Each year, thousands of people unite to celebrate the nation's birthday in one of the largest community events held in the City of McAllen. The annual Independence Day Celebration kicks off with an early morning patriotic parade, family friendly festivals throughout the day and culminates with a sizzling fireworks musical display that will enchant everyone in attendance.
“We will be celebrating America’s 241st Birthday,” said City of McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “This little experiment in democracy started by our forefathers began with the belief that ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.’ I believe this holds true today as much as it did back in Philadelphia in 1776.”
“So today in McAllen, I want everyone to wear their best red, white and blue, bring the family, and make plans to come celebrate America’s Independence Day with us,” concluded Mayor Darling.
The full day of activities begins at 8:00 a.m. with the Patriotic Program, which honors members of the United States armed forces, is held at Archer Park.
The Main Street Parade begins at 9:00 a.m., traveling from Houston Avenue to Cedar Street north from City Hall along Main Street to Archer Park. The festive parade showcases floats made by members of the community and local marching bands.
Community members can take part in the Freedom Festival from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Archer Park. Family-friendly entertainment includes live local music performances, interactive games, arts & crafts projects, and even a magician. Taste-tempting delights are available for purchase from food vendors.
Afternoon festivities take place at the McAllen Municipal Park where children can take a dip in the Municipal Pool to cool off during public swim from 1:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
As the sun sets, families from every corner of the Rio Grande Valley travel to McAllen, while community members gather around to witness the unique South Texas Fourth of July fireworks dubbed the Concert in the Sky. This magical display of pyrotechnics is accompanied by patriotic music that can be heard on KURV, 710-AM Radio, highlighting the City’s Independence Day celebration, which also features an evening filled with entertainment and festivities including music, food, games, and arts and crafts.
The City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting entries for this year’s festivities. Businesses, civic and youth groups, and nonprofit organizations are invited to participate in the parade and other festivities. All entries should feature a patriotic theme.
There is a cap to the number of parade entries, so interested participants should submit their applications quickly, as space is reserved on a first come, first serve basis.
Entry forms are available online at www.mcallenparks.net or at the McAllen Parks & Recreation Office, 1000 S. Ware Rd. For more information, please contact 956.681.3333.
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Time
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Program
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Location
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8:00 AM
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Patriotic Program – McAllen Town Band
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Archer Park Review Stand
101 N. Main St.
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9:00 AM
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Main Street Parade
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Downtown McAllen
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10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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Freedom Festival
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Archer Park
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1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Aquatica Extreme
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Municipal Park Public Pool
1921 N. Bicentennial Blvd.
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9:00 PM
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Concert in the Sky Fireworks Extravaganza
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Municipal Park
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