The City of McAllen recently earned 49 awards, including an international designation and a coveted industry honor, at the Pinnacle Awards and the World Festival & Event City Awards during the 70th Annual International Festivals & Events Association Convention, Expo and Retreat in Palm Springs, Cali.

The awards recognize the outstanding accomplishments, top-quality creative, promotional, operational and community outreach programs produced by events around the world.

The professional competition drew entries from some of the world’s top festivals and events, Winning entries came from organizations as diverse as the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver, Colo. to the Vivid Sydney in Sydney, Australia, and Chiang Mai Blooms in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Honors

Earning top accolades from McAllen are the McAllen Holiday Parade, MXLAN, South Pole Illuminated Festival, McAllen International CarFest, McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Running Series, and various events from Quinta Mazatlán and the McAllen Public Library.

The highest award, the Grand Pinnacle, went to the World Birding Center Quinta Mazatlán for McAllen’s Great Monarch Month, a month-long celebration focused on education, conservation and backyard stewardship for pollinators. The center also earned six Gold Awards, including Best of the Best in Educational Program, Children’s Program, Family Entertainment, and Best Green Program.

The McAllen Public Library was also honored with a prestigious IFEA Pinnacle Award for its innovative volunteer program, spotlighting the Teen Advisory Committee whose year-round leadership and service enrich library programs, support city events and create meaningful opportunities for local youth.

Additionally, the City of McAllen was awarded IFEA’s highest honor: named an IFEA World Festival and Event City, along with Dublin, Ireland; Philadelphia, Penn.; Rotterdam, Netherlands; and Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.

“Festivals and events create tremendous community and economic capital in the markets they serve, but their success and sustainability depend on the partnership and support of our community,” said City Manager Isaac Tawil. “McAllen’s recognition on the international stage is proof of that partnership in action. I am especially proud of our dedicated staff, the men and women who stay late, show up with creativity, and continually bring their best to our community. They are, quite literally, the reason for the season, and these awards reflect their commitment to making McAllen a city that shines year-round.”