The McAllen Holiday Parade brings out the biggest stars and this year is no exception. Thanks to L&F Distributors, the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to appear at both Chistmas in the Park and the international award winning McAllen Holiday Parade.
“We at L&F) are very excited to be a part of the McAllen Holiday Parade this year, ” said Val La Mantia Peisen. “The Budweiser Clydesdales are an icon across the nation, and we love that the Rio Grande Valley will be able to see them at the one of the best parades in Texas!”
The eight-horse hitch “Gentle Giants,” as they are often referred to, will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon as they make their way down the parade route, but to really see how big and impressive these animals are, head out to Christmas in the Park starting on Friday, Dec 1 where they will be housed on event grounds for public viewing throughout their stay.
In addition to the appearances at these two holiday events, two lucky residents of the Rio Grande Valley will win a special delivery from the Budweiser Clydesdales at their home! Entries for the Home Delivery sweepstakes will be available at participating retail outlets across the RGV.
However, not all of the stars who will be at this year’s parade are as big as the Clydesdales – at least not size-wise. But the next stars prove that talent, confidence and charm come in small packages too.
Returning by popular demand is fan favorite Guillermo of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Guillermo quickly became a permanent, nightly cast-member after performing satisfactorily in comedy bits written by the show. His English (characterized most clearly with his constant pronunciation of the show's host as “Yim-ee”) coupled with his affable likability and Teddy Bear-like quality have earned him a high profile as a supporting personality on the show.
An up-and-coming actress in her own right, Rio Grande Valley’s own Manelly Zepeda will also be a part of the celebrity line-up. The 10-year old San Juan native first shot to fame in this summer’s comedy movie, “How to be a Latin Lover,” staring alongside Eugenio Derbez and Salma Hayek and holding her own. Currently filming two more films, this is just the beginning of Manelly’s celebrity appearances.
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Final Stars to Shine at McAllen Holiday Parade / page 2 of 3
As the McAllen Holiday Parade draws near, organizers are utilizing both the parade website, www.mcallenholidayparade.com, and all three social media handles, including
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, the City of McAllen’s regular website and social media sites, as well as McAllen Cable News Channel 12, on Spectrum only, to get all information out about stars, sponsors, promotions and activities. Look to these locations for the various maps to ensure that parade goers have all the information to get to the parade safely, see their favorite stars, get free or discounted tickets or just find out performance and appearance schedules.
Polar Express: available on Saturday, December 2, this free shuttle will start at 12 PM and continue until 12 AM. Wheelchairs, walkers and strollers are welcome, as are service dogs and a special shuttle will take special needs folks from the drop-off point to the stadium entrance only.
Parade Route/Stadium Seating: get your tickets now, either at Ticketmaster.com or by getting a free VIP stadium ticket through the Kraft product/H-E-B promotion that runs in all Rio Grande Valley HEB stores through November 28. Or take a test drive at any Bert Ogden dealership and receive a family-4-pak of VIP stadium tickets, while supplies last. Reserved seating is also available along the parade route for a low fee. Visit the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department at 1000 S. Ware Road.
Christmas in the Park: Check out the layout of one of the coolest fun, free, family event that kicks off on November 30 with unlimited carnival rides with a pre-sale only, half-price wristband that can be purchased only at the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department, McAllen Community Centers and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Concert performance times to be announced.
However, all this action taking place along and around Bicentennial requires plenty of infrastructure set-up, as well as creating secure areas for spectators, attendees and participants of both Christmas in the Park and the McAllen Holiday Parade. Below is a list of road closures, that list time and location to keep everyone on time and most importantly, safe.
- Phase 1: 4:00 PM – Friday, 12-1-2017.
Bulldog, Tamarack & Quince between Bicentennial &23rd.
- Phase 2: 7:00 AM – Saturday, 12-2-2017.
Bicentennial Blvd. from La Vista to Pecan.
- Phase 3: 10:00 AM – Saturday, 12-2-2017.
Bicentennial Blvd. From Pecan to Harvey.
Closes Pecan east/west.
- Phase 4: 1:00 PM – Saturday, 12-2-2017.
Bicentennial Blvd. from Hackberry to Business 83.
- Phase 5: 3:00 PM – Saturday, 12-2-2017.
Bicentennial Blvd. Business 83 to Houston Ave.
- Phase 6: 6:00 PM – Saturday, 12-2-2017.
Nolana Loop from 23rd street to Pecan to Ware Road.
Nolan Loop south to Harvey, to 1th street to Business
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Final Stars to Shine at McAllen Holiday Parade / page 3 of 3
For more information on the McAllen Holiday Parade, please visit event website at www.mcallenholidayparade.com for exclusive promotions, offers, activities, information and videos and photos of previous parades.
The McAllen Holiday Parade sponsors include La Plaza, A Simon Mall; Kraft; H-E-B; Bert Ogden & Fiesta Dealerships; L&F Distributors-Budweiser. Other sponsors include; City of McAllen Bridge Department; McAllen Public Utility; Sprint; Dairy Queen; Lacks; Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP; McAllen Chamber of Commerce; McAllen Economic Corporation/ Reynosa McAllen Maquila Association; McAllen International Airport; Anzalduas International Bridge; Peña Eye Institute; IBC Bank; AEP Texas; Metro Connect; Doña Tota’s; Stripes; City of McAllen Public Works-Recycling; Carollo Engineers; Taco Palenque; Tres Lagos; Halff Associates, Inc.; University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley; Plains Capital Bank; BBVA Compass; South Texas College; Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc.; Inter-National Bank; Melden & Hunt, Inc.; McAllen ISD; KSA Engineers; S&B Engineers; BBVA Compass, Cigna, The Texas Lottery Commission.
A special thanks to IBC for taking care of the travel arrangments for the appearance by the Dallas Cowboys players and legends.
Media sponsors include: KNVO-Ch. 48 Univision; KGBT-Ch. 4, CBS; KRGV-Ch. 5, ABC; KTLM-Ch. 40, Telemundo; Univision Radio KGBT 98.5; Entravision Radio; R Communications; iHeartRadio Wild 104 FM; Mas Music 90.9 FM; Multi-Medios; The Monitor; El Periódico, U.S.A.; Advance News Journal; La Patrona; Despierta Valle; & Revista Expresión.
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