Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
On a morning at L&F Distributors warehouse, excitement fills the air as McAllen gears up for the 11th annual Holiday Parade, Texas’s largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade. With just a month to go, McAllen City Commissioner Pepe Cabeza de Vaca opened the press conference with palpable enthusiasm. “Good morning, good morning, good morning!” he greeted with energy. “A beautiful day, a beautiful morning here at the South Pole of Texas—McAllen. I love it!”
Expressing gratitude to all sponsors, Cabeza de Vaca highlighted the partnership with local businesses, especially L&F Distributors. “They’ve been a big supporter of this great event since the beginning, not only of the McAllen Holiday Parade but also other events like MXLAN, Fiesta de Palmas, and the McAllen Marathon.” The commissioner also thanked the LaMantia family, owners of L&F Distributors, for their long-standing community commitment.
The commissioner’s son, seven-year-old Pepito, is excited about this year’s festivities. “My son, probably the biggest fan of this parade, told me last night that not only is SpongeBob—known as Bob Esponja in Spanish—going to be with us this year, but he’s bringing a friend along.” That friend, Commissioner Cabeza de Vaca announced, is none other than the globally adored Hello Kitty. “A spectacular 30-foot Hello Kitty balloon will debut at this year’s parade. She’s a generational character, and we’re thrilled to have her with us.”
Following the commissioner, McAllen City Manager Isaac “Ike” Tawil took the stage, adding a lighthearted note. “Doesn’t being in a warehouse full of beer put a smile on your face?” he asked, bringing laughter from the crowd. Thanking H-E-B, the parade’s presenting sponsor, Tawil noted their support “since day one” has been invaluable. “Our good friends at Bert Ogden Motors power this massive event, which this community has grown to embrace and truly look forward to,” he said.
As the countdown clock ticks closer, Tawil encouraged attendees to check the official website, mcallenholidayparade.com, where the exact days, hours, minutes, and seconds are tracked until the big day. Tawil’s excitement heightened as he revealed a special guest: Mateo Adalberto Lopez, “The Mariachi Kid.” Recognized as the world’s youngest mariachi by the Guinness Book of World Records, Mateo, now a sensation across major television shows and events, will perform the national anthem. “Friends, we proudly announce that The Mariachi Kid, Mateo, will open this amazing extravaganza. His journey is extraordinary, and we’re thrilled to bring his talents to our parade.”
Nick LaMantia of L&F Distributors added his own humorous touch as he took the podium. “You got Nick instead of my aunt Val, who’s much prettier, smarter, and eloquent than myself,” he joked, then shifted to the heart of the event’s significance. “What makes this parade so unique is the community aspect. It speaks to the culture, right? Since moving back here to McAllen two years ago, I haven’t missed it. It’s awesome. My kids love it.” LaMantia commended the city for creating such a cherished holiday event, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute. “Our family has been part of this community since the seventies, even before that. We’re really happy to be here and to continue this partnership for many more years.”
In addition to the family-friendly floats and beloved characters, LaMantia teased a unique L&F attraction at the parade: the “Spider Dome.” He expressed his hope that the city would embrace their continued partnership, adding that his children look forward to it yearly. “We want to continue this for as long as you’ll have us. We’re really excited about it.”
Closing the conference on pre-parade festivities, Yajaira Flores Delgado from the McAllen Convention Center expressed her enthusiasm. “Every time I come to these press conferences, it gets us in the Christmas spirit. It’s a great way to talk about all our exciting things.” She shared details about the pre-opening extravaganza, where the excitement begins before the parade starts.
“This year, the UTRGV Marching Band will be playing for the second year in a row, bringing the Christmas spirit as they gear up toward their inaugural football season,” Flores Delgado shared. The pre-show will also include a collaboration with McAllen’s three high schools, involving over 400 students who will sing the official McAllen Holiday Parade theme anthem. “This show will light up the stadium, and a fireworks display will top off the extravaganza. And, as the final sparkles fill the sky, the UTRGV Marching Band will lead the parade as the official step-off band,” she explained.
Tickets for the parade are selling quickly, with stadium seats being the first to go. “We encourage everyone to get their tickets now,” Flores Delgado urged. “You can purchase them at the McAllen Convention Center Box Office or Ticketmaster.com. Be sure to get yours quickly because they will sell out!”
With each announcement, the excitement for McAllen’s 11th Annual Holiday Parade grows stronger. This year promises to bring even more magic with fan-favorite characters, talented local performers, and a heartwarming sense of community. As Commissioner Cabeza de Vaca emphasized, “The McAllen Holiday Parade isn’t just an event—it’s a tradition, one that lights up not just our streets, but our spirits.”
