A notable incident from Harlingen's past has resurfaced, involving a man's bold demonstration for marijuana legalization. In 1993, Charles Schoonover attended a budget workshop meeting, where he smoked a joint in front of city officials. This act of defiance led to his escort by an airport police officer and subsequent charge for possession of a controlled substance.

The incident occurred at Valley International Airport's board room, with Schoonover refusing to put out the joint despite being asked to do so. Further details about this event and its context are available from the source. This incident is part of a larger history of demonstrations for weed legalization in the area, with Schoonover's actions being a particularly memorable example.