Hundreds of Kingsville residents made the Kingsville Historic Downtown District Association’s 2nd annual Downtown ArtWalk Festival a great success Saturday.

“The ArtWalk was a huge success this weekend and brought a lot of people to stroll and enjoy a fine day of art, music, wine and shopping in Historic Downtown Kingsville. The weather turned out to be perfect; it was a bit hot but we’re used to it,” said Rose Morales, Co-Chair of the KHDDA.

With many different activities and events to choose from, there was something for residents of all ages to enjoy.

“I brought my kids out today so they can enjoy this, it’s something different that we need more often in the area,” Bishop resident Monica Garcia.

At the Cherry Tree Tea Room, children were able to enjoy cookie decorating, pumpkin and wooden wind chime painting while enjoying many of the goodies the tea room was selling.

Colorful preformances by the TAMUK Ballet Folklorico had the audience on its feet. (Photo by Erika Hernandez) Alongside the sidewalk of the 300 block of Kleberg, the Chalk Walk Drawing Competition was a colorful blend of drawings and designs from local children grades 3rd-12th.

“Seeing the imagination of the kids is really fun to look at,”said Kingsville resident Aida Lopez while she enjoyed a snow cone. “It’s so interesting to see what they come up with.”

Many organizations had tents and tables set up with refreshments and snacks for the community to enjoy. The Kingsville Police Department had the most popular treat, snow cones, which proved to be a great treat on a hot and sunny afternoon.

Residents lined up for the Fall scene photos in front of Candy Bouquet provided by the Marc Cisneros Center for Young Children.

Kingsville residents displayed all different types of creativity at the Sidewalk Chalk Competition. (Photo by Erika Herzandez) The October photo setting gave a gorgeous backdrop for the photos which made for great momentos.

Handmade quilts by the Saturday Quilters lined the 200 block of Kleberg Avenue and instantly decorated the street with their beautiful creativity and workmanship.

Representatives from Teen Challenge of Texas, a faith based solution for the drug epidemic, sold religious crosses and plaques as well as provided balloon animals for children to enjoy.

Local artists from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Playhouse of Design displayed their colorful artwork along the sidewalks and in booths around the festival .

While all these events were going on, there were many exciting dances and performances for residents to enjoy such as the Kingsville Ballet Folklorico, Santa Gertrudis ISD Tiniklers, and the TAMUK Ballet Folklorico.

Handmade quilts by the Saturday Quilters were displayed along Kleberg Ave. (Photo by Erika Hernandez) Later in the afternoon, members of All American Cheer, Tae Kwon Do Academy, and Art in Motion displayed their talents for the crowd of gathered residents.

As residents strolled in and out of downtown shops and displays, live music filled the streets as singer/guitar player Nathan Strubhart and Mariachi singer Justine Ozuna amazed the residents with their vocal talents.

All these events led up to a performance by acclaimed Latin Rock band Del Castillo from Austin.

“Del Castillo was so exciting to watch. They were fun and enthusiastic and we hope to see them return to Kingsville soon,” Morales said.

This was their first performance in Kingsville although they have been through the area before.

Kids had fun with basketball hoops provided by Kingsville Noon Lions Club. (Photo by Erik Hernandez) “We’ve stopped in Kingsville many times to put gas and get food on the way to other shows, but I’m glad we got the chance to come here and finally play for you,” band member Albert Besterio said.

Attendees were in a trance of awe and amazement as Del Castillo’s guitar blends of flamenco, Latin rock, R&B, and blues filled the air.

“I’ve known about Del Castillo for a few years and have been to shows all over Texas to see them play and this show definitely did not disappoint,”said Kingsville resident Francisco Ambriz.

While Del Castillo played, residents were able to sample over 30 different types of wines from all over Texas during the wine tasting provided by Discount Liquor.

“The wine tasting was fun because I was able to try a lot of different types of wines that I had not even heard of,” said Kingsville resident Estella Martinez.

Judge Pete De La Garza served wine samples during wine tasting event. (Photo by Erika Hernandez) “It’s cool that they had this out here and I think they should do it more often.” With the success of the event, the ArtWalk is on its way to becoming a Kingsville tradition for many years to come. “We want to thank everyone that came out to enjoy the day with the artists, performers, and musicians on Saturday,” Morales said.

“We especially want to thank our artists, musicians and sponsors, and our wonderful volunteers, we couldn’t have done it without them,” Morales said. “Many local businesses, not only those in downtown made the event a memorable and successful event.” The KHDDA would like to extend a sincere thank you to the ArtWalk sponsors. Kingsville Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, VIP Providers, Discount Liquor, Kleberg Bank, ABC Cleaners, Harrel’s Pharmacy, Rudy’s Paint & Body, King Ranch Saddle Shop, Kleberg Parks & Recreation, Kingsville Record & Bishop News, Cherry Tree Tea Room, Noon Lion’s Club, Kingsville Police Department, HEB, and

Acclaimed Latin Rock band Del Castillo captivated the audience with their music. Members include Rick Del Castillo, Mark Del Castillo, Alex Ruiz, Albert Besterio, and Mike Zeoli. (Photo by Erika Hernandez) Jail Goetch Music Company.
Singer Justine Ozuna dazzles the crowd with her rendition of the Mariachi classic Volver. (Photo by Erika Hernandez)