2archives.etypeservices.com/Pleasanton1/Magazine162480/...resume. His family includes wife Denise;...

2 | Wednesday, April 5, 2017 | Strawberry Festival Special Section | Pleasanton Express

ERIKA VELASPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS EDITOR

The Poteet Strawberry Festival is more than just a festival, it’s a way of life for the citizens of Poteet. It’s a legacy the community comes together yearly to carry on. The success of the Poteet Strawberry Festival can be shared with the community members who organize it and those who volunteer to bring it to life annually. Each year, the festival garners thousands of visitors, and millions of people have played a part in its 70 year history.

The festival includes all things strawberry you can imagine. Wine, beer, short-cakes, ice cream, souve-nirs, you name it and we’re pretty certain you can find it at the festival grounds. Concerts, dances, rodeos, a beautiful parade, food show,

strawberry judging, auction, carnival, contests and per-formers of all types are sure to bring you all the fun and enjoyment you need over the weekend.

The festival grounds open up Thursday with armband night from 6-10 p.m. for $20. Then at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 7 with music, food and fun. Admission to the grounds on Friday evening is $5. It is also KENS 5 Dollar Night that makes all carnival rides $1 each. Saturday and Sunday’s admission is $15 per person per day. Tick-ets are available online for $12.50 each or if two or more are purchased $10 each. Ad-mission for children 12 and under, military (active duty, reserve and retired) is free.

Join the community of Poteet at the 70th Strawberry Festival this weekend and become a part of its everlast-ing history.

ERIKA VELASPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS EDITOR

It’s the spirit of volunteers who have helped to carry out the now 70 year legacy of the Poteet Straw-berry Festival.

Freckles, the official Poteet Strawberry Festival mascot, has long since brought smiles and photo opportunities since 2004 to thousands of visitors over the years. The mascot walks the grounds, dances, waves, shakes hands with small children and hugs adults alike. Freckles has been made possible by numerous volunteers over the years.

“Freckles is an endearing char-acter here at our Strawberry Festi-val. He’s a friend to all the guests that come. He shows the people from out of town a friendly face that children can relate to and he’s become recognizable any-where we go,” said Carol Rivera, Festival Coordinator.

Aguilar and Zavala have been volunteering with the Strawberry Festival for over 20 years, six of which have been dedicated to chaperoning Freckles. In 2016,

70th Strawberry Festival: a tradition of great strawberries and memories

Festive Freckles always at Fest

ERIKA VELA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

Freckles the StrawberrySee FRECKLES, PAGE 5

Pleasanton Express | Strawberry Festival Special Section | Wednesday, April 8, 2017 | 3

All in the family: Garcia FarmsLISA LUNASTAFF WRITER

Late March is an especially busy time period for Poteet strawberry growers, in prepa-ration for the Poteet Straw-berry Festival.

On this particular day, fifth generation strawberry grower Donovan Garcia and his family spent the hot afternoon picking berries and assisting customers.

Garcia, 48, is a freelance photojournalist for Fox News and a Poteet native. He is a former Poteet Strawberry Festival King, Grower of the Year recipient and Poteet Ro-tary Club member. He is also a Poteet Strawberry Festival Association volunteer, emcee-ing for the festival coronation and parade.

His wife Shawna Rose is an RN and first generation farmer. She is a Baptist School of Nursing graduate and for-mer track and scholar athlete at Poteet High School.

Their children Ronin, Shane and Taryn Garcia also assist with the family berry operation. Ronin was crowned Poteet Strawberry Festival King last year and was Prince the year before. He is also a sixth generation farmer, parade host and All District/All State Receiver at Poteet High School.

Shane is a sixth generation farmer, as well as a District, Regional and State Cross Country qualifier for Poteet High School. Taryn, who he lovingly refers to as “The TBear Garcia” is a former Little Miss Poteet. She is also a UIL qualifier, photography hobbyist and sixth generation farmer.

The family can trace their strawberry growing history to the early 1900s share crop-ping with Gustav Aigner. The first documents show straw-berries growing near the turn of the century.

Donovan is the son of the J GARCIA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

Pictured at Garcia Farms are, left to right: Donovan “Ronin” Garcia II, Shawna Rose, Donovan Garcia, Shane Garcia and Taryn Garcia.SEE FAMILY, PAGE 17A


LISA LUNASTAFF WRITER

Robert Martinez's long history of volunteering with the Poteet Strawberry Festival Association began in 1981, working a food booth while in high school. That tradi-tion has continued every year since then.

Along with his full-time job and engraving business on the side, Martinez serves as a director with the Poteet Strawbery Festival Associa-tion. He is also the Poteet Ro-tary Club president. Those on the Poteet Strawberry Festival association are required to

be due-paying members of an organization, then they have to be voted on. There are seven core organizations and 15 members.

Since last year, Martinez has added the title of Poteet strawberry grower to his resume.

His family includes wife Denise; children Phillip, Lau-ren and Seth and grandson Samson. His grandson loves eating the berries and has learned to stay away from the green ones. Two of Lauren's friends helped the fam-

Robert Martinez leads the way in hydroponics

See METHOD, PAGE 8SUE BROWN | PLEASANTON EXPRESS FILE PHOTO

Robert Martinez checking on a strawberry in his hydroponic pots.


FRECKLESCONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

BALLET FOLKLORICO ON SUNDAY

LISA LUNA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS FILE PHOTO

The dancers of St. Philip’s Ballet Folklorico Guadalupano will perform Sunday on H-E-B Stage #5-Veterans Pavilion. Showtime will be at 2:15 p.m. Above, dancers entertain the audience at the 2016 Poteet Straw-berry Festival.

they officially took over Freckles’ volunteer duties.

“I love to see the people get so excited to see him. They get so excited to watch him dance and the adults are the ones that go the most crazy. I love seeing that,” said Aguilar.

Each year they ask for high school student vol-unteers to play the role of Freckles. They make sev-eral appearances with local media outlets, the parade, as well as, walking the festival grounds.

Zavala said it’s important for people to know Freckles is a family-oriented feature. They chaperone the person in the mascot role and also don’t allow anyone with alco-holic beverages near Freck-les. The year-old mascot suit has a very hefty price tag upwards of $35K, and they do their best to take care of the person inside the suit and the character itself.

Finding volunteers to commit to Freckles can be tough. Those who are claustrophobic are don’t do well in the heat aren’t usu-ally attracted to volunteer. However, Zavala has said even he’s had to play the role of Freckles.

“I have fun when I do. I say the majority of the

people who have the most fun playing Freckles are the adults. I say that when we’re in there we have to act like kids in a toy store. Just act our age and have fun,” said Zavala.

Aguilar’s daughter, Lau-ren, also takes part in the duties of Freckles appear-ances. When she was old enough to wear the suit, she couldn’t have been more proud to play the part.

“When I put it on, I just feel very excited and pumped to see everyone and see everybody’s faces. Even though they can’t see me when they’re taking pho-tos, I’m still smiling,” said Lauren.

It is the hope of Dorothy

Aguilar and Luis Zavala, who look after Freckles each year that the beloved mascot will continue. They plan to one day feature a Mrs. Freckles mascot for festival attend-ees.

Year after year, it’s com-munity support and volun-teers who make one of Texas’ largest festivals successful and bigger than ever. Giving back to their community and continuing the Poteet Straw-berry Festival success is where the hearts of Aguilar, Zavala and many volunteers feel they need to be.

Look for Freckles strolling through the festival grounds on Friday, April 7 through Sunday, April 9!


AABCD Star is a performance group that showcases all around Texas. The group is based in San Antonio and features amazing singers and dancers with high energy entertainment for all events. AABCD Dancers will perform on Saturday at 2 p.m. on H-E-B Stage #5- Veterans Pavilion and Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at DEDA Stage #12.

THE AMAZING AABCD DANCERS

Waco and Julie Richards, both native Texans, are no strangers to the music scene. This married couple has been performing together since the day they started dating, over nine years ago and their passion for good music began years before that, for each of them individually.

Catch their performance on Saturday on H-E-B Stage #5- Veterans Pavilion from 7:30-9 p.m.

Waco Richards grew up on the outskirts of San Antonio, in the small Interstate-35 community of Lytle. Waco’s family was well-known throughout South Texas by their Western retail store, Harris Western Center. So, country and western music was a natural fit for Waco to take-up, but not before he ex-plored other great genres of music to help make a sound all his own.

Julie Richards, formerly Julie Golson, had quite a dif-ferent musical story. Julie’s hometown of Rankin, Texas, was not even close to a mecca for music, much less a gro-cery store. Her parents love for a wide-array of music, like classic rock, hair band metal, country, and oldie goldies gave her a liking of many artists and genres and helped her find a tolerance and ap-preciation for just about any type of music. Julie began her singing career after hearing a young lady butcher the U.S. National Anthem, in which she knew that even she could do better, and she did.

During a Waco and Julie show you will hear many tunes you do love that will get your feet stompin’ and hands

Waco and Julie will get your foot stompin’

clappin’. Expect to have fun at one of their shows with-out having to scream while conversing with your neigh-bor. This duo knows when to turn it up and when to tone it down, and they don’t mind being the background music to your dinner. And don’t be surprised when you hear songs that are triple in age to these mature, but young-at-heart, lovebirds. Waco and Ju-lie are known for their variety and are sure to please the old and young, alike.

Waco and Julie will perform Saturday on H-E-B Stage #5- Veterans Pavilion from 7:30-9 p.m.

Visit us online at: www.pleasantonexpress.com


Eric Demmer Band to share his funky blues

At the age of 10, Eric Demmer found a saxophone under the Christmas tree. So began the journey of a natural-born musician, playing anywhere at any time with anyone.

The Eric Demmer Band will perform on Bud Light Stage #10- Lions/Rotary Pavilion on Saturday from 2-3:30 p.m. and again on Sunday from 4-5 p.m.

He grew up steeped in the blues and rock and roll of the 70’s and 80’s. He absorbed the sounds of The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, B.B. King, and fellow Texan, Stevie Ray Vaughn. One night, Eric was invited to perform on stage with the legendary Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. From that night forward, Eric joined Brown’s band and traveled all over the world for the next 12 years, until Brown’s death in 2005.

The journey with Brown’s band led them to tour exten-sively as the opening act for Eric Clapton during his “From The Cradle” tour. Eric has performed with many well-known and respected musicians: Carlos Santana, B.B. King, George Duke, Joe Sample, David Sanborn and many others.

Eric describes his style of music as, “high energy, funky blues with a mix of jazz” and combines a variety of influ-ences while reminding everyone that, “The real thing comes from the heart and soul.”

Born and raised in San An-tonio, Felix Truvere graduat-ed from John Marshall High School. He received his Bach-elor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from UTSA, and is a former high school band director, turned “cor-porate trainer” for mortgage and loan bank underwrit-ers at USAA Federal Savings Bank from 2001-2008.

Truvere will perform Fri-day night, from 10-11:30 p.m. on H-E-B Stage #5- Veterans Pavilion.

“The Open Road” provided miles of life-experiences years before Felix began per-forming on stages as a coun-try band in surrounding San Antonio saloons and clubs. Sporting a diversity in music

culture, Felix Truvere also has a Drum Corps Interna-tional World Championship as a mellophone player in the world-renowned “Cadets of Bergen County” from Bergen-field, NJ.

Felix’s song-writing offers similar passion in story-telling with comedy, spiritual philosophy, and lots of tradi-tional country dance appeal! The excitement for his suc-cess sees his music making its way to Texas Radio with his songs now regularly seeing success on the Texas Regional Radio Report and respective charts. “Back to San Antone” and “Middle of the Bed” both made the 2016 Texas Radio Top 200 Chart.

Felix Truvere to perform Friday night

Felix Truvere

April 5, 2017

Welcome to the 70th annual Poteet Strawberry Festival

History, tradition and success continue as the famous strawberry harvest is honored when the Poteet Strawberry Festival celebrates its 69th annual event on April 7, 8 and 9, 2017. Despite its age, this time tested event continues to be young at heart and dedicated to honest-to-goodness fun for everyone.

The Poteet Strawberry Festival is one of the largest, most popular events in Texas and one of the premier events in the Greater Southwest. With well over 100,000 guests each year, it annually receives national recognition and was named one of the top 250 events in the USA.

Make plans to attend our celebration and experience first hand the fun and flavor only the Poteet Strawberry Festival can offer.

“Berry” truly yours,

Carlos Torres President


EVERYONE LOVES A PARADE!

GEORGE GARZA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS FILE PHOTO

The annual Poteet Strawberry Festival Parade is a favorite for many festival attendees. It is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Pictured above is the Poteet Aggie Band marching in the 2016 parade. This year’s parade marshal is Gordan Hartman.

ily plant in September and came back again in October.

Martinez uses the hydro-ponics method of growing, which he said is not a new system.

"Our hydroponics system encompasses stackable pots that allows them to grow vertically."

Martinez explained their pots are four pockets per pot. One advantage of this system is that it is more eco-nomical. It uses much less water, as he goes through 900 gallons of water per six waterings.

"In the winter we water once a day, now if they are producing, we water twice a day."

The system that the PSFA, Lions Club, The Grange and other groups received allows their growers to use about 30,000 gallons of water per watering, instead of 200,000 gallons of water per water-ing, explained Martinez.

Another advantage of this system is that Martinez plants in the shade standing up, as well as picks the ber-ries standing up. This allows for more plants to be picked.

Ground growers use more water, hoe down more weeds and pay labor to pick the berries.

In May, he did a test run with 1,500 then he decided to jump in with both feet. He was able to steer resources to get them at a commercial price. He ordered 11,000 plants for September and October.

Most of Martinez's straw-berries are sold to the Poteet Country Winery.

"The winery sells the ber-ries to Shiner for beer and to the Texas Tea Company for the Texas Strawberry Tea," said Martinez.

While Martinez doesn't drink tea, he likes the Shiner beer, which is made in 48 states.

"It is a really light, refresh-ing beer and not overpower-ing," said Martinez.

To a variety of reasons, such as fungus, Martinez has lost about 1/3 of his strawber-ries.

In the home garden area, they also grow other vegeta-bles, such as salad greens.

Martinez describes volun-teering for the association as his passion. It also requires major commitment. He loves the festival and wants visitors to see the fruits of their labor.

Soon after he began volun-teering, he joined the Lions Club. He joked that he went

from selling hamburgers in the booths to selling beer.

He never understood the extent of Poteet's reach until vacationing in Maine with his family. He was dressed in a cowboy hat and jeans and was approached by a woman who said,

"I know you are from Texas, but where are you from?”

Martinez said he was from a small town called Poteet near San Antonio, which she probably had not heard of. The woman answered, "Yes, I have- strawberries right?"

He quoted Albert Einstein, "Only a life lived for others, is worth living. When we are gone, that selfishness dies with us," said Martinez. "When we do things for others our legacy lives on."

"We have people from all over the United States who see us on the internet and come down. I have served beer personally to people that made a special trip from Canada. When I tell that story, it is not unique, because other members have said the same thing."

The festival is a great boost for the community and 33 non-profits receive money from the booths they operate.

"You have all of these kid's group and church groups- you can't help but make a better world that way," said Martinez.

SUE BROWN | PLEASANTON EXPRESS FILE PHOTO

Dr. Ron Mixon PSFA director, Donovan Garcia rotary member, 5th genera-tion farmer, Robert Martinez rotary president and hydroponic grower and Joe Dominguez V.F.W. member and newest grower at Martinez’s strawberry field last fall.

METHODCONTINUED FROM PAGE 4


The Burbank High School Mariachi Estrellas De Oro, a Mariachi group made up of talented students will perform Saturday on H-E-B Stage #5- Veterans Pavilion. Showtimes are 1 and 3 p.m. They are based in San Antonio, with a history of live performances, musical arrangements and competitions. They pride themselves on their heritage and amazing musical talent, breaking boundaries with their proud cultural sound.

MARIACHI ESTRELLAS DE ORO ON STAGE #5BRAD JENSCHKE TO PERFORM

Brad Jenschke and Neon Ranch, a Texas Neotraditional Country band from Poteet, recently released the song “Where Strawberries Grow.” The band is scheduled to perform from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Saturday on H-E-B Stage #5- Veterans Pavilion.


POTEET STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL ROYALTYSUE BROWN | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

Poteet High School students Ross Mikolajczyk and Amanda Eliza-beth Rivera (center) were chosen as this year’s Poteet Strawberry Festival King and Queen, at the annual coronation. Members of the 2017 royalty are, left to right: Duke Samuel E. Ritchey, Duke Zachary Lewis Howell, Duke Isaiah Shaver, Prince Marco Armando Garcia, King Ross Mikolajczyk, Queen Amanda Elizabeth Rivera, Princess Isabel Reyes, Duchess Kayla Ramos, Duch-ess Emily Zavala and Duchess Lea Celeste Sanchez. This year’s Little Mister Poteet is Justice Flores and Little Miss Poteet is Reece Orta (both seated in front).

#StrawFest17 Photo Con-test

How to Enter:Capture one of your fa-

vorite moments of the Poteet Strawberry Festival and share it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

TAG the Pleasanton Ex-press @PE1909 and use the hashtag #StrawFest17 on your PUBLIC post(s).

Please be sure each post is set for PUBLIC view. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to view the posts we will be sharing throughout the weekend.

CONTEST DEADLINE: MONDAY, APRIL 10 at 5 p.m.

One winner will receive a great prize, their photo published in the Pleasanton Express, a framed copy of their photo, shared across so-cial media and a year’s worth of bragging rights.

For any questions, E-mail Erika Vela at [email protected].

Express photo contest


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2017 Festival Foods

Cora Lamar3843 W. CR 304Jourdanton, TX

78026512-470-7292

Joel GarciaP.O. Box 493

Poteet, TX 78065830-570-1630

Amadeo Garcia215 Patrick St.

Pleasanton, TX 78064

210-909-0017

David Reyes365 Reyes Lane

Poteet, TX 78065830-276-3416

Leonard Sanchez4885 FM 2504

Poteet, TX 78065210-415-7316

Ben Sanchez1110 Rutledge Rd.Poteet, TX 78065

210-334-8307

Bobby Martinez 1240 W. FM 476

Poteet, TX 78065210-827-2745

Chris Giles3843 W. CR 304Jourdanton, TX

78026830-570-6486

Garcia FarmsDonovan Garcia595 E. Ditto Rd.

Poteet, TX 78065830-200-9118

Kyle MikolajczykMikolajczyk Farm295 Zigmond Rd.Poteet, TX 78065

210-219-2805

David Edward Reyes

240 Papa Reyes Lane

Poteet, TX 78065830-570-5529

Jose & Lorena Dominguez

4 Acres Ranch240 Mariposa Dr.Poteet, TX 78065

210-413-5827

Sam Briseno711 Byrom

Poteet, TX 78065210-414-4894

Larry SpillersKyote Strawberrys

6330 FM 2504Poteet TX 78065

210-601-6188

Ruth & Vance Schultze

200 W. Tank Hollow Rd.

Poteet, TX 78065830-570-3090

Frank Douglas Jr.Douglas Farm

460 Parsons Rd.Pleasanton, TX

78064210-834-5963

Kenneth Booth1187 CR 317

Charlotte, TX 78011

Albert Reyes4295 FM 2504

Poteet, TX 78065830-570-4067

Jim CollumsJim Collums Farm400 Tank Hollow

Rd.Poteet, TX 78065

210-315-0056

Shay Hugins & Doris Thomas

11415 N. State Hwy. 16

Poteet, TX 78065210-885-6016

Will BatesThree Cousins

Strawberry PatchP.O. Box 373

Poteet, TX 78065830-480-2060

Priscilla Castillo201 Yorktown

Pleasanton, TX 78064

210-639-6553

2017 Poteet Strawberry Growers

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$5.00 GATE ADMISSION FRIDAY • $15.00 GATE ADMISSION SATURDAY & SUNDAY • CHILDREN 12 & UNDER ADMITTED FREEACTIVE, RESERVE & RETIRED MILITARY FREE w/ PROPER IDENTIFICATION • FREE PARKING ON FESTIVAL GROUNDS

EMS & First Aid Station • Handicapped Accessible • Complete RV Park • Paved Walkways • Free Parking • Public Restrooms ATM Machines • Tent Covered Activities

TEXAS LOTTERY INVITES YOU TO THE70TH ANNUAL POTEET STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL®

PARKING LOT TRAMSCourtesy of Poteet VFW Post 6970, Tuttle Motor Co. & Texas Lottery

JOHN DEERE “GATORS”Courtesy of Tractor City

HEAVY EQUIPMENTCourtesy of Holt

GENERAL ADMISSIONGROUNDS OPEN: FRI. 6:00 PM; SAT. 10:00 AM & SUN. 10:00AM

DISCOUNT TICKETS AT: www.strawberryfestival.com

Lodging Partners:Hampton InnMicrotel Inn &Suites


THURSDAY ARMBAND NIGHT: $20 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM • FRIDAY: KENS 5 NIGHT $1 PER RIDESATURDAY & SUNDAY: EARLY BIRD SPECIAL 11 AM – 3 PM • $25 WRISTBANDS

Alamo Attractions CARNIVAL

FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2016STROLLING ACTSFreckles, the Official Mascot .................................... 6:00 – 8:00 PMDinosaur Walk ........................................................... 6:00-9:00 PMDoug Whitaker - Trick Roper .................................... Throughout the DayMark Riggs .................................................................. Throughout the DayRICKS INSURANCE STAGE #1South Texas Gunfighters ......................................... 7:30 PMWELLS FARGO STAGE #2Michael Mezmer, Hypnotist ..................................... 7:00 PMThe Amazing Allison ................................................. 8:30 PMSTAGE #3Glass Blowing Demonstrations .............................. Throughout the DayHEB STAGE #5 - VETERANS PAVILIONRV Boys ....................................................................... 6:00-7:30 PMHunter Smith ............................................................. 8:00-9:30 PMFelix Truvere ............................................................... 10:00-11:30 PMHEB STAGE #6Marsha’s Petting Zoo ............................................... Throughout the EveningPrehistoric Dinosaur Adventures Mobil Fossil Museaum .. DailyLAW OFFICE OF JESSE HERNANDEZ STAGE #7Gator Country ............................................................. 6:30 PM

CLAYTON HOMES -STAGE #9Monkey Business....................................................... 7:00 , 9:00 PMBUD LIGHT STAGE #10 – LIONS/ROTARY PAVILIONJulianna Kaitlin .......................................................... 6:00 – 7:30 PMWednesday Ball ........................................................ 8:00-9:30 PMKris Gordon ................................................................. 10:00 –11:30 PMKEDA - STAGE #12–ARMED FORCES PAVILIONDoo Wah Riders ......................................................... 6:00- 8:00 PMWash Board Willy ...................................................... 7:00 PMVankuver .................................................................... 9:00 PMSTAGE #13 – LIONS PAVILIONDavid Farias ................................................................ 8:30 PM - 10: PMJay Perez ..................................................................... 10:30 - MidnightRODEO LIONS ARENASpecial Section Rodeo .............................................. 6:30 PM

SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2016STROLLING ACTSFreckles, the Official Mascot .................................... Throughout the DayMark Riggs .................................................................. Throughout the DayDoug Whitaker - Trick Roper .................................... Throughout the DayDinosaur Walk ........................................................... Throughout the DayRICKS INSURANCE STAGE #1South Texas Gunfighters ......................................... 12:30, 2:30, 4:30 PMWELLS FARGO STAGE #2Michael Mezmer, Hypnotist ..................................... 11:30 AM, 2:30, 5:30 PMThe Amazing Allison ................................................. 1:00, 4:30 & 7:30 PSTAGE #3Glass Blowing Demonstrations .............................. Throughout the DaySTAGE #4Poteet Strawberry GrowersHEB STAGE #5 – VETERANS PAVILIONFire on the Mountains Cloggers ............................... 11:00 AMZenergy ....................................................................... NOONBurbank HS Mariachi “Estrellas De Oro” ................ 1:00 & 3:00 PMAABCD DANCERS ....................................................... 2:00 PMBrad Jenschke ............................................................ 4:30-5:30 PM

Marisa Cortez ............................................................. 6:00 - 7:00 PM PMWaco and Julie ........................................................... 7:30-9:00 PMGMan ........................................................................... 9:30-11:00 PMH-E-B CHILDREN’S STAGE #6Marsha’s Petting Zoo ............................................... Throughout the DayStrawberry Eating Contest ...................................... 1:00-2:00 PMPrehistoric Dinosaur Adventures Mobile Fossil Museaum DailyLAW OFFICE OF JESSE HERNANDEZ STAGE #7Gator Country ............................................................. 11:00, 3:00, 7:00 PM

BUD LIGHT STAGE #8 – VFW PAVILIONECLIPSE

8:30 - 10:00 PMSTARSHIP FEATURING

MICKEY THOMAS10:30 - Midnight

MUSIC

BUD LIGHT STAGE #8 – VFW PAVILIONDIAMOND RIO

5:00 PMELIDA REYNA

9:15 - 10:45 PMDAVID LEE GARZAY LOS MUSICALES

11:30 - 1:00 AM

MUSICMUSICMUSICMUSIC

BUD LIGHT STAGE #8 – VFW PAVILIONJARRETT AKERS & THECOWBOY GOSPEL BAND

1:00 - 3:00 PMEASTON CORBIN

5:00 PMLA MAFIA

8:00 PMCLAYTON HOMES STAGE #9Monkey Business....................................................... 11:30, 2:30, 5:30 PMBUD LIGHT STAGE #10-LIONS/ROTARY PAVILIONLeonard Rodriguez .................................................... 11:00 AM-NoonKenneth Stephens Open Fiddle Contest................ Noon-2:00 PMEric Demmer Band ..................................................... 2:00-3:30 PMZone Blue .................................................................... 4:00-5:30Boogaloo .................................................................... 6:30-8:00 PMEvalin Rubio ............................................................... 8:30-10:00 PMSTAGE # 11 – ROTARY PAVILIONStrawberry Judging ................................................... Noon – 2:00 PMStrawberry Auction ................................................... 2:30 – 4:00 PMKEDA STAGE #12–ARMED FORCES PAVILIONDoo Wah Riders ......................................................... 11:00, 2:00 & 5:00 PMWashboard Willy ....................................................... 12:30 & 3:30 PMConjunto Cats............................................................. 7:00 PMTornado Y Los VengadorezThe Conjunto Kingz ................................................... 10:00 PM

BUD LIGHT LIONS ARENARODEO ........................................................................ 2:30 PMBULL RIDING…............................................................. 7:30 PMFIREWORKS DISPLAY PRESENTED BY RAMOS TIRE AND AUTO SERVICE10:30 PM

SUNDAY, APRIL 9, 2017STROLLING ACTSFreckles, The Official Mascot .................................... Throughout the Day Mark Riggs .................................................................. Throughout the DayDoug Whitaker - Trick Roper .................................... Throughout the DayDinosaur Walk ........................................................... Throughout the DayRICKS INSURANCE STAGE #1South Texas Gunfighters ......................................... 12:30, 2:30, 4:30 PMWELLS FARGO STAGE #2The Amazing Allison ................................................. 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM & 5:30 PMMichael Mezmer, Hypnotist ..................................... 1:00, 4:00, 7:00 PMSTAGE #3Glass Blowing Demonstrations .............................. Throughout the daySTAGE #4 .................................................................... Poteet Strawberry GrowersHEB STAGE #5–VETERANS PAVILIONWednesday Ball ........................................................ 11:00 AMDanzavida .................................................................. 12:30 & 1:30

St. Philips Ballet Folklorico Guadalupano ............. 2:15 PMLedbetters BlueGrass Band ..................................... 3:00 PMThe Berts .................................................................... 5:00-6:00 PMLos Jimenez ................................................................ 7:00 PMHEB- STAGE #6Marsha’s Petting Zoo ............................................... Throughout the DayStrawberry Eating Contest ...................................... 1:00-2:00 PMPrehistoric Dinosaur Adventures Mobile Fossil MuseaumLAW OFFICE OF JESSE HERNANDEZ STAGE #7Gator Country ............................................................. 11:00, 2:00 & 6:00 PM

CLAYTON HOMES STAGE #9MONKEY BUSINESS .................................................. 11:00, 1:30, 5:00 PMBUD LIGHT STAGE #10-LIONS/ROTARY PAVILIONCody Layne Music ...................................................... 12:00 - 1:30 PMTexas Top Hat Bands ................................................ 2:00 – 3:30PMEric Dummer ............................................................... 4:00-5:00 PMBoogaloo .................................................................... 5:30-6:30PMEvalin Rubio ............................................................... 7:00-8:30 PMSTAGE #11 – ROTARY PAVILIONTaste of Texas Food Show ....................................... 11:00 AM – NoonTaste of Texas Auction ............................................. 1:00 PMKEDA STAGE #12–ARMED FORCES PAVILIONDoo Wah Riders ......................................................... 11:00-2:00 PMWashboard Willy ....................................................... 12:30 & 3:15AABCD Dancers .......................................................... 4:30 PMCountry Legend Tony Booth .................................... 5:30 PMBrian Collins ............................................................... 7:30 PM#13-LIONS PAVILIONMorning Worship ....................................................... 11:00 AMThe Spazmatics ......................................................... 6:00-10:00 PMBUD LIGHT RODEO LIONS ARENA ........................... 2:30 PM2017 FORD EXPERIENCE TOUR ................................ FRI, SAT, SUNCARNIVAL ARMBAND NIGHT ................................... THUR. 6:00 – 10:00 PMALAMO ATTRACTIONS CARNIVAL .......................... FRI, SAT, SUNARTS & CRAFTS ........................................................... FRI, SAT, SUN

$5 GATE ADMISSION FRIDAY$15.00 GATE ADMISSION SATURDAY & SUNDAYCHILDREN 12 & UNDER ADMITTED FREEACTIVE, RESERVE & RETIRED MILITARY FREEFREE PARKING ON FESTIVAL GROUNDS

STAGE #13 – LIONS PAVILIONBIG COUNTRY BAND

7:30 - 9:00 PMBRANDON RADERSTORF

& TRUE COUNTRY9:30 PM - 11:00 AM

JOHN WOLFE11:30 PM - 1:00 AM

MUSICMUSIC

RODEOLions Arena Friday Night Special - 6:30 Saturday & Sunday 2:30 pm

Bull Ride Saturday Night

Lions Arena - 7:30 pm

Parade Saturday, April 8

10:00 a.m.

Fireworks

Display

Saturday • 10:30 pm

Ramos Tire & Auto

Service


Cowboys and cowgirls are urged to attend the 2017 Poteet Strawberry Festival Lions Club CPRA Rodeo and Open Bull Riding, which is being produced by Diamond Cross Rodeo. The event will be conveniently located on the festival grounds at the Lions Club Arena.

Diamond Cross Rodeo Co. invites everyone to enjoy a weekend of fine rodeo com-petition.

CPRA RodeoThe two performances

will be Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10, at 2:30 p.m. daily. Another performance is scheduled for Friday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m.

Enter at 800-54-RODEO (800-547-6336).

Bull RidingThe bull riding event is

scheduled for Saturday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. You may enter at Diamond Cross Entry Line at 512-581-8182. For more information, you can visit diamondcrossrodeo.com.

Rodeo, bull riding featured at festival

JOE DAVID CORDOVA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS FILE PHOTO

Every year the Rodeo and Open Bull Riding contestants thrill the audience at the Poteet Strawberry Festival.

Congratulations to the 2017 Strawberry Grower

& Honorary Grower

Kenneth Hoffman2017 Honorary

Grower of the Year

Will Bates 2017 Strawberry

Grower of the Year

SUE BROWN | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

Glass blowers from in and around San Antonio will be on hand at the 70th annual Poteet Strawberry Festival to demonstrate their unique talent. You can witness this beautiful craft on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Stage #3 throughout the evenings.

GLASS BLOWING PARADE MARSHAL

Philanthropist Gordon V. Hartman will be the Grand Marshal at the 70th annual Poteet Strawberry Festival parade.

Visit us online at: www.pleasantonexpress.com


late Dolores Garcia Jr. and Corina Z. Garcia, who had participated and attended every Poteet Strawberry Festival since its conception in 1948. Dolores went on to win Grand Champion in 1958. His brother Selso Garcia won Reserve Champion in the mid-1990s and Corina and Dolores passed away in 2005 and 2009, respectively.

This year, Donovan is growing the Albion variety of strawberries.

“It’s a favorite among the local growers because of its hardiness and overall size. In comparison to other variet-ies it’s one of the biggest. The second that we decided to plant would be a newbie in the Poteet area called Ruby June. It’s an experimental root propagated in California. It’s proven that it will be a de-pendable plant and genetical-ly designed to withstand the crazy Texas Weather,” said Garcia. “In addition it pro-duced its first strawberries one month ahead of schedule. Most people aren’t aware that it takes nearly 8- 9 months to produce a strawberry from a bare root planted in August/September. Nine months is a long time to see any real results!”

This year, Donovan is us-ing the Plast i-Culture method of growing fruits and veg-

etables with the roots below a thin layer of durable plastic film. Below the roots there is 1/2” line of thin drip tape with perforations spaced out approximately every 12” or so. The roots are hydrated and fed through the same drip tape while the plants and fruits are protected against ground born enemies such as weed, dirt borne ill-nesses and ground rot.

“The newest form of grow-ing strawberries may be new to many seeing them for the first time, but it is not new to Poteet,” said Garcia. “Some of the larger growers have been using Plasti- culture for

several years with fantastic results. Just how new is the raised bed method? That’s a good question. Prior to this last decade my Poppy, the late Dolores Garcia Jr. and local wine guru Jim Collums grew strawberries on Jim’s planta-tion in the early 1990’s. Be-fore that, there is an archive photo of Poppy on a planta-tion that he was contracted by AEP, the power company, to try this new method of growing the tiny treasures. The method of growing them was new to Poteet and had a twist to it. The plant was protected by the plastic film but there was an additional feature to the method, a ‘Hot Wire’ was embedded under-ground near the root that conducted a mild electrical current. The current cre-ated additional heat that was needed to help the plant sur-

vive during sub freezing tem-peratures. Poppy agreed that it was a great concept but not feasible to the local growers. Fast forward 50 years and the same method is widely used worldwide where climates are less than favorable. AEP and Poppy were ahead of their time.”

Donovan discussed some of the misconceptions about strawberries and strawberry plants.

“Plants are placed into the ground by hand, just like they have been for over 116 years in this area. Science has yet to design a machine that will replace the feel of an ex-perienced farmer. Strawber-ries do not come from trees, shrubs or grow underground like peanuts.”

Some people have asked Garcia if you have to re-plant every year, to which he responds that you do. Every

year after the growing season is complete, the plants get plowed under and they begin the cycle again.

“Can a plant survive if it’s cared for year round? That would be a yes. However, it’s not economically suitable on a large scale. Furthermore, the plant will continue to grow and produce runners if allowed. One plant will spawn up to five plants over a year

FamilyFROM PAGE 3A

J GARCIA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

Xander Espinoza, son of Kristi Espinoza and Paul Espinoza, can’t wait to get his hands on some Poteet strawberries. He is the nephew of J Garcia and grandson of Jack Garcia and the late Alice Garcia.

SEE GARCIA, PAGE 18A


and multiply exponentially within a few years.”

One might think this is great. However, points out Garcia, there is a downside to this method.

“After the second cycle of producing berries the plant will produce strawberries that are smaller in size and continue to decrease every growing cycle thereafter. Bummer!”

At the farm, the family’s involvement is great.

“Everyone pulls their own weight and has their own specialty. I plan the logistics and placement of the new crop. Next come my two hired guns, my sons Ronin and Shane. Both engage in tractor work, site preparation, laying of the Plast -Culture and planting the straw-berry roots. Shawna and my

daughter Taryn help with the watering and feeding of the plants on a strict schedule. Ultimately, we all pick and pack flats of strawberries for sale. We’ve had great success because of social media and word of mouth, and for that we are thankful. We even designed a PVC planting tool which has made the entire process much easier than prior conventional methods. I could mass produce that tool and become a millionaire, but then I wouldn’t grow straw-berries anymore. Who am I kidding? I’d still do it, but probably from some remote island in Bora Bora.”

One of the lessons learned from growing strawberries is that it teaches everyone a lesson in humility, shared Garcia.

“We can aspire, plan, work hard, create and do every-thing to near fruition and can be wiped out by a simple plague or bout with bad inclement weather. Wiped

out...overnight. Most people wouldn’t know that I don’t gamble with my hard earned money. Not at first glance anyway. I don’t bet on sport-ing events, frequent casinos or spend frivolous amounts of money on games of chance, about once a year, every year I drop down thousands of dollars on a chance that Mother Nature will be kind to me and mine and let me make enough back to finance the next year’s endeavor. Farmers don’t do it for the fame and certainly not the fortune, we do it simply because it makes us happy. If you’re in it for the money you’re in for a

rude awakening.” To others seeking tips on

growing strawberries suc-cessfully, Garcia advises, “Plant, pray, water, feed and then pray some more. If at first you don’t succeed then you are probably using the wrong fertilizer. If that doesn’t work come see me. I don’t have all of the answers but misery does love com-pany.”

Garcia adds that the hard-est lesson he has endured in his 48 years of being around strawberries is that he did not get to ask as many ques-

tions as he should have when his parents were alive.

“I figured that I’d have it all down when the time came to be on my own. I was wrong. The first few years after my father passed I struggled and often felt like the farm life wasn’t for me. Fortunately, I was helped along the way by all of my siblings in some form or fashion until we were self sustaining at Garcia Strawber-ry Farms North. Everyone still comes around to help and it’s truly a labor of love for them. It has to be because I only pay them in strawberries.”

GarciaFROM PAGE 17A


At Garcia Farms with bluebonnets before them, left to right: back row- Donovan Garcia and wife Shawna Rose and their children, front row- Donovan “Ronin” Garcia II, Taryn Garcia and Shane Garcia.


Ronin Garcia assists his cousin Xander Espinoza at the farm. Xander is the son of Kristi Espinoza and Paul Espinoza. He is also the nephew of J Garcia and grandson of Jack Garcia and the late Alice Garcia.


LISA LUNASTAFF WRITER

While there are thousands of other festivals across this great state, there is no other like the Poteet Strawberry Festival.

Only Poteet can claim to be “The Strawberry Capital of Texas.”

Each spring, folks in Atascosa County eagerly

await this delicious red, fruit. Strawberries, especially Po-teet strawberries, are the per-fect star ingredient for a wide range of recipes: strawberry shortcake, chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry jam, strawberry pie and many others.

There are also products sold during festival time which showcase Poteet straw-

berries: H-E-B Select Ingredi-ents Creamy Creations Texas Seasons Poteet Strawberry Ice Cream, a variety of wines from Poteet Country Winery, Shiner Strawberry Blonde and Texas Tea Poteet Strawberry White Tea.

There will be H-E-B Creamy Creations Poteet Strawberry Ice Cream in stores-just in time for the festival and at the grounds.

Poteet Country Winery will sell their wine bottles at the festival at the mercantile building, located inside the Poteet Strawberry Festival grounds. The winery is locat-ed at 400 Tank Hollow Rd. in Poteet and can be contacted at 830-276-8085 for details.

Shiner Strawberry Blonde is the company’s new sum-mer seasonal made with fresh strawberries from Poteet. To formulate a line of ready to drink iced teas with each flavor being made with and highlighting a uniquely Texas product or town.

Austin-based Texas Tea offers a line of ready to drink iced teas with each flavor be-

ing made with and highlight-ing a uniquely Texas product or town.

Whatever your preference, enjoy them while you can.

Poteet strawberry products galore!

H‑E‑B Select Ingredients Creamy Creations Texas Seasons Poteet

Strawberry Ice Cream

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL ROYALTY

I Harold AignerII Gene MikolajczykIII Norman ShearrerIV Julius GranatoV John Lee HarrisonVI Dr. E..E. Byrom Jr.VII Dr. Jimmy BreazealeVIII Kenneth StephensIX Jimmy MillerX Roy RogersXI Larry McCarthyXII R. Thomas FranklinXIII Charles W. TuttleXIV David PotterXV Bill DavidsonXVI Jim Ross DavdisonXVII James Hunter FranklinXVIII Frank Ernest OppermanXIX Richard B. FranklinXX John Mallory FranklinXXI Robert HoffmanXXII Robert Franklin DavisXXIII E.C. Rogers Jr.XXIV Randall BryceXXV Dana TuttleXXVI Thomas CrouchXXVII Ruben SanchezXXVIII Cecil TaylorXXIX Luis “Ricky” AlvaradoXXX Johnny SanchezXXXI Jesse CanoXXXII David Allen PoppellXXXIII David AmayaXXXIV Jay PayneXXXV John GillespieXXXVI Roland CruzXXXVII Ron MixonXXXVIII Joe GillespieXXXIX Donovan GarciaXL Thomas MilliganXLI Brandon BartekXLII Xavier ZamoraXLIII Monte BartekXLIV Bobby James Denson Jr.XLV Scott SmootXLVI Robert TrevinoXLVII Jaime HerreraXLVIII J.T. ForrestXLIX Travis MartinezL Patrick OrtizLI Matthew WilsonLII Adrian GarzaLIII Steven DavilaLIV Michael StimpsonLV Kevin SparksLVI Ernest MartinezLVII Elliot Roy RodriguezLVIII Paul J. “P.J.” QuijanoLIX Jake OlivaresLX Andrew WallaLXI Morgan WagnerLXII Nolan Ryan RamosLXIII Domingo Gonzales IIILXIV Patrick ReyesLXV Brandon Christopher LopezLXVI C. Alejandro GarciaLXVII Clayton AkersLXVIII Rex YeeLXIX Donovan Roanin Garcia IILXX Ross Mikolajczyk

Queen King1948 Martha Byrom Grizzard1949 Helen Franklin1950 Joyce Scott Loessberg1951 Peggy Churchill Nixon1952 Leora Vallier1953 Emma Jean Yow Norment1954 Betty Scott Martin1955 Margene Faggard Hartley1956 Jeannett Payne1957 Robbie Lott Hesskew1958 Loretta Scott Kuhn1959 Jo Ann Collums Moseley1960 Shirley Savage Mangum1961 Nadine Haley Powell1962 Merry Sue Howard Stephens1963 Nita Griffin Harvey1964 Susan Qualls Monsalvo1965 Janice Yow Hindes1966 Linda Hoffman Wheeler1967 Nancy Mikolajczyk Howard1968 Laurie Crouch Miller1969 Betsy Fuller Turner1970 Becky Vrana Muerer1971 Karen Koehler Moore1972 Lula Hammonds Ellis1973 Pam Hesskew Simpson1974 Sandra Stanush Haley1975 Tammy Smart1976 Ruth Ann Hoffman Schultze1977 Patsy Taylor Arnold1978 Jo Ann Garza Davila1979 Patricia Schumacher1980 Ana Briones1981 DeDe Brown1982 Melanie Thompson Sostarich1983 Leticia Campos Inocencio1984 Brenda Martinez Mixon1985 Kris Kosub Perez1986 Laura Sapp Klaus1987 Heike Marshall Jenkins1988 Lisa Quintanilla1989 Rebecca Sapp1990 Kimbrelee Martinez Gusman1991 Scarlett Collums Richardson1992 Amy Lum Francis1993 Denise Franklin Ross1994 Meaghen Bates Chandler1995 Molly Groesbeck Solis1996 Rae-Lyn Sadler Boeder1997 Priscilla Lynn Carrasco1998 Christina Reyes Howard1999 Sashaun Korzekwa Johnson2000 Elizabeth Oliva2001 Loni Davis2002 Ashley Haley Horn2003 Carrie Carpenter Rivera2004 Marissa D. Garcia2005 Callie Marie Roberts2006 Leata Martinez2007 Caitie Garza2008 Jacklyn E. Ybarra2009 Nikkiah Guerra2010 Dayna Revae Leal2011 Stephanie Diane Rivera2012 Leslee Ramon2013 Lauren Zavala2014 Caitlin Crisp2015 Naomi Ybanez2016 Isabella Wiederhold2017 Amanda Elizabeth Rivera

Roman numerals ListNumber Roman nu-meral68 LXVIII69 LXIX70 LXX71 LXXI


Shiner Strawberry Blonde

Poteet strawberry products

Poteet Country Winery Strawberry-Grape Wine

Poteet Strawberry White Tea


Mark Riggs will once again be at the Poteet Strawberry Festival. Mark entertains with a variety of juggling, cycling and stunts. He will be stroll-ing the grounds all day on Friday and Saturday.

MARK RIGGS

2017 Strawberry FestivalVankuver Rock Tribute Band is a four-piece professional clas-sic rock band based out of Laredo.

The band consists of members Adrian Leal on bass guitar, Carlos Gutierrez on lead guitar, Nick Xavier on drums and Manny Gonzalez Guerra on vocals. The band travels the state perform-ing at festivals, fairs, bike rallies, tattoo expos, concerts, casinos and live music venues. They are considered one of the top festival - bike rally bands in Texas.

The band has performed together for over 15 years and are a tight-knit unit ready to rock! They perform exciting high-energy (Rock Anthems) as well as some of today’s hits.

The music set list consists of music by ZZ Top , Rick Spring-field, The Police, Great White, Billy Idol, The Doors, 38 Special, Alice in Chains, STP, Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, The Beatles, Joe Walsh, Journey, Metallica, The White Stripes, Motley Crue, The Beatles, The Black Crows, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Billy Squire, Van Halen and many more. The band has performed on the same stage / bill with bands such as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Vince Neil of Motley Crue, Steve Augeri of Journey, The Romantics, Warrant, Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, Quiet Riot, P.O.D., Saxon, Anvil, Faster Pussy Cat, Slaughter, Great White, Rick Trevino, Travis Tritt, Los Kumbia AllStarz, Siggno, Pete Astudillo, La Mafia, Los Tex Maniacs, David Mares, The Chris Perez Project, Celso Pina, Massore, The Texas Tornados and many more.

The list goes on. Check them out at the KEDA Stage #12- Armed Forces Pavilion on Friday, April 7 at 9 p.m.

VANKUVER ROCK TRIBUTE BAND


Closed Saturday so our employees can enjoy the Festival!


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