Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The McAllen Holiday Parade press conference at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium provided exciting details about the upcoming event, scheduled for December 7th, 2024. Known as the world’s largest illuminated holiday parade and an award-winning spectacle, this year’s parade promises to be a magical community celebration. Presented by HEB and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group, the parade will unite schools, businesses, and McAllen, Texas, residents and beyond for a grand holiday tradition.
A highlight of the event was Dr. Guy Bailey, President of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), participating. He expressed excitement about UTRGV’s involvement in the parade and the community’s connection to the university.
Dr. Bailey praised the beautiful fall weather, and the fantastic group of students present, many of whom he hoped would become future UTRGV students. He emphasized the numerous opportunities at UTRGV, from sports to fine arts, noting that the university has been ranked the number one in Texas by Washington Monthly and the best value in higher education by the Wall Street Journal.
He also acknowledged McAllen ISD’s key role in shaping the community. He announced that the UTRGV Vaquero Marching Band and its cheer and spirit squads would again be the step-off unit at this year’s McAllen Holiday Parade. Dr. Bailey celebrated the parade as a tradition that brings together McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley. He invited everyone to join the festivities on December 7th, promising a night to remember.
The McAllen Holiday Parade results from close collaboration between McAllen ISD, city officials, and local businesses. McAllen ISD’s students, teachers, and administrators are heavily involved, contributing to performances and participating in the parade. Major sponsors like HEB, McAllen International Airport, PepsiCo, and Driscoll Children’s Hospital were thanked for their continued support, making the event possible every year.
This year’s parade will feature popular attractions, including the Vuelta Spinoff, where balloon handlers compete with giant character balloons. The highly anticipated faceoff between SpongeBob SquarePants and Mighty Mouse is sure to entertain the crowd. Additionally, bands from local schools such as McAllen High School, Nikki Row High School, and Memorial High School will join the UTRGV Vaquero Band in bringing festive music to the event.
McAllen ISD Superintendent Dr. Rene Gutierrez highlighted the significance of student participation, showcasing the district’s pride in its fine arts programs. District cheerleaders, dancers, and musicians are integral to the parade, reflecting the community’s commitment to nurturing student leadership and creativity.
The McAllen Holiday Parade has gained international recognition, winning eight awards and being named the “Best Parade in the World” by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA). The parade attracts over 260,000 attendees each year, many traveling from outside the region. It will also be broadcast in 31 cities across the U.S., including New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas, offering national exposure for McAllen.
A key community engagement initiative is the McAllen Holiday Shoebox Parade, which encourages participants to create miniature parade floats using shoeboxes. This event fosters creativity and allows more people to participate, whether students, community members, or local businesses. Volunteers were also encouraged to get involved by helping with balloon handling or banner carrying, ensuring that everyone had an opportunity to contribute to the parade’s success.
In addition to primary sponsors, other organizations such as General Mills, PNC Bank, and McDonald’s were recognized for their generous support. The broad list of partners underscores the strong community involvement in organizing this year’s parade.
City leaders, including Mayor Pro Tem Omar Quintanilla and City Manager Isaac Tawil, expressed their excitement for the upcoming parade, stressing the collaborative effort involved in putting it together. They described the parade as a reflection of McAllen’s vibrant culture, tradition, and unity during the holiday season.
Dr. Bailey’s remarks further reinforced UTRGV’s strong partnership with the city and McAllen ISD, highlighting how the parade is a special link between education and community events in the region.
The 2024 McAllen Holiday Parade is set to be a spectacular celebration of the community’s holiday spirit and traditions. With solid support from local schools, businesses, and city officials, the parade will bring joy to tens of thousands of attendees and viewers across the nation.
Featuring illuminated floats, giant character balloons, and live musical performances from local and university bands, this year’s event will again be a cherished occasion for McAllen residents and visitors alike. Join the festivities on December 7th for an unforgettable night at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium!
