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Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

(McAllen, Texas)-While the weather in the Rio Grande Valley already feels like winter has arrived, for the McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B, there is still a lot of fall left to enjoy to build up the excitement for this year’s presentation.  Today, organizers of the international-award winning event unveiled the first of its roster of celebrities who will grace the parade and be a part of the special activities.

ʺPart of the magic of the McAllen Holiday Parade is the bevy of international stars that come to be a part of this event, celebrating the holidays and the beautiful and festive culture of the Rio Grande Valley holiday traditions,“ said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling.  ʺI’m especially excited to announce our first international celebrities because the tremendous drive, talent and passion they both inspire in our community, ˮ he concluded.

As has been the tradition for the McAllen Holiday Parade now for three years now, members of the Dallas Cowboys franchise, both current and legends, are invited to lead the parade.  This year is no different and organizers this year have selected a legend who is truly a real cowboy.

Jay Novacek, is a former tight end for the Dallas Cowboys, transforming not only the position, but the Dallas Cowboys offense into the powerhouse that dominated the 90s, winning three Super Bowls andd playing in five Pro Bowls.  He played college football for the University of Wyoming Cowboys.  Now retired, Novacek runs his ranch with his family and competes in roping competitions in rodeos.

Another fan favorite making her way to the McAllen Holiday Parade once again is Telemundo’s own resident celebrity Dra. Ana Maria Polo.   Not only was fan reaction to her presence at last year’s event so overwhelming – some stood in line for over two hours just to get a photo or autograph with her – but also, she couldn’t stop talking about the warm welcome, amazing event and unforgettable experience that she was a part of, that she jumped at the chance to come back to McAllen to talk to her fans, embrace them and share a lovely time together once more.

 ʺCaso Cerradoˮ the court-case show she presides on continues to be one of the favorites in the Rio Grande Valley market and fans will get to see the famed 20-year veteran TV icon on the Telemundo float and in various locations thoughout McAllen.

Tickets to view the McAllen Holiday Parade from Veterans Memorial Stadium go on sale this Monday, October 29, 2018, at the McAllen Convention Center Box Office, 700 Convention Center Boulevard, starting at 8:00 a.m. The stadium seats 11,000, so join neighbors, friends and visitors to McAllen for the best seats in the house to not only see the parade floats, hear from the stars as they ride by, or enjoy the magical snow that will be falling in the stadium. Tickets prices are:  $10; $20; and $35.     Cash or credit/debit cards are accepted at the box office or visitwww.ticketmaster.com to purchase online.

If, however, you prefer to view the parade from the merriment of the route as it travels south along Bicentennial Boulevard, there are VIP Chairs along the route that will go on sale, starting on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department, 1000 S. Ware Road.  Ticket prices are $8.

Non-profit organizations in McAllen are invited to host a fundraiser with the sale of a  section of VIP Chair seating.   Organizations interested in this opportunity should contact Sarai Garcia at the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department to reserve those tickets.  Representatives of those non-profits selling those RESERVED VIP Chair seat sections will also be responsible for manning the section the night of the parade, to ensure that those who purchase the tickets have unobstructed access and views of the parade for the safety of all attendees.

Additional VIP Chair tickets along the parade route will be available for sale at the three community centers to benefit  the programs and activities for McAllen’s senior citizens who visit the community centers throughout the year.

Of course, there is free seating on a first come basis in other areas along the parade route, as well.

The holiday fun kicks off on Thursday, November 29 with the Hearts of America Carnival at Christmas in the Park, at Municipal Park, 1921 Bicentennial Boulevard. Take advantage of getting your unlimited carnival rides ticket, a $20 value, currently on sale today for $10 at all three City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Community Centers, including:  Lark at 2601 Lark Avenue; La Palmas at 1921 N. 25^th Street; and Palmview at 3401 Jordan Road West, as well as at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce,  1200 Ash Avenue.  Starting on Friday, November 2, the $10 unlimited carnival ride ticket will te available at all Mcallen I.S.D. elementary, middle and high schools.

The unlimited carinval ride ticket must be redeemed at the carnival ticket box office for a wristband and is good for Thursday night only.

Getting the family to the parade or Christmas in the Park will not be difficult, as the City of McAllen, in partnership with South Texas College, will offer a FREE McAllen Holiday Parade Park & Ride Polar Express Shuttle from the STC campus on Pecan Boulevard to the Quince Avenue and 23rd Street parade Drop-Off/Pick-Up point.  Starting at 12:00p.m. on Saturday, December 1, trolleys will make a continuous loop approximately every 10 minutes, from pick-off point at STC to the parade Drop-Off/Pick-Up point.  The Park & Ride Polar Express Shuttle will run until 12:00 a.m.Wheelchairs, walkers and strollers are welcome, as are service dogs

The McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B, has twice been named, the Best Parade in the World and theBest Parade in Texas, the only parade in the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas with these well-deserved recognitions.  Other sponsors who are helping to bring the largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas to the streets of McAllen are Bert Ogden and Fiesta Dealership, as well as Budweiser.