Call for entries for parade, patriotic competition begins today
All photos by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Texas Border Business
The City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Department is already working on this year’s McAllen Independence Day Celebration presented by H-E-B. The annual Independence Day Celebration will take place on Thursday, July 4, 2019, with an early morning patriotic program, immediately followed by The 4th of July Main Street Parade and Freedom Festival, a family-friendly festival held at Archer Park. Music, food, games and artisans will be some of the highlights of the event.
The City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting entries for this year’s festivities. Businesses, civic and youth groups, nonprofit organizations, and especially, veterans and veterans’ groups are invited to participate in the parade and other festivities. All entries should feature a patriotic theme. Entry forms for the parade and pageant are available by request by emailing pardmarketing@mcallen.net or at the McAllen Parks & Recreation Office, 1000 S. Ware Rd.
Additionally, organizers are looking for the most patriotic contestants to compete in the Miss 4th of July pageant competition. Registration fee is only $50 and participants must register onsite at any of the three community centers, including Lark Community Center, located at 2601 Lark Avenue; Las Palmas Community Center, located at 1421 N. 24thStreet; and Palm View Community Center, located at 3401 Jordan Road W.
The Miss 4th of July Pageant has four age groups that range from 4 years old to 15 years old. Categories include: Tiny Miss: 4 years – 6 years; Little Miss: 7 years – 9 years; Young Miss: 10 years – 12 years; Junior Miss: 13 years – 15 years
Proof of age will be required before day of event. Those competing do not need to live in McAllen to compete; however, they cannot be holding any other pageant titles. The Judging Categories for the contestants include: Interview (Young & Junior ONLY); Personal Introduction & Ambition Speech; Casual Wear; and Formal Wear
Winners receive a crown, sash, an invitation to ride in the 4th of July Parade and invitations to appear in various city events throughout the year. Those interested need to hurry and sign up; there is a cap of contestants in each category. The Miss 4th of July pageant will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019.
