The City of McAllen was recently host to the Texas Festival and Events Association Annual Conference, bringing in festivals and events representatives from around the state. The highlight of the annual gathering is the Kaliff Marketing Awards. These recognize the best of the best among the various Texas festivals and events.

The City of McAllen earned 97 awards for various events it hosts within their respective budget categories. A total of 65 of them were top prizes. This includes 34 gold awards for the McAllen Holiday Parade.

The McAllen Holiday Parade was once again the Best Parade in Texas. Also this year, it is the recipient of the Zenith Award, the highest recognition from the competition. Additionally, 21 awards went to Quinta Mazatlán for the festivals the famed nature-preserve hosts. Another 11 awards went to the McAllen Public Library, entering their newly-rebranded South Texas Book Festival into the competition for the first time.  Also winning awards were the McAllen Convention Center, receiving 12 for their various events. The McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Memorial Run received seven awards.

The TFEA Hall of Fame Awards honors those individuals who stood out among the organization as leaders in the industry.  This year, City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Director Mike Hernandez was the recipient of the Carson Watts Professional of the Year Award.

“TFEA emphasizes the core values of excellence, sharing and community,” said Joe Vera, Assistant City Manager for the City of McAllen. “Mike understands those values and exemplifies them in every aspect of his life and work.”