Organizers of the McAllen Holiday Parade are inviting the community to come be a part of the celebration and help bring the parade to life. A recent announcement included the return of the McAllen Holiday Parade sweepstakes, volunteer opportunities and seating options.
The parade will step off at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 from the McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2001 N. Bicentennial Blvd. Celebrities Mario Lopez and Julian Gil will serve as co-hosts for the parade.
Sweepstakes Return
Kicking off the celebration is the current McAllen Holiday Parade sweepstakes. Anyone can text the word “MCALLEN” to #797979 for a chance to win prizes, including H-E-B gift cards, an Xbox Series X, a PS5, an iPhone 13, $1,000 in holiday cash and more.
“I am thrilled to say that not only is watching the parade an amazing experience, but now, it pays to watch and win!” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “The lawyer in me must remind you that no purchase is necessary to participate in this sweepstakes.”
Actual prize giveaways start on Nov. 1 and continue through the day of the parade, Dec. 4. The sweepstakes launches across all McAllen Holiday parade platforms, including website and social media. Participants can win each week and then, play live during the McAllen Holiday Parade to win top holiday prizes.
One of the top prizes is sponsored by Bert Ogden & Fiesta Dealerships and includes is a VIP experience. This includes Meet & Greet Tickets for the celebrities, stadium seating and McAllen Holiday Parade swag.
“We at Bert Ogden & Fiesta Dealerships are so proud to help bring this parade to the streets of McAllen,” said Marsha Green, vice-president of marketing for Bert Ogden & Fiesta Dealerships. “We are bringing Christmas magic and holiday traditions to the children of the Rio Grande Valley and that is a wonderful reason to celebrate.”
Volunteer Opportunities
One of the reasons the McAllen Holiday Parade is a Best Parade in Texas and the World is a gold-award winning volunteer program. The community is invited to sign up to be one of hundreds of balloon handlers that spin giant helium balloons throughout the 1.5-mile parade route as the crowd chants “Vuelta.”
Additionally, volunteers can light up the parade by holding one of the more than 100 McAllen Holiday Parade lighted banners that walk just in front of the floats, balloons or bands.
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, a t-shirt and snacks. All volunteers must have a volunteer badge a scheduled event.
Potential volunteers may learn more at www.volunteersotx.org, or send questions or to sign up by emailing pardvolunteers@mcallen.net.
Parade Route Seating
Parade route chair tickets are currently available for purchase for $10. Tickets are available at McAllen community centers, including Lark Community Center, Las Palmas Community Center and Las Palmas Community Center.
Selling seats as a fundraiser is an opportunity available only to non-profit or other community organizations. Groups interested in participating in this fundraiser activity can contact Lark Community Center for more details and to sign up.
Stadium seats are also available for those wishing to watch the U.S. Air Force Parade Element Honor Guard and Drill Team in the stadium. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or at the McAllen Convention Center Box Office. Ticket prices start at $10, plus service fees.