Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The excitement is building in McAllen, Texas, as the city prepares for its beloved annual tradition, the McAllen Holiday Parade. This year’s theme, “Noche Mágica,” promises to immerse the community and visitors in a vibrant celebration of South Texas culture reimagined with light, color, and joy. The parade, presented by HEB and powered by Bert Ogden Motors, is set to shine brighter than ever, thanks in no small part to the support of dedicated sponsors like McDonald’s and franchise owner Mr. Fred del Barrio.
McDonald’s on Ware Road and Pecan provided the perfect setting for the final press conference ahead of the parade. The location is a community hub, and its involvement in this iconic event highlights the strength of local partnerships. Mayor Pro Tem Omar Quintanilla opened the conference with heartfelt gratitude. “We want to thank Mr. Del Barrio and his wife for supporting this event. We can’t do it without sponsors; they’re a great community partner,” Quintanilla said.
Mr. Del Barrio, the owner of the hosting McDonald’s and the mayor of neighboring Palmhurst, spoke about the importance of community and the honor of participating in the parade for the third consecutive year. “Your McDonald’s is committed to creating a stronger community here in the Rio Grande Valley, and there’s no better place to do that than right here in McAllen, Texas,” he said. “Being a part of the largest illuminated holiday parade and Helium Balloon Parade in Texas is no small feat, and we’re proud to shine a spotlight on our amazing region.”
A highlight of McDonald’s contribution is their illuminated float, featuring Ronald McDonald, Birdie the Early Bird, and an oversized order of French fries that has captured imaginations and appetites alike. “It’s not every day you see golden arches lighting up the night,” said McAllen City Manager Ike Tawil. “Thank you for your dedication to this event. Let’s give them all a huge round of applause.”
The parade itself promises something for everyone. The event is a feast of giant helium balloons like dazzling illuminated floats, celebrity guests, and marching bands. Some announced celebrity appearances include Dallas Cowboys legends, soccer stars Francisco Torres and Vicente Mateos Vuoso, and beauty influencer Luis Alejandro, who expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity. “Living in McAllen, having my business here is the 9-5-6 dream. If you conquer your pond, you can conquer the ocean. This is proof that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, commitment to your community, and lots of prayer,” he said.
The parade is more than just entertainment—it’s a community celebration. Volunteers are key to making it all happen. Carina Jimenez from the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department highlighted the vital role of the city’s Volunteer Corps. “Our goal is to have all of our volunteers leave with a true sense of pride that they do have a huge impact in helping the city achieve our goals of enhancing the quality of life,” she said.
Those planning to attend can experience the magic in many ways. Reserved seating options range from stadium views to premium zones like the South Padre Island Wealth Zone. Free seating along the 1.5-mile route ensures accessibility for everyone, while ticket proceeds from certain areas support local non-profits.
As the countdown ticks closer to the December 7 parade, excitement reaches a fever pitch. From the corporate giants to the local influencers, the McAllen Holiday Parade is what can be achieved when a community comes together. Mr. Del Barrio said, “This just shows how much the city of McAllen has shined the spotlight on our region.”
Make plans to witness the magic of “Noche Mágica,” whether through volunteering, attending, or cheering from the sidelines. With support from sponsors like McDonald’s and leaders like Mr. Del Barrio, the McAllen Holiday Parade is set to create memories that will last a lifetime.
