'Bringing back memories': Buc Days returns in 2022 with growth, familiarity

Jessica Rios and her 8-year-old son, Daniel Reyes, have lived in Corpus Christi for three years.

Rios and her son usually don't go out during the day, as she works nights. But she had a day off during the first weekend of Buc Days. Still a newbie to the Sparkling City by the Sea, Rios surprised Reyes by taking him to the beloved South Texas event for the first time.

"I just wanted him to come out and have fun," Rios said while her son was in the air on a bungee jump attraction. "I figured we should have fun and get to know the city's culture."

Scheduled for May 5-15, the annual festival returned for the first time since 2019. 

Not only was the Stripes Carnival a big hit, but attendees also experienced the Dunking of the Mayor, PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour Finals, pig racing, a petting zoo, local vendors, a jalapeño eating contest, a rodeo and live entertainment from local and famous musicians. Events were based in or near the American Bank Center.

Jeff LaClaire and Azalee Monsivais showed up to the opening night of Rodeo Corpus Christi to watch saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and a concert by rapper Flo Rida.

"When I heard Flo Rida was performing, I knew I had to come," LaClaire said.

Along with Flo Rida, Tejano singer Bobby Pulido, country singer Clay Walker and country group Randy Rogers Band performed after the rodeo Wednesday through Saturday.

"I'm from Houston, so I'm new to Corpus, but Buc Days has been really cool so far," LaClaire said. "I'm used to the Houston Rodeo, but this one looks like it'll deliver."

A Corpus Christi native, Monsivais said it was her first time back to Buc Days in six years. She said the event was bigger and better than the last time she'd attended, with more attractions and a larger location than the past Bayfront site.

"It's definitely bringing back memories, but I realized it's in a totally new location," Monsivais said. "I can tell they stepped up their game since the last time I've been here."

The Illuminated Night and Children's parades were among the most highly anticipated of the festivities, with spectators lining up hours in advance.

The Night Parade, held Saturday, May 7, featured more than 100 floats stretched along Chaparral, Leopard and Staples streets for the first time since 2019.

Lori Villarreal cheered on her son as he performed in the parade with a West Oso ISD marching band. She said she has been coming to the parade since she was a child.

"It's a tradition," she said.

The Children's Parade, held Saturday, had nearly 50 schools and youth organizations marching down Shoreline Boulevard.

Evelyn Lopez from Club Estates Elementary was one of the students in the parade. The 10-year-old said she had fun performing "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from the Disney movie "Encanto" with her classmates.

"There's a lot of fun moves in it," she said. "I hope people had fun watching us."

Her father, Felix Lopez, said watching his daughter march in the parade was a proud moment for him.

"It was exciting as a parent," he said. "You get to see your little girl march down the street with everyone cheering her on. After COVID stopped all the fun, it's nice to see people come out and come together to celebrate and have a good time. We missed this."

Photographer Angela Piazza contributed to this story.

MORE COVERAGE

More:45th annual Beach to Bay Relay Marathon to return after two-year break

More:American Bank Center will host Jr. Olympics boxing event

John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva. Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.