LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

(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 partners, including, V-Parade Company; R Communications; Budweiser; AB Cattle co, by Ana & John Galo; Dannenbaum Engineering; Casa Raul, Cricket; Lone Star Autoplex; and UETA, this event promises to be a sizzling celebration.  Kicking off Independence Day with a patriotic parade and opening ceremonies; food; entertainment; kiddy activities and tons of music; watermelon and Jell-o eating contests; an officially sanctioned bar-be-que cook-off; fireworks and ending with a concert, the Laredo Civic Center, located at 2400 San Bernardo Avenue, will be the place to be at this July 4 to celebrate America’s Independence Day in true 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 236 years ago,” said City of Laredo Mayor Pro Tempore Cindy Liendo Espinoza.  “I would like to invite the community to come out and honor our Independence Day at this Family Fest by participating as either a parade entry, a vendor, or cook-off entry for a fun-filled celebration of our nation’s birthday.”

 The main celebration opens up with a spectacular red, white and blue parade that kicks off the day’s festivities at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4, 2012.  This year’s parade theme, “Symbols of a Free Nation,” encourage all participants:  schools, churches, businesses or community organizations to take their favorite American icons, such as the Statue of Liberty, the American eagle, any of the monuments found in Washington, the Liberty Bell or even Old Glory herself and celebrate that symbol on their parade float. 

 “What’s more American than a parade?” mused Rene Cardona, president of V-Parade, proud sponsor and organizer of this year’s parade.  “I invite all organizations in Laredo to come out and show your patriotic spirit and be a part of the City of Laredo 4^th of July parade.” 

 Deadline for submitting a parade application is June 4, 2012.  An entry fee is required by each unit payable upon submission of the applications.  Entry fee for non-profit and tax-exempt organizations is $25 and $60 for commercial entries.  Each entry, float or non –float with a generator must pay an additional fee of $20 for the Laredo Fire Department (Permit) for the Fire Extinguisher.  For more parade entry information, visit www.vparadecompany.com or contact Cardona at (210) 588-9206 or via e-mail at vparaderentals@yahoo.com. 

 Interested in participating in the bar-be-que cook-off contests?  Teams or individuals can enter in any or all of four categories: brisket; pork ribs; chicken; and beans.    The cook-off is officially sanctioned by the LoneStar BBQ Society.  The $200 registration fee is for all categories and will cover the cash prizes, with a 90% pay back.  The amount of cash prize award will be determined by number of entrants in each cooking category.  Entrants must provide their own ingredients, supplies and equipment.  Judging will take place at high noon by a panel of independent judges.  A Judge’s Grand Champion will be crowned with a trophy and cash, as well as the top three winners in each category will win Judge’s Award trophies and cash, except for the beans category, which is winner take all. A People’s Choice will also be awarded with a trophy only.  Teams placing 4^th – 10^th will receive certificates.  Additionally, teams in the brisket category are encouraged to cook one brisket that will be donated to feed the hungry that day.  To sign up and for more information, call 763-2107 or visit the South Texas Food Bank website at www.southtexasfoodbank.org. 

 For those entrepreneurial spirits out there who may wish to sell other food and beverage options, or even other types of goodies, such as arts and crafts, at the celebration, they should contact the City of Laredo Civic Center at 794-1700.  Food vendors must have a food handler’s permit from the City of Laredo Health Department as well as a vendor’s permit from the City of Laredo Parks & Leisure Services Department. 

 For dance and cheer groups, or performers of any type, if you would like to strut your stuff at the celebration, contact the City of Laredo Parks & Leisure Services Department’s main office at 795-2350 to sign up. 

 Motorcyclists are invited to show off their bikes at the celebration in a specially designated area. For more information, contact Johnny Gregory Motorcycles at (956) 791-6633 or via e-mail at johnnygregorymoto@sbcglobal.net.

 For only a $1.00 suggested donation entrance fee, which will benefit the South Texas Food Bank, attendees will be able to enjoy: music; food; vendors, entertainment; kiddy activities; Loteria; a bike display; watermelon and Jell-O eating contest and even, help judge the rib and brisket cook-off; dance groups; an Elvis impersonator; a moonwalk; rides; and fireworks, to close out the evening.  A separate concert area, hosted by R Communications and sponsored by Budweiser/ Bud Light will require a $10 entrance fee.  This event, the 5^th Annual Batalla de Talento “La Voz de Laredo” which benefits STARS and the UISD/LISD school uniform fund will be held during the festival.  For more information on the groups performing, please see the attached R Communications Press Release. 

 “Thanks  to the City of Laredo and R Communications, the entire community can celebrate the 4^th of July all while helping a very important cause in our community – feeding the hungry,” added MPT Cindy Liendo Espinoza, who also works with the South Texas Food Bank.  “I ask my fellow Laredoans to remember their freedom from hunger and hardships they enjoy as they plan to celebrate the 4^th of July with us.”

 “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 R Communications.  “Additionally, it is a great way for R Communications to kick-off our two week radio drive for the food bank.”