Texas Border Business
Attendees to this year’s McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group, can begin their 2024 holiday season fun early – and by celebrating with some legendary stars – Dallas Cowboys legendary stars that is. Parade organizers announced that coming to this year’s presentation of the event include Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Champions and Pro Bowlers Russel Maryland and Erik Williams, joining already announced Dallas Cowboys Legends Tony Hill and Tony Tolbert and current player and fan favorite DeMarcus Lawrence. Additionally, thanks to the Dr. Raul Peña and Peña Eye Institute, the Dallas Cowboys‘ fan experience for this year will once again include the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and Rowdy, the Dallas Cowboys mascot.
“There is something truly special about the legends who won five super bowls together. Their legacy and achievements continue to inspire and captivate fans of all ages,” said Dist. 5 McAllen City Commissioner Victor “Seby” Haddad. “To have them here part of the parade is so exciting for the community, who come as much for the starts as the colorful, animated illuminated floats, giant helium balloons, and the bands. Seeing the smiles on their faces as the stars go by in the parade helps to make that magical McAllen holiday spirit.”
“Being a part of the McAllen Holiday Parade, which has become such a special part of the Christmas tradition for families here in the Rio Grande Valley, is very exciting for me and the Peña Eye Institute,” said Dr. Peña. “We are proud of the eye care we provide and have had the privilege of serving our community. Being the Rio Grande Valley’s Official IntraLASIK Surgeon of the Dallas Cowboys is also something that is extremely special to us and our patients. Being able to extend the partnership we have with America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys, to the festivities at Christmas in the Park and the parade is something we love to do.”
“This year’s McAllen Holiday Parade will be a night of new ideas, new surprises, and new holiday magic, celebrating our community’s traditions, imagination and spirit of celebration, passed from generation to generation,” said McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “But an event like the McAllen Holiday Parade could only be accomplished through the strength of our community partnerships. Like our long-time partnership with the Peña Eye Institute, that has allowed the Rio Grande Valley’s favorite team to show up for their biggest and best fans. On behalf of the entire city, I would like to extend our appreciation to all of our sponsors, community partners and everyone behind the scenes whose work will make Noche Magica an event to remember and bring our Dallas Cowboys home again this holiday season,” Tawil concluded.
Before the McAllen Holiday Parade steps off at 6:00 p.m. from McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sat., Dec. 7, 2024, the community is invited to enjoy Christmas in the Park which starts its celebration with the carnival on Thurs., Dec. 5, 2024, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Municipal Park, located at 1921 Bicentennial Boulevard. The full-fledged free, fun, family-friendly Christmas festival kicks off the next day and aside from the carnival, features food, fun, vendors, arts & crafts, concerts and entertainment for the whole family.
Bands on Friday night include Gatos Locos, the Texas Storm Band, Grupo Retono, and Grupo Inevitable. On Saturday, the activities start at 12:00 p.m. and that night, bands include the Eros and the Drifters, The Brody Rivers Band, Vinyl Spin, and Southern Ashes. Then, right after the parade, enjoy concerts from the Ybarra Boyz and Pedro Garcia El Gran Mariachi. Community dance groups and performances will be presented throughout the day, as well as games and other activities.
Additionally, there’s still time to sign up, so any high school marching interested in participating in the nine-time internationally recognized Best Parade in the World should contact the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department by calling (956) 681-3320 or by emailing at PARDmarketing@mcallen.net.
Volunteers for balloon handlers and banner carriers are still needed. 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.
Anyone interested in participating in the McAllen Holiday Shoebox Parade, a pintsize celebration of the big parade, have less than two weeks to submit their holiday parade entry – on a shoebox. Open to children, adults, families, schools, non-profits and civic organizations, all creativity and imagination is invited to participate. MHP tickets and swag will be given to every entry for this year’s parade. The deadline to enter is Wednesday, November 27, 2024 by 12:00 p.m. at McAllen City Hall, Office of Communications.
Celebrity hosts Mario Lopez and Linda Tovar will make their return appearance for the English rebroadcast of the parade and international star Julian Gil for the Spanish-language rebroadcast. The McAllen Holiday Parade airs on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the top 33 U.S. Hispanic markets, while airing live locally on every network. Tickets for the parade are already on sale and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets start at just $10. Act quickly, as the stadium is expected to sell out!
For the latest information on the parade, follow McAllen Holiday Parade and the City of McAllen on all social media platforms.
