J Winners of Back to the Beach BINGO display their prizes at the Hilton Garden Inn on South Padre Island. Prizes included gift certificates from Smooth Solutions and Barry’s Bistro, along with merchandise from the Hilton Garden Inn gift shop. Photo courtesy of Jacqi Leyva-Hill.
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
Winter Texans and local residents are invited to reconnect with friends, meet new people and win prizes during Back to the Beach BINGO at the Hilton Garden Inn, beginning Tuesday, November 3, at 2 p.m. The event is open to the public and will continue every Tuesday throughout November.
For Barry Patel, owner of the Hilton Garden Inn on South Padre Island, welcoming Winter Texans back means reconnecting with familiar faces, exchanging stories and catching up with visitors he has known for decades.
“I enjoy catching up on their stories from back where they come from,” Patel said, adding that he has known some returning visitors for more than 20 years.
He also enjoys bringing them up to date on what is happening around South Padre Island.
When asked about the importance of Winter Texans to the local economy, Patel said these seasonal visitors help sustain the island’s economy from fall through spring break. Some extend their stays through March, and the Hilton Garden Inn continues to honor their seasonal rates throughout that month.
Their economic contributions are significant. A 2021–2022 economic impact study commissioned by Welcome Home RGV and conducted by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley estimated that Winter Texans generated approximately $6.3 million for South Padre Island’s hotel industry. The study also estimated their total economic impact throughout the Rio Grande Valley at $1.9 billion.
Patel considers these returning visitors part of the island family, with many relationships spanning decades.
Among his favorite memories are conversations with military veterans who shared stories about World War II and the Korean War.
“I could write a book,” Patel said, reflecting on the many stories he has heard.
Back to the Beach BINGO offers another opportunity for Winter Texans and local residents to socialize and enjoy an afternoon together.
“It’s going to be a fun event,” Patel said. “Meet new folks and win some prizes.”
Beyond BINGO, Patel encourages visitors to explore South Padre Island’s attractions and developments, including the new pier at Clayton’s, the wind sport facility under construction and SpaceX, where visitors can learn about interplanetary travel.
For Winter Texans returning to the island this season, Patel has a simple message:
“Have a fabulous time.”
Back to the Beach BINGO is open to the public and will take place every Tuesday at 2 p.m. throughout November at the Hilton Garden Inn on South Padre Island.