LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Activities designed to entice, entertain the entire family will ensure a good turnout for Blue Santa 

(Laredo, TX  Dec 1, 2010)  If the mere thought of attending a great football game that will positively impact a local charity isn’t enough to give you a warm, fuzzy feeling, then what about an opportunity to meet a true Dallas Cowboys legend? How does the chance to win some fabulous prizes make you feel??   Be entertained by local dance and cheer groups?  Here some great music and bad comedy?  If any of that gets you excited, then you just can’t miss this year’s 6^th Annual Holiday Bowl this Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the United I.S.D. Student Activity Complex, located at 5802 Santa Claudia Lane, with gates opening at 10:00 a.m. for an 11:10 a.m. kick-off. 

For the past six years, District VI Council Member Gene Belmares and the City of Laredo have hosted the Holiday Bowl, a flag-football game between the City of Laredo and Laredo Media and Celebrities, all with the intention of beating each other to be able to trash-talk for a whole year about the defeat.  The game has the added benefit of being a charity fundraiser for the Laredo Police Department’s Blue Santa Program, which provides toys for needy children at Christmas.  Last year, Blue Santa provided toys for 2,800 needy boys and girls.  Entrance to the game is only $5, or one new toy, per person.

 The game itself is highly spirited and competitive, and often not decided until the last minutes of the game.  This year, UISD Superintendent Bobby Santos is the celebrity coach for the City of Laredo, while his counterpart, LISD Superintendent Dr. Marcus Nelson is the celebrity coach for the Media.  Aside from representatives from Border Media, including Kash Kasanova who serves as the team’s captain, other media entities on the team include KGNS, the Laredo Morning Times and Telemundo.  They are getting some support from Border Patrol Chief Robert Harris, Webb County Commissioner Franck Sciarrafa, and Webb County Constable Rudy Rodriguez.  Both teams will be vying for, of course, bragging rights, and the coveted Ray Gomez MVP Award.

 Laredo is True-Blue when it comes to cheering for a professional football team, so anytime a Dallas Cowboys player comes to town, it is a big deal.  This year, former Dallas Cowboys player Drew Pearson will be at the game, helping to motivate both teams, and of course, be available for autographs and photos with fans.  The original #88 who caught “The Hail Mary” pass from Roger Staubach will be speaking to local high school football stand-outs the night before, and of course, is excited to lend his presence to this amazing game. 

“The City of Laredo should be commended for hosting such events that help the youth of the community,” said Pearson.  “Toys on Christmas morning makes kids feel special and gives them hope that things will get better.  Additionally, I am honored to serve as an example to young athletes of how hard work and dedication can help make their dreams come true,” he concluded.   

The gates will open early for the game to entice any former athletes who wish to relive their glory days by competing in some skills competition that will win them some great prizes.  If you want to give Kitna a run for his money, then enter the Strong Arm Competition for a chance to win a Dell computer.  If your legs are your bread and butter, the Field Goal Kick-Off for a chance to win a $500 gas card.  Of course, if all you have is heart and no shame, then participants of every age are encouraged to enter the Best Touchdown Dance Contest; the winner will walk away with an XBox 360 Kinect.  The entry fee for all three contests is $5 each and all proceeds will also go to Blue Santa. You must sign up for the preliminaries by 10:30 a.m.  Finals will be held during Half-Time.  

 This year, three local schools will be showcasing their best young dance and cheer talent throughout the game.  Cheerleaders from Gonzalez Middle School will cheer throughout the game, with chants, cheers, stunts and spirit dances, just like any other football game.  Be entertained between 1^st and 2^nd Quarter by the Finley Elementary Phantom Dance Team, at Half-Time by the Ryan Elementary Bobcat Diamond Dance Team, and between 3^rd and 4^th Quarter by the Gonzalez Middle School Puma Dance Team.

 Finally, throughout the game, be entertained by the musical selections and comedic zings of Rule Garcia, a City of Laredo Parks employee, but also, a DJ on local Z-93.  His witty banter with KHOY morning DJ and game color-commentator Goyo Lopez will keep you in stitches. 

 A spectacular opening ceremonies is scheduled with a presentation by local songbird Lily Austin, joined by LPD’s Color Guard and Chaplain, will be finished off with a fly-over by the Border Patrol’s Air & Marine Division helicopter.

 Sunny skies and a nice chill in the air will make this Saturday perfect outdoor weather.  This is one game you and the entire family just can’t miss, even if you don’t like football.