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Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Annual Family Fest will help benefit the South Texas Food Bank

 (Laredo, TX )  The City of Laredo is once again hosting this year’s annual 4^th of July Family Fest celebration and thanks to their many partners and sponsors, including Border Media, Johnny Gregory Motorcycles, V-Parade Company, LNF Distributors, Sames Ford Honda, and UETA this event promises to be a sizzling, patriotic celebration.  From motorcycle games and activities, to a fajita, frijoles charros and salsa cook-off, and from watermelon and jello eating contests, to food, entertainment, kiddie activities and tons of music, and of course, the most spectacular red, white and blue parade and opening ceremonies to kick-off the fun, the Laredo Civic Center, located at 2400 San Bernardo Avenue, will be the place to be at this July 2-3 to celebrate the 4^th of July, Laredo-style!

 “This is the greatest country in the world and the 4^th of July is our chance to celebrate our freedom and be thankful for our liberties that were forged 235 years ago,” said City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas.  “Come out and honor our Independence Day at this Family Fest that will be a fun-filled celebration of our nation’s birthday.”

 For motorcycle aficionados, the Twin City Biker Rally will be held in conjunction with the 4^th of July events, although those festivities kick off on Friday, July 1, 2011, with registration for a bevy of activities taking place from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Laredo Civic Center and opening mixer at La Posada Hotel for registered participants only at 7:00 p.m.  The $15 registration fee allows bikers to participate in all weekend activities, including the parade, bike show, poker run and other activities.  For more information, contact Johnny Gregory Motorcycles at (956) 791-6633 or via e-mail at johnnygregorymoto@sbcglobal.net.

The main celebration opens up with a spectacular red, white and blue parade that starts off at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2011, beginning at St. Peter’s Plaza and heading north – opposite direction of WBCA parades – along San Bernardo Avenue to the Laredo Civic Center.  The official opening ceremonies will begin at 10:00 a.m., or as soon as the parade is over, and thenthe celebration really begins.  For only a $1.00 suggested donation entrance fee, to benefit the South Texas Food Bank, attendees will be able to enjoy, thanks to DJ Necio and Border Media music, food, vendors, entertainment, kiddy activities, loteria, a bike show, watermelon and jello eating contest and even, help judge the fajita, frijoles charro and salsa cook-off.  Entertainment will include dance groups, an Elvis impersonator and live mixing from DJ Necio.  The motorcycle stunt show will be ongoing and a moonwalk, rides and even loteria will be ongoing.  At 7:00 p.m., a concert with Little Sister closes out the evening.  

 If you would like to help celebrate our nation’s birthday by joining in the parade fun, contact Rene Cardona at V-Parade Company at 726-1560 or vparaderentals@yahoo.com.  Entry fees for the parade apply. 

 Interested in participating in the fajita, frijoles charros and salsa cook-off contests?  An organizational meeting for all entrants will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the Laredo Civic Center Meeting Room 1.  The $250 registration fee, which is for only one category, will benefit the South Texas Food Bank, as well. Participants can, however, enter each category with each registration fee.  Entrants must provide their own ingredients, supplies and equipment.  The top three winners in each category will win the Judge’s Award and also the People’s Choice.  For more information, call (956) 763-9932. 

 “Thanks  to the City of Laredo and Border Media, the entire community can celebrate the 4^th of July all while helping a very important cause in our community – feeding the hungry,” said City of Laredo Council Member Cindy Liendo Espinoza and also with the South Texas Food Bank.  “I ask my fellow Laredoans to remember their freedom from hunger and hardships they enjoy as they celebrate the 4^th of July at the Family Fest this weekend.”

  Don’t forget to come back the next day, Sunday, July 3, starting at 12:00 p.m., for more of the same, but with a Latin twist.  At 5:00 p.m., Border Media’s ever popular talent competition, “La Voz de Laredo” kicks-off and continues until 7:30 p.m. when Destino takes over to entertain the crowd. 

 “The City of Laredo’s 4^th of July celebration has become a Laredo tradition and gives our community an opportunity for area families to enjoy food, music and activities all the while supporting the South Texas Food Bank,” said Ana Rivera Soto, general sales manager for Border Media Radio.  “Additionally, it is a great way for Border Media to kick-off our two week radio drive for the food bank.”

 For more information on any of the activities, contact the City of Laredo at 791-7461 or 3-1-1;  or Border Media at 725-1000.