Category: Events

Local Events in Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot, Moore in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties!

Ray recognized nationally in NACD Photo and Poster Contests

Kenzie Ray

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced the winners of its 2025 Photo and Poster Contests during the 80th NACD Annual Meeting, held in San Antonio. The annual contests highlight the creativity and conservation awareness of students from across the nation, and this year, Texas youth were proudly among those recognized on the national stage.
Kenzie Alan Ray captured national recognition by winning the NACD Photo Contest in the Close-Up Conservation Youth Division. Kenzie, the daughter of Keith and Kendria Ray, is currently a sophomore at Devine High School. Her passion for photography began during her first year in 4-H, when Medina County AgriLife hosted photography workshops that sparked her interest in capturing the world through a creative lens.
Through her award-winning close-up image, Kenzie demonstrated how conservation can be seen in even the smallest details, reminding viewers that stewardship often begins with simply taking a closer look. Her achievement reflects not only her artistic talent, but also the importance of youth programs that connect students to natural resources education.
Texas was also represented in the NACD Poster Contest, where Anayah Serna, representing the Austin County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) #347, earned 2nd place in her division at the national level. Anayah is a 10-year-old fourth grader who loves to paint and draw landscapes, often drawing inspiration from the books she reads and the world around her.
Anayah won the 2025 Texas Conservation Awards Program Poster Contest, advancing to national competition. The theme was “Home is Where the Habitat Is,” encouraged students to explore and illustrate the habitats that support the diverse species found across Texas and the United States. Through her artwork, Anayah thoughtfully captured the connection between wildlife, habitat, and responsible land stewardship.
The NACD Photo and Poster Contests are part of a long-standing effort by conservation districts nationwide to engage youth and adults in natural resource conservation. By encouraging artistic expression alongside environmental education, the contests help cultivate the next generation of conservation leaders.
The Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board is proud to support programs that empower students like Kenzie and Anayah to explore conservation through creativity, proving that conservation awareness can begin with a camera, a canvas, and a commitment to caring for the land.

Upcoming local events

April


1 – Lytle Public Library Story Time ages 2-5 from 10:30-11 a.m.
1 – American Legion Post 371 Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Natalia Tx
2 – Lytle Public Library Craft with Us from 5:30-7 p.m.
2 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Jerry Deleon at 7 p.m.
3 – St Andrew Good Friday Fish Plate Sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
3 – Live Music Night at Roosters Ice House featuring Jay Martinez and the boys
3 – Lytle Nursing Home Annual Easter Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza at 10 a.m.
3 – Lytle VFW Karaoke Night at 7 p.m.
3 – Devine Acres Farm Spring Country Fest
4 – Devine Acres Farm Spring Country Fest
4 – Live music at Black Creek Bar & Grill featuring Jimmy Green at 7 p.m.
4 – Live music at Billy’s Dining and Dancing presenting the Nick Lawrence band at 9 p.m.
4 – Easter Egg Hunt at Devine Golf Course | Age 0-4 at 3 p.m. | Age 5-8 at 3:20 p.m. | Age 9 & up at 3:40 p.m.
4 – City of Lytle Easter Eggs-travaganza 10am-noon at John Lott Municipal Park, $1 per child or a canned good
4 – Lytle VFW Easter Egg Hunt at Lytle Memorial VFW Post from 1 to 5 p.m.
4 – Community Easter Egg Hunt at Roosters Ice House from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
5 – Lytle VFW Bingo | Card Sales 2 p.m. | Early Bird 2:30 p.m. | Game Start 3 p.m.
7 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Preschool Story Time at 10:30 a.m | Limit 15 | Registration required
8 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Stitch Club 6-7:30 p.m. | Registration required
8 – Lytle Public Library Story Time ages 2-5 from 10:30-11 a.m.
9 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Mario Flores at 7 p.m.
9 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Crafting After Hours from 6-8 p.m. | Registration required
9 – Lytle Public Library Craft with Us from 5:30-7 p.m
10 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Plant Swap from 2-3 p.m.
10 – El Gallo Fiesta Night at Rooster’s Ice House from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
10 – Devine Chamber of Commerce Mixer from 6-11 p.m. at The Farm 2238 FM 2200 Devine, TX
10 – Lytle Elementary School Bike Rodeo from 7-8 a.m. | Registration required
10 – Poteet Strawberry Festival
11 – Poteet Strawberry Festival
11 – Cookin’ for a Claus BBQ Cook-Off at The Farm in Devine from 9 a.m. to TBD
11 – Farm Tour: Conservation in Action at Smith Pastures in Devine, TX from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
11 – Devine Education Foundation Fifth Annual Golf Tournament at 10 a.m. tee time
12 – Poteet Strawberry Festival
12 – St. John Bosco Church Hall Bingo | Doors open at 1 p.m. | Early Bird 2 p.m.
13 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Lego Club from 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Registration required
14 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Preschool Story Time at 10:30 a.m. | Limit 15 | Registration required
14 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Embroidery Club from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
15 – Lytle Public Library Story Time ages 2-5 from 10:30-11 a.m.
16 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Planner Club from 5-6:30 p.m. | Registration required
16 – Lytle Public Library Craft with Us from 5:30-7 p.m
16 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Nick Lawrence at 7 p.m.
18 – Country Music Festival @ Devine Acres for Audrey Jane’s Light fundraiser
18 – Lisa’s Sugar Fix Pop-Up Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tommy Joe’s BBQ
19 – Natalia Athletic Booster Golf Tournament at Devine Golf Course at 12 p.m. tee time
19 – Lytle St. Andrew Chicken & Sausage Plate Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
21 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Preschool Story Time at 10:30 a.m. | Limit 15 | Registration required
22 – Lytle Public Library Story Time ages 2-5 from 10:30-11 a.m.
22 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Collage Club from 5:30-7 p.m. | Registration required
23 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Crafting After Hours 2.0 from 6-8 p.m. | Registration required
23 – Lytle Public Library Craft with Us from 5:30-7 p.m
24 – Tri-County 29th Annual Chapter Banquet at 6 p.m. at the Atascosa Show Barn
25 – Devine Masonic Lodge Golf Tournament at Devine Golf Course 1 p.m. tee time
27 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Art Club from 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Registration required
28 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Preschool Story Time at 10:30 a.m. | Limit 15 | Registration required
29 – Lytle Public Library Story Time ages 2-5 from 10:30-11 a.m.
30 – Lytle Public Library Craft with Us from 5:30-7 p.m
May
1 – 4 Way Tournament at Devine Golf Course all weekend
1 – Lytle VFW Ranch Trash Smoke Showdown BBQ Cook-Off | DJ 12-3 p.m. | Alejandro Escamilla Band 3-7 p.m.
2 – Lytle VFW Ranch Trash Smoke Showdown BBQ Cook-Off | DJ 12-3 p.m. | Alejandro Escamilla Band 3-7 p.m.
2 – 1 – 4 Way Tournament at Devine Golf Course all weekend
2 – Inmaculada Concepcion Church Community Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
9 – Mother’s Day Market at My Time at The Garden at 5 p.m.
13 – Storytime with Jamie Lin Wilson at the Castroville Rainbow Theater with special guest Wade Bowen at 7 p.m.
17 – Blackie Boehme Tournament at Devine Golf Course at 12 p.m. tee time
If you want to add an event to this calendar, please email devinereporter@devinenews.com or call (830) 665 – 2211 and leave a message for Brianna.

Driscoll Public Library Announces 2026 Duck-Oration Contest: A Cosplay Duck Adventure!

Devine, Texas — Get ready to unleash your creativity and a little bit of quacky fun! The Driscoll Public Library and the Friends of the Driscoll Public Library are excited to announce their first ever Duck-Oration Contest, inviting community members of all ages to transform an ordinary rubber duck into an extraordinary costumed character.
Beginning March 30–31, participants may visit the Driscoll Public Library circulation desk to pick up their very own 4-inch rubber duck to decorate. Each person may take one duck (while supplies last). Once you have your duck, take it home and bring your imagination to life by creating a costumed duck inspired by this year’s theme: COSPLAY!
Participants are encouraged to design ducks that represent a character, costume, or unique persona. Whether your duck becomes a superhero, storybook character, historical figure (hint America250), or something completely original, the goal is to have fun and show off your creativity. All entries must be family-friendly and appropriate for a public library setting.
Decorated ducks must be returned to the library by 5:00 pm Thursday, April 9, 2026. Entries will be displayed in the library for People’s Choice voting April 10–16. Decorated ducks and accessories must not exceed 10 inches in size. Ducks will be judged on creativity, originality, use of materials, and overall presentation
Judging will take place Friday, April 17, with winners announced at 5:00 pm. Ribbons will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and People’s Choice.
Library staff reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not follow contest rules.
For more information, visit the Driscoll Public Library or call the circulation desk at 830-663-2993. Follow us on Facebook @Driscoll Public Library – Devine for all things happening at the library.

Upcoming local events

March

25 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Collage Club from 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Registration Required
25 – Lytle Public Library Story Time ages 2-5 from 10:30-11 a.m.
25 – Devine Chamber of Commerce meeting at Charlie’s Daughter on the Green from 12-1 p.m.
26 – Free Lunch & Learn at 11:30 a.m. at Primrose Funeral Services Lytle TX
26 – Craft with Us at Lytle Public Library from 5:30-7 p.m.
26 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Crafting After Hours 2.0 from 6-8 p.m. | Registration Required
26 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Kyle Park from 7-9 p.m.
26 – Music Bingo Night at Rooster’s Ice House from 8 – 10 p.m.
27 – Live music at La Coste City Hotel featuring Frank Tovar from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
27 – Live music at Outlaw Seafood Bar & Grill featuring Felix Truvere from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m.
28 – ASÉ Wellness Workshop Resonate from 12-2 p.m. at ASE Yoga & Pilates Studio
28 – Devine Police Department Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Walmart from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
28 – Devine Golf Course Warhorse Football Golf Tournament and Crawfish Boil at 12:30 p.m.
28 – Castroville Rainbow Theater Comedy Night starring Bellagio Benny, Otis Hicks and Just Greg from 9 – 10:30 p.m.
28 – My Time Garden & Nursery Spring Fling & Trade School Scholarship Fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
28 – Roosters Icehouse Vendor Market from 4-7 p.m.
28 – Venta de Garage at Apostolic Worship Center 11 a.m.
28 – Natalia Bluebonnet Festival & Parade | Parade begins at 11 a.m.
28 – Devine Acres Farm Spring Country Fest
29 – Devine Acres Farm Spring Country Fest
31 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Preschool Story Time at 10:30 a.m | Limit 15 | Registration Required
31 – Free Country Dance Lessons at Rooster’s Ice House from 7-9 p.m.

April

  • Live Music Night at Roosters Ice House featuring Jay Martinez and the boys
    3 – Lytle Nursing Home Annual Easter Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza at 10 a.m.
    3 – Devine Acres Farm Spring Country Fest
    4 – Devine Acres Farm Spring Country Fest
    4 – Live music at Billy’s Dining and Dancing presenting the Nick Lawrence band at 9 p.m.
    4 – Easter Egg Hunt at Devine Golf Course | Age 0-4 at 3 p.m. | Age 5-8 at 3:20 p.m. | Age 9 & up at 3:40 p.m.
    4 – City of Lytle Easter Eggs-travaganza 10am-noon at John Lott Municipal Park, $1 per child or a canned good
    4 – Lytle VFW Easter Egg Hunt at Lytle Memorial VFW Post from 1 to 5 p.m.
    10 – El Gallo Fiesta Night at Rooster’s Ice House from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
    10 – Poteet Strawberry Festival
    11 – Poteet Strawberry Festival
    11 – Cookin’ for a Claus BBQ Cook-Off at The Farm in Devine from 9 a.m. to TBD
    11 – Farm Tour: Conservation in Action at Smith Pastures in Devine, TX from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
    11 – Devine Education Foundation Fifth Annual Golf Tournament at 10 a.m. tee time
    12 – Poteet Strawberry Festival
    18 – Country Music Festival @ Devine Acres for Audrey Jane’s Light fundraiser
    19 – Natalia Athletic Booster Golf Tournament at Devine Golf Course at 12 p.m. tee time
    25 – Devine Masonic Lodge Golf Tournament at Devine Golf Course 1 p.m. tee time

May

1 – 4 Way Tournament at Devine Golf Course all weekend
1 – Lytle VFW Ranch Trash Smoke Showdown BBQ Cook-Off | DJ 12-3 p.m. | Alejandro Escamilla Band 3-7 p.m.
2 – Lytle VFW Ranch Trash Smoke Showdown BBQ Cook-Off | DJ 12-3 p.m. | Alejandro Escamilla Band 3-7 p.m.
2 – 1 – 4 Way Tournament at Devine Golf Course all weekend
2 – Inmaculada Concepcion Church Community Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
9 – Mother’s Day Market at My Time at The Garden at 5 p.m.
13 – Storytime with Jamie Lin Wilson at the Castroville Rainbow Theater with special guest Wade Bowen at 7 p.m.
17 – Blackie Boehme Tournament at Devine Golf Course at 12 p.m. tee time
If you want to add an event to this calendar, please email devinereporter@devinenews.com or call (830) 665 – 2211 and leave a message for Bri

2026 Natalia Municipal Development District Easter Egg Hunt

Thank you to this group of people who organized the NMDD Easter Egg Hunt in Natalia this past Sunday, March 22. Standing (l to r) Daniel Orr (NVFD), Brandi Byrd (NVFD), Eugene Sanchez (NVFD), Anthony Bollman (NVFD), Natalia PD Officer Gary Rogers, Easter Bunny Samantha Morales, Sparky Starlett Byrd, Stephanie Solis, Brenda Fernandez, Dorothy Woodson and Rookie Justin Byrd. Front row Beatrice Morales, Mayor Tommy Ortiz and Ruby Vera.

Pictured above are the winners of the NMDD Easter Egg Hunt this past weekend.

Children, ages baby to 10 years old, enjoyed hunting Easter eggs and filling up their baskets as Rookie and the Easter Bunny, as well as their parents/grandparents, watched.

Natalia Volunter Firefighters were on hand to show children how to use a fire hose and let them try to spray it. Photos by Mable Byrd and Brenda Fernandez.

Time for Lytle’s St. Andrews Catholic Church festival tickets

Pablo and Carolina Cortez with Father Anthony after he sold 1392 tickets and raised $6960 in 2025 for St Andrews Church Festival drawing.

Tickets for Lytle’s St. Andrews Catholic Church Festival annual drawing are here again, ready to be sold!!
My name is Pablo Cortez, a parishioner at St. Andrews. Although I am not a member of the festival committee, I am doing this on my own to sell as many tickets as I can to help my church community.
Last year I was able to sell 1,392 tickets and raised $6,960. I wish to thank everyone who helped me in any way, very, very much. I am sure that our Lord will repay you and bless you in some way. Once again, I am hoping you can help me this year. If you can afford to purchase some tickets from me, please call me at (210) 440-0110.
This year, I am asking business owners if they are able and willing to help me sell more tickets, as I have raised my goal. I have come up with an idea. I believe you can help me in this way, you could buy a ticket for each of your employees. I know, it’s going to cost some money, but think of the benefits! They will be great. I’m sure your employees would appreciate your kindness and show it in return by the good job they will do for you. Also, you could claim it during tax season and receive it back. Therefore, if you can find it in your heart to help me be successful with this idea, I’d be very appreciative.
Here is something I have thought about. Sometimes large companies who donate large items like cars or big money don’t ever show their employees that they are appreciated, even though they’ve spent an enormous amount to help an organization. I really believe sometimes the little things you do make a greater difference. Even a small organization can show their big heart in this way.
I really appreciate everyone’s generosity. I hope to personally thank everyone in a “Letter to the Editor” in the local newspaper when ticket sales are over, so be on the lookout. May God bless you.
Pablo Cortez

P.S. People always ask why I bother to sell so many tickets. I have a sentimental reason I will briefly explain. My dad, Aniceto Cortez, born in 1908 in the Coal Main community in the outskirts on Main Street, Lytle, is where the original and historical church was located and still stands, Immaculada Conception. Due to the deplorable conditions of the roads, it was decided to build a new church on Main Street and because of a large donation by a stranger passing by, the church’s name was changed to St. Andrews.
My dad was one of the brave men who climbed the steeple to place the steel cross and large bell on top. Every time I see the steeple and bells or hear the bells I think of my daddy and how his descendants are enjoying something from his labor. I would like to do the same. My dream is to raise money to build a porch in front of the church for people to shelter from either the hot summer sun or spring rains. I’m hoping that after loans are paid for with these fundraising events, I can soon help to raise monetary funds to build a porch for the future congregation to enjoy long after I am no longer around. I’m hoping I can see this dream become a reality.

Lytle Little League Opening Day and Music Fest this Saturday, Mar. 21st

Lytle will celebrate Little League Opening Day and the Lytle Music Fest on Saturday, March 21 at John Lott Park. Come out and support the players, enjoy the atmosphere and kick off an amazing season together as a community.
This year local vendors are invited to be a part of the fun. It’s going to be a full day of baseball, great food, shopping and live music you won’t want to miss.
The music will begin on Friday night (March 20th) at 6:30 PM with the Tri City Band then Lucky Joe takes the stage from 8:30 PM until 10:00 PM. The park will be full on Saturday (March 21st), with the opening day of Lytle Little League! When the games finish the music festival will continue … Matt Hawk plays from 6 PM – 7 PM, Texas Double Shot plays from 7:30 PM until 8:30 PM and then the headliner, Kin Faux, plays from 9:30 PM until 11:00 PM. There will be vendors, and food trucks and no outside coolers allowed. Bring your own chair and get there early to secure a good spot.

Two races draw competiton in Devine ISD school board election

Stricker vs Gentry,
Pepper vs Balderrama

Devine ISD
Devine ISD will have their 2026 General Election on Saturday, May 2, 2026 for two positions on the board of trustees.
There are two new candidates for the District 3 seat, Britny Stricker and Kristi Gentry that Henry Moreno, Jr. currently holds. “District 3 Trustee Henry Moreno, Jr. had signed up prior to the deadline, but withdrew his application,” said Geri Woods, Executive Assistant to Superintendent & Board of Trustees, on Tuesday morning.
District 4 candidates are incumbent and Board President Nancy Pepper and challenger Matthew Balderrama.
Last day to register to vote is April 2, 2026. Early voting first day will be April 20, last day to early vote is April 28, 2026. Election is Saturday, May 2, 2026.