Butterflies, scissor-tail flycatchers, dragonflies, javelinas, nilgai, white tail deer and even the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl are among the diverse species of wildlife that are part of Willacy County’s natural treasures.

In 1999, a committee of the Raymondville Chamber of Commerce had the vision and foresight to begin celebrating and promoting the natural treasures that are contained in ranches of Willacy County and surrounding areas, through the creation of Wild in Willacy.

Access to some of these private ranches is available to festival guests through scheduled guided tours. Wild in Willacy offers many opportunities for bird-watching, wildlife viewing and photography.

Along with nature tourism, heritage tourism has become an added attraction to the festival. Willacy County is surrounded by ranches that still work cattle by cowboys...a dying tradition in this day and age. Cook offs are held with teams showing off their best “Taste of Willacy” entries cooking their “pan de campo”, meats, and beans in traditional dutch ovens and open fires just like in the old days. Contests, demonstrations, and entertainment will be held at the festival grounds breakfast will be enjoyed by tour guests. Attox, Nilgai, deer and even ostriches are among the wildlife that may be seen at this ranch.