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Local events to look out for this weekend

Posted at 10:56 PM, May 24, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-25 16:05:22-04

ALL WEEKEND

City pools opening just in time for the summer heat

Collier Pool

The heat is already proving unbearable at the beginning of summer. Which is a perfect time for the city to open their pools to the public! Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department invites everyone to join in the sun fun atSplash Memorial Weekend.

Here is a breakdown of all the pools hours this weekend (May 25 – 27)

  • 12–4pm at the Natatorium and Collier Pool
  • 1–6pm at Greenwood, H-E-B, West Guth, and Oso Pools

Admission is free for children ages 2 and under and only $2 dollars a day for Youth, $4 dollars a day for seniors, and $5 dollars a day for adults.

For more information, or if you need reasonable accommodations, call (361) 826-PLAY.

You can also find more info on Facebook at www.facebook.com/corpuschristiaquatics; or visit www.ccparkandrec.com .

CC Hooks renamed to ‘Blue Ghosts’ for Memorial Day weekend

Corpus Christi Hooks ‎Blue Ghosts Weekend Facebook Page

The Corpus Christi Hooks will bechanging their name to “Blue Ghosts” for Memorial Day Weekend, in honor of the 76th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Lexington CV-16.

They did it for the first time last year and it was a huge success.

“We feel privileged to see the USS Lexington in all her glory on a daily basis across the channel from Whataburger Field,” said Hooks General Manager Wes Weigle in a press release. “By taking the field as the Blue Ghosts for the second consecutive year, we continue a unique collaboration that showcases a major piece of U.S. history within the creative landscape and competitive nature of Minor League Baseball. It amplifies the significance of this Memorial Day Weekend as we salute her crew’s sacrifices during WWII, as well as her representation of those past and present servicemen and women who call the Coastal Bend home.”

The USS Lexington served the Fifth Fleet during World War II after its commissioning by the US Navy in 1943. It earned the nickname “The Blue Ghost” during its 21 months in combat. The CC Hooks thought it to be a creative way to honor US soldiers during Memorial Day weekend.

“The staff and volunteers of the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay are excited about the Hooks honoring this historic ship again when they take the field as the Blue Ghosts during the May 23-25 series,” said Lexington Executive Director Steve Banta in a press release. “The long-lasting partnership between the LEX and the Hooks is something we are very proud of, and Blue Ghost Weekend represents this partnership and the commitment both organizations have to this great community.”

For Saturday’s game, the first 2,000 fans will receive a Blue Ghost DriFit shirt from Hilliard, Martinez, Gonzales. Fans will also have the opportunity to win Blue Ghosts jerseys worn during the game in a silent auction, and all proceeds will benefit the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay and the USO of South Texas.

Anyone can order Blue Ghosts merchandise like the official 2019 “Lady Lex Gray” on-field cap at cchooks.com/blueghosts.

Peter Pan at Harbor Playhouse

Join the classic character, Peter Pan, in a magical whimsical night of theatre this weekend at the Harbor Playhouse.

There are two showings this weekend. One is on Saturday at 7:30 pm and then a 2:30 pm show on Sunday.

According to their playbill; Peter, played by Bailey Roberts, and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children, played by Phillip Baggerman, Preston Chavez, and Monique Martinez. Late one night with a little help from some pixie dust they begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget.  In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, played by Jasper Cable, a fierce Indian tribe, a band of bungling pirates and the infamous Captain Hook, played by Larry Cashion

Get your tickets here.

14th annual Artfest celebrates art in Port A

Artfest 2019 Poster

The Port Aransas Art Center is hosting Artfest for their 14th year this Memorial Day weekend.

The festivities will take place Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 am at Jerry McDonald Field on the corner of Alister Street and Avenue C.

According to their website, “Port Aransas is an ‘island destination’ for weekend vacationers from across Texas and beyond, and it is home for those who treasure life near the sea. Artfest offers fine art in all mediums, a creative kids’ zone, a variety of food vendors, and music, including stage performances and street musicians. Join in the fun!”

Tickets are only 5 bucks and children under 12 get in free of charge. You can also purchase a two-day pass for only 8 bucks. Keep in mind, only cash is accepted.

The event lasts until 6 pm on Saturday and 5 pm on Sunday.

SATURDAY

 

Batting practice off the Lexington this Saturday

The Corpus Christi Hooks are back in town and will pay homage to the armed forces with a stacked Memorial Day Weekend slate. One of the highlights from this weekend will take place Saturday when they take batting practice on the USS Lexington.

The Hooks, joined by four active duty military members, are sure to make a big splash this weekend as approximately 150 baseballs will be swatted off the deck of the world-famous USS Lexington CV-16 during live batting practice on Saturday, May 25.

In one of the marquee events of Memorial Day Weekend, the Hooks will play as the Corpus Christi Blue Ghosts from May 23-25 in a nod to the Lexington’s nickname.

The entire team will take the deck beginning at about 11:30 a.m. to kick off Saturday’s festivities. Batting practice will take place approximately 60 feet from the stern of the ship facing North Beach. The baseballs will be hit into Corpus Christi Bay and will be retrieved by volunteers on jet skis, kayaks, standup paddleboards and small boats stationed in the loading zone. Kayakers and paddleboarders are asked to load via the beach along N Shoreline Boulevard, north of the USS Lexington.

Hooks players will be joined by ENS Sean Kamhoot, USN, who hit the longest fly ball in a military-only home run derby held at Whataburger Field on May 11. ENS Carter McKenzie, USN, ENS Michael Pahissa, USN and SSG Stephen Gillespie, USA, were randomly selected from the participants to also take batting practice on the Lex.

Fans are invited to watch batting practice for the price of admission to the USS Lexington Museum; for adults at $16.95, seniors and military at $14.95 and children at $11.95.

Hooks season members and fans who present Hooks ticket stubs from May 23-24 receive a $3 discount. Those who attend batting practice on the Lexington may present their ticket stub at the Whataburger Field Box Office to receive a $3 discount to the Hooks games on May 25-26.

Commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943, the USS Lexington served the Fifth Fleet during World War II. The famed aircraft carrier was engaged in nearly every operation in the Pacific Theater and spent 21 months in combat. The Japanese reported the Lexington sunk no less than four times, earning her the nickname “The Blue Ghost.”

The Blue Ghosts, among the monikers considered for the Corpus Christi Baseball Club prior to its 2005 arrival to the Texas League, return their signature sailor tattoo-inspired logos and word marks with a refreshed gray and blue color scheme to match the vessel and many of the aircraft she carries.

As part of the USS Lexington-inspired weekend coinciding with Memorial Day festivities at Whataburger Field, the first 2,000 fans on Thursday, May 23 will receive a Blue Ghosts Stainless Steel Tumbler presented by AutoNation and enjoy Bud Light Friday Fireworks on May 24.

On Saturday, May 25, the first 4,000 fans will receive a Blue Ghosts DriFit shirt from Hilliard, Martinez, Gonzales. Fans can take home the game-worn Blue Ghosts jerseys via a silent auction by visiting cchooks.com/auction. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay and the USO of South Texas. For more information about the USS Lexington, visit usslexington.com [usslexington.com]. For more information about Blue Ghosts Weekend 2019, visit cchooks.com/blueghosts.

Written by Roland Rodriguez

‘Rubber Duck Roundup’ is a Memorial weekend tradition

South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind is getting their ducks in a row for the annual Rubber Duck Round-Up, a family-oriented fundraiser. 

Hundreds of adopted rubber ducks will be taking the plunge at Cole Park on Saturday, May 25. They will then waddle their way to the finish line as their adoptive parents watch. 

First, second, third and even the last-place duck will get a prize! 

Ducks may be adopted either on-site or prior to the event by calling Alana at (361) 693-6183. You can also download an adoption form and learn more about STLB by clicking HERE. 

The entire event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will not only feature the famous rubber duck race, but also live music, food, duck crafts, a duck pond, the “Slam Duck” basketball game, Rubber Duck Toss and more. 

Energetic volunteers are still needed and sponsorships are available. 

All proceeds will help South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind fulfill their mission to employ, educate, and empower those who are blind or visually impaired. 

Written by Mike Gillaspia

Over 100 varieties of wine at the 23rd annual Rockport Wine Fest

Texas Maritime Museum ‎Rockport Wine Festival Facebook Page

The 23rd Annual Rockport Wine Festival is finally here!

This year is sure to be a wine-tastical time. The event is featuring over 100 varieties of wine, tons of beer, delicious food, and some fantastic live music performances by Cory Morrow, Another Level, and The Pictures.\

It will last from 2 pm to 11 pm this Saturday only at the Texas Maritime Museum at 1202 Navigation Cir, Rockport, TX 78382.

Children under 11 get in free, ages 12 – 21 are $20, and general admission is only $25. Bring your I.D. for $1 drink tickets that will be available on site.

Check out theschedule, wine list, food vendor list, and shopping vendor list right here.

You can purchase tickets here.

Send a care package to a soldier at the 10th annual Crawfish Boil

South Texans love a good Crawfish Boil and being able to do so while helping our military men and women makes it all the better!

Coastal Bend Troop Support is ready to honor our uniformed heroes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday with some great food, drinks and family fun. Their big Crawfish Boil is happening at the Fleet Reserve Association in Flour Bluff (1651 Flour Bluff Dr.).

Crawfish plates will be available with all the fixins’ for $20 each. But why stop there? Buy two and share one with a veteran! There will also be other food on hand for those who are non-crawfish eaters.

The Veterans Band will be performing at 11 a.m. and representatives with the Mobile Vet Center will be there to answer any benefit questions veterans may have.

Each month, volunteers with Coastal Bend Troop Support pack and mail care packages to somewhere between 50 and 80 individuals who are stationed in war zones. It is their way of letting them know that they are remembered and appreciated.

Tickets to the Crawfish Boil are available at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Real Estate Center (14302 S. Padre Island Dr.) and Pare Island Mail Plus (15037 S. Padre Island Dr.).

You may also contact Caren Childers at (361) 774-8500 or carenchilders@msn.com, as well as Jodi Schultz at (361) 815-9005 or jodi.schultz@me.com.

Written by Mike Gillaspia

SUNDAY

Paddleboards are provided at SUP with your PUP

Corpus Christi’s Veterans Band holding ceremony for fallen heroes

Learn to construct a ‘hoop house’ at the Learning Garden

 

MEMORIAL DAY (Monday)

Memorial Day Half Off Celebration! at Funtrackers

Memorial Day Special at Xtreme Jump Corpus Christi

Annual Memorial Day BBQ at Ayers Event Center

Memorial Day Service at the VFW POST #9170 in Beeville

Kingsville Symphony Orchestra Patriotic Celebration Concert at Jones Auditorium

May free dog training seminar