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'Picking up and rebuilding': RGV Livestock Show suffers damages following severe weather

2 years 10 months 6 days ago Wednesday, May 12 2021 May 12, 2021 May 12, 2021 9:20 PM May 12, 2021 in News - Local

The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Grounds in Mercedes was among those affected by the severe weather that moved through the region early Wednesday morning.

With more than 3,000 tickets sold to spectators wanting to watch the Xtreme Bull Riding event Wednesday night, the brutal hit from Mother Nature was the last thing on the minds of vendors and show hosts.

"We have folks that do the carnival circuit— that travel across the nation," General Manager of the RGV Livestock Show Mando Correa said. "They always make Mercedes and the Rio Grande Valley Stock Show one of their annual events to participate in."

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The heavy winds and rain that fell overnight left many vendor booths damaged, and while most were able to be salvaged, others weren't as lucky.

"I was expecting rain, but I wasn't expecting what we came to find this morning," said Marivel Martinez of M&M Concessions, a vendor of 22 years. "It was pretty amazing, our tent being down, the barrels of water moved."

Correa said he was upset to see this happen to the vendors who help bring the event to life.

"They're vital to the success of the Livestock Show," Correa said. "It's a big draw. People want that carnival food. They look forward to it."

Though the damage took an effort to clean up, those who wanted to continue the show say it's a moment they'll look back on.

"We're all picking up and rebuilding," Martinez said. "Getting right back up."

The show is scheduled to run through Sunday, May 16.

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