The City of McAllen is inviting the community to take part in all of the patriotic festivities of the McAllen Independence Day Celebration, presented by H-E-B. The 95th annual Independence Day Celebration will take place on July 4 with an early morning 4K race, a patriotic program, the Main Street Parade and the Freedom Festival, a family-friendly festival held at Archer Park. Music, food and games will be highlights of the events. The event will conclude with the H-E-B Concert in the Sky Fireworks Extravaganza.
Organizers are encouraging civic and youth groups, nonprofit organizations, and especially veterans and veterans’ groups to participate in the parade and other festivities.
“We encourage everyone to come together and help us celebrate America’s 246th birthday together as a community by participating in the Main Street Parade and enjoying all of the day’s festivities,” said Denny Meline, McAllen Parks & Recreation Department director. “The McAllen Parks & Recreation Department will be unveiling some unique, festive, and patriotic floats this year and we hope this year’s entries reflect the excitement of being able to celebrate.”
Parade Specifics
All parade entries should feature a patriotic theme. Entries should fit into one of the following categories: antique vehicles; marching/walking; color guard; vehicle club; float; horses; band; or pageant. For more guidelines and information, see the entry application.
Entries for businesses are $50 and non-profits can enter at no cost as long as a 501 C(3) is provided.
Entry forms for the parade are available by request by emailing pardmarketing@mcallen.net, calling the office at 956-681-3320, or picking one up at the McAllen Parks & Recreation Office, 1000 S. Ware Road. The deadline for parade entries is June 16. There will be a parade entry meeting with all participants the week before the event.
The parade will step off from Houston Avenue at McAllen City Hall and travel north along Main Street until Beech Avenue. For more information, visit mcallenparks.net or follow the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @mcallenparks.
Race Entries
The day will kick off with an Independence Day 4K Run starting at 7 a.m. The City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Department has partnered with Team Red, White and Blue, a national veterans’ organization whose mission it is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. The race is part of the McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Running Series and runners who complete all five of the races will receive a series medal. Registration is open at mcallenmarathon.com and the registration fee is $30. Awards in different age categories will be presented at the race.