May 7, 2018 (Monday)
This day, May 7, is “National Tourism Day.”
I have lived in a recreational area of Texas for 54 years and I never heard of “National Tourism Day” until today as I browsed a list of special days during the year.
Actually, it took quite a while for us who live in Aransas County to understand and appreciate the value of tourism as an industry. We owe a debt of gratitude to all community leaders who have worked hard to let the world know about this place as a desired destination. I recall the first RV Park in Rockport, and the conversations about it all around town. People wondered if the idea would work. They soon received answers about it as the park was filled with recreational vehicles and their owners who came from other cities and states.
The Rio Grande Valley had led the way with big parks for manufactured homes and recreation vehicles. Millions of dollars were reported as additional income for the area, and the term, “Winter Texan,” was created to make the visitors feel more at home.
The original RV Park in Rockport, located near the present location of Wal Mart, had success and inspired others to join the party and within a few years there were several of these parks, and residents were beginning to stay the year round. It was not news anymore that visitors had decided to live here. Aransas County grew, and grew.
We have experienced a setback in business of all kinds since Harvey’s untimely visit. But when I moved here the talk was about the 1919 storm that destroyed much property and took many lives in the area. Then came Celia in 1970, and from then on the talk was about her fury, until August 25, 2017, a fateful day of great destruction. But we have been trying hard to overcome the problems and one of these days the community will be as strong as ever, and businesses will thrive, including tourism.
“The Shell” (a.k.a. “The Bandstand”)
On the Beach
Gone but not forgotten
Even in the wake of the storm, Seafair and the other special celebrations have continued. Oyster Fest and Shrimporee and all the festivals in Corpus Christ continue with joy and pride. One of these days in the future we will enjoy leisurely sitting with friends and discussing the storm named Harvey, and how the community has sprung back, tourism and all.