five days. All the activities of the Music Festival are performed by volunteers, more than 120 volunteers donate their time and effort each year. The participating musicians who donate their time and talent include professionals, semi-professionals, and Valley jammers.
Fundraising events were scheduled; Soup ‘n Sandwich Dinner followed by a Dessert Auction, and pre-festival venues for major sponsoring merchants and businesses, etc. We appreciate the support we have received from the City of Mercedes, the Valley Jammers, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, Inc., merchants, businesses, Chambers of Commerce, R.V. and Retirement Parks, and Valley Schools.
In 2007, the Music Festival was moved to the Youth Center, two stages were set up, and admission fees were initiated. For the first time, we were able to provide grants $3,000.00 for Valley youth groups, and school music departments. The amount of money available for grants has increased each year. Music festival products were initiated in 2009.
In 2010, the Music Festival was scheduled for six days in February. The number of performance stages has increased from two to six stages. The number and types of fundraisers have increased each year. The number of Valley youth groups, and school music departments participating in the Music Festival has increased each year. And, the number of grants provided for Valley youth groups, and school music departments has also increased each year. In 2013, grants totaling $32,500.00 were disbursed. TBB
