Texas Border Business
Earlier today, the McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group, announced they are bringing Dallas Cowboys three-time Super Bowl Champion Tony Tolbert to this year’s parade. Additionally, they unveiled the newest balloon to be appearing in the parade, as Sponge Bob Square Pants will be making his MHP debut this year, as well. Organizers also invited the community to participate in the parade as volunteers and sent a call to high school marching bands from throughout the region to participate in the 11th annual presentation of the largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas, taking place on Saturday, December 7, 2024 and stepping off at 6:00 p.m. from McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2001 N. Bicentennial Blvd.
McAllen District 4 City Commissioner Rudy Castillo announced Tolbert as one of this year’s Dallas Cowboys legends joining the long, impressive list of former players who have made an appearance for the last eight years.
“It’s incredible to reflect on all the years we have invested in working together as a community to bring some of the biggest and brightest stars to McAllen!” stated Castillo.
As a defensive end for the Cowboys for almost a decade, Tolbert played an important role in the Cowboys’ rise to prominence in the 1990s. During that time, he teamed up with Charles Haley to become one of the top pass-rushing duos in the NFL.
MHP organizers highlighted another eight-year tradition of the parade: H-E-B as the title sponsor for the best parade in the world and Texas. McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil recognized that partnership, thanking thank H-E-B for sharing the vision of a uniquely South Texas holiday tradition and sponsoring the City of Mcallen’s signature event for eight years.
“Just think: a child who experienced their first McAllen Holiday parade presented by H-E-B at ten years of age is applying for colleges as we speak,” said Tawil. “H-E-B has helped McAllen define childhood holiday memories in South Texas for nearly a generation.
Andre Lozano, Border Region Marketing and Merchandise Manager for H-E-B was on hand for today’s balloon reveal, pointing out that “nothing says “TEXAS” like a Dallas Cowboys player reveal presented inside of an HEB. It doesn’t get more Texas than that.” According to Lozano, the balloons at the parade, in addition to the Dallas Cowboy players and legends, are the true STARS of the show. Joining the fan-favorite 10-foot tall HEBuddy will be a 45-foot long Square Pants, who will help bring the holiday magic to the ‘Noche Magica’ theme of the McAllen Holiday Parade.
While tickets for the parade are already on sale now, for anyone wishing to be a part of the parade, volunteer opportunities are available for balloon handlers and banner carriers. Over the years, the City of McAllen volunteer program has evolved into an experience that offers lifelong memories.
“Our goal is to have all of our volunteers leave with a sense of pride knowing that they have a huge impact in helping the City of McAllen’s goal of continuously enhancing the quality of life in our region by fostering civic pride and providing memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike,” said Carina Jimenez, Assistant Director of Operations for McAllen Parks & Recreation. “The community is invited to sign up to be a part of a balloon handle team for anyone of the 35 helium balloons that are part of the parade. Or, volunteers can light up the parade by holding one of over 100 illuminated banners that walk just in front of the floats, balloons and marching bands.”
Balloon handler volunteers must be 18 years or over, while banner carriers must be 16 years or over. All volunteers must go through a background check and will receive gloves, t-shirt and snacks. Learn more by visiting Las Palmas Community Center located at 1921 N 25th Street or by calling Las Palmas at (956) 681-3350.
Balloon handlers will be part of the phenomenon which happens only at the McAllen Holiday Parade known as the “Vuelta,” which is when the giant balloons are spin around when the crowd cheers. Before the parade steps off, they will also have a chance to compete in the “Vuelta” Spin-Off Contest, where crowd applause will determine the ultimate winner.
The McAllen Holiday Parade is truly an event for the community and region and parade producers recognize that no parade is complete without amazing musical elements. A call out to all high school bands in the region to participate in the McAllen Holiday Parade was announced, with participating bands receiving a $1,000 scholarship to assist with expenses related to appearing in the parade, or just any other band expenses. Bands interested in bringing the sounds of the holidays to the McAllen Holiday Parade should contact the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department to apply to participate in the parade by calling Sergio Garcia at (956) 681-3320 or by emailing at PARDmarketing@mcallen.net.
Tony Tolbert #92, Dallas Cowboys
Anthony Lewis Tolbert was a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football for the UTEP Miners and was selected in the fourth round of the 1989 NFL Draft.
Tolbert was an All-conference selection in high school. He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Texas-El Paso.
As a junior, Tolbert was named the starter at outside linebacker, contributing to a 7-4 record, for the program’s first winning season since 1970.
Tolbert was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round. As a rookie, Tolbert was converted into a defensive end. He started five games at left defensive end over Ed “Too Tall” Jones, making 52 tackles, two sacks, 18 quarterback pressures, five passes defensed (led the team) and one forced fumble. In 1990, Tolbert played at both end positions and defensive tackle on passing downs.
In 1991, he posted 73 tackles (fifth on the team), seven sacks (led the team), 25 quarterback pressures (led the team), five passes defensed and two forced fumbles.
In 1996, he was named to the Pro Bowl, when he had a career-high of 12 sacks and 85 tackles.
Tolbert played with chronic knee pain through the final years of his career, because of a degenerative knee condition. Despite playing in pain, Tolbert started all 16 games in 1997, compiled five sacks and led all Cowboys defensive linemen in tackles for the seventh consecutive season, with 60. Tolbert’s five sacks were the most on the team that year.
As a defensive end for the Cowboys from 1989-1997, Tolbert played an important role in the Cowboys’ rise to prominence in the 1990s and their three Super Bowl victories. Tolbert became one of the stalwarts on one of the best defenses of the 1990s. During that time, he teamed up with Charles Haley to become one of the top pass-rushing duos in the NFL.
Although Tolbert came into the league as a pass rush specialist, he developed into an effective run stopper, making him the leading tackler among Cowboy defensive linemen for seven straight years.
During Tolbert’s career, he recorded 59 quarterback sacks in 128 games played over the course of nine seasons, plus he returned his only interception 54 yards for a touchdown. He had more sacks during the 1990s than any other Cowboy player.
