Rio Grande City, TX (KRGV) — Starr County will soon take over the longtime Knights of Columbus hall in Rio Grande City.

The hall dates back to the 1960s and has been a special place for many people in the community.

Rio Grande City resident Becky Garza remembers going to her first dance there when she was in high school.

“It was just the thing to do back then,” Garza said, adding that she saw her favorite performers at the hall.

“We had Joe Lopez and Mazz,” Garza said. “When I was growing up, the camaraderie, the unity, the togetherness of the community — that’s what made it for me."

Outgoing Starr County Judge Eloy Vera said the county could demolish the building, but with a new judge set to be elected next week, the building’s future could change.

Abel Porras, trustee of the Knights of Columbus De Saules Council 2597, said it was time to move on.

“All good things do come to an end,” Porras said.

Porras said his father-in-law was a member of the Knights of Columbus and that he has been a member since 1973.

“We had our wedding reception here,” Porras said, adding that many artists, including Selena, have performed at the hall.

“Selena was here in her prime, but before she got to be well known,” Porras said.

Porras said the building now has no power, ceiling tiles are on the floor, and water stains mark the knight’s crest.

“This thing will be demolished completely,” Porras said.

He said maintenance issues and competition from other venues made it too expensive to keep the hall open.

“They were smaller, cheaper, more luxurious than ours. Ours is just a plain building,” Porras said.

Porras said the building most recently held the Rio Grande City Fishing and Hunting Expo. He said they will have to clear out pictures, appliances, and furniture by November.

“We had to convince our members that it was time. And that was the hardest thing for me to do,” Porras said.

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