Of the 16 lighthouses originally constructed along the Texas coast, Port Isabel is the only one open to the public. Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site consists of .9 acre in Port Isabel, Cameron County. This week marked the 150th anniversary for the lighthouse. The Port Isabel lighthouse was taken out of service in 1905. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department turned over the daily operation of Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historical Park to the City of Port Isabel, according to a 1993 agreement. It is always popular with photographers and other visitors, because they can enjoy great views of South Padre Island and the beaches. A number of couples have climbed the 75 winding stairs, including 3 short ladders, to exchange wedding vows on top of the tower.

The annual "Roar by the Shore" motorcycle rally was in full force from the 10th-13th. An unofficial accounting of registrants tallied almost 8,000 by late Friday afternoon. These thunderous machines came in all colors of the rainbow and more! The people riding them were just as varied. It appears this years attendance topped any previous rally held on South Padre Island. The Island rally is rapidly becoming known as "Little Sturgis." Saturday afternoon was highlighted by the Iron Horse parade. Almost as many motorcyclists watched the event as those who actually participated. The parade presented many great photo opportunities. VGSPI selected the picture on the left as the "Kodak" moment of the parade. This unique riding style eliminates the need for rear-view mirrors!

Sandcastle days will be held beginning October18th and running through the 20th. This annual affair is hosted by Sons of The Beach Sandcastle Wizards. The festivities will be held at Boomerang Billys Beach Bar. The event will feature art & architecture in sand with amateur competition for all ages and $10,000 international competition for Masters Of Sand! This has always been a wonderful event because it offers something for everyone, young and old. The picture on the right is the permanent sandcastle in front of the SPI Convention Centre built by the Sons of the Beach. Call (956) 761-6222 for information or log on to their website: http://www.sandcastledays.com

Many tourists are unaware of the popularity of Halloween on the Island. Most of the local bars sponsor costume contests and over the years have evolved into coordinating their contest times whereby local and area residents can participate in several contests over the evening. Pictured on the left is local entertainer, Lloyd Llove who will be at Kelly's Irish Pub again this year to entertain and host the costume contest. Starting time is at 8:00 PM and the costume contest will be held at 11:00 PM. Other times and contests will be announced as soon as the schedules are available.

The Week of November 2nd would be a great time to schedule a weekend trip to South Padre Island!

November 2nd and 3rd Tails Over South Padre Fun Fly Festival will be held in the "Flats" north of the Convention Centre. B&S Kites is the event sponsor. There is no admission charge. The fun fly is for all ages, featuring kite flying demonstrations, and several giveaways! Call (956) 761-1248 for more information.

November 3rd The World Championship Shrimp Cook-Off, sponsored by the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce will be held at Port Isabel Baseball Fields. There will be cooking teams from all over attend and cook for the masses. If you have an interest in entering, call (956) 943-2262.

I just got this writing job with the Visitor's Guide for South Padre Island. This is my first issue and I am somewhat worried that I will not be able to retain the position unless my efforts are deemed a success. My company perks include a free email address, use of the company's Cray IV computer, and a free cold brew now and then at one of the local watering holes. I know that does not sound like a lot, but for those of us who live on this sandbar, we know that job opportunities of this magnitude are scarce. For these reasons, I would ask that everyone who receives this newsletter to please forward it to everyone in your address book. Your friends can subscribe by clicking on the email address at the bottom of the page. Now for the boring part. You are getting this Newsletter because you subscribed (in most instances) to it. VGSPI does not want to clutter anyone's email box with unsolicited email. If you do not want to continue your free subscription to this newsletter, please click on the email address located at the bottom of the page to have your name removed. Sounds easy enough to me, either you want it or you don't.

Now, for all of you who have received this email from your friends forwarding it to you, please don't blame me or the Visitor's Guide to South Padre Island. Simply call or email your friend who sent you this and tell them not to clog up your email box if you have no interest in it. Well, that's all for now. Hope you enjoyed this first edition! Until the next issue (assuming I'll write it?) everyone have a great week and try to enjoy another day in paradise where ever you are!