In 1904, ranch owner John McAllen established the town of West McAllen in Texas. McAllen joined forces with a group of developers who were cultivating a nearby area of land known as East McAllen and by 1910 several businesses had been built in the town. Over the next few decades, McAllen's population grew, reaching more than 32,000 residents in 1960. In 2011, the population was estimated to be 130,831 on the city of McAllen's website.
Winter Texan Expo and Health Fair
Held every January, the Winter Texan Expo and Health Fair showcase educates visitors on health care. At the 2011 fair, there was advice for diabetics at the Diabetic Solutions stand, guidance for the hearing impaired, a center for pain management and a medical clinic. Health care specialists are on-hand to discuss health problems alongside massage therapists to help ease away any aches or pains. Lasting for two days, the fair takes place at the McAllen Convention Center located on Expressway 83.
Texas Women's Expo
The Texan Women's Expo provides free health screenings and medical seminars to advise and educate women on well-being. The event takes place over two days and is held at the McAllen Convention Center over the last weekend in March. Advice on tooth problems with dental screenings is available as well as nutritional guidance and weight management advice with body mass index readings. Beauty exhibits give free makeovers and haircuts, and treatments such as waxing and threading are also available.
Jalapeño 100 Ride, Run & Walk
Taking place over two days in February, the Annual Jalapeño 100 Ride, Run & Walk allows residents of varying fitness levels to challenge themselves. Five routes are available for participants to walk, run or cycle: 100 mile, 62.5 mile, 50 mile, 25 mile and 12 mile. Each route starts and finishes at the Old Mill Pavilion, Park Fair Boulevard. The first day of the event is for those who want to cycle the course, beginning at 6:30 a.m. with registration at the pavilion. The following day, participants can choose whether they walk or run the same routes. Registration is at 7 a.m.
Golden Age Olympics
Mini golf is one of the activities on offer at the Golden Age Olympics.
The Golden Age Olympics gives men and women over the age of 50 the opportunity to test their fitness levels with a number of sporting activities. Over 30 events are on offer including athletics, billiards, volleyball, mini golf and swimming. The Olympics take place over January and February. In 2011, the event lasted 41 days. Participants need to pre-register a week prior to the Olympics stating which activities they wish to participate in. The event takes place at various parks and community centers around McAllen, including: Las Palma Community Center, Anchor Park, Palm View Community Center and Lark Community Center.
Tags: mile mile, Community Center, Golden Olympics, mile mile mile, place over
