SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — The Island annual Christmas Parade down Padre Boulevard is one of many gearing up to bring local residents and visitors together to celebrate the holiday.
“We’re looking forward to it,” said Dennis Stahl, SPI councilman. “It’s a wonderful event that brings the Island together.”
Lighted floats, area schools and businesses will be participating Friday night.
Santa will also be on his sleigh greeting the many people in attendance.
“It’s a nice community event to be with kids, family and friends,” Stahl said.
Spectators are asked to bring their own chairs, blankets, hot chocolate and to find a spot on Padre Boulevard to watch the parade.
The City of South Padre Island Police Department, along with other city departments of South Padre Island, will be working together to manage personnel and traffic control barrels and cones that will be placed in areas to enhance the flow of traffic.
A partial closure of Padre Boulevard will run from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for southbound traffic beginning at Polaris Drive with a detour to Laguna Boulevard and for northbound traffic beginning at Venus Lane with a detour to Gulf Boulevard.
The full parade route closure for Padre Boulevard will run from 6 to 10 p.m. for southbound traffic beginning at Polaris Drive with a detour to Laguna Boulevard and for northbound traffic beginning at Red Snapper Street with a detour to Gulf Boulevard.
The Island is not the only city in the Valley that will be lighting up their streets and pulling the community together to celebrate the Christmas holiday with a parade.
AREA PARADES
Mercedes also will be hosting its annual Christmas Parade on Friday. Their theme is the Star-Spangled Parade.
Mercedes Chamber of Commerce Director and Christmas Parade Chairman Rachel Trevino said the entire community is invited to come celebrate with them.
Last year, Mercedes had more than 50 floats participate.
KRGV meteorologist Samara Cokinos is expected to emcee the parade that will be traveling through downtown Mercedes on Texas Boulevard.
On the following day, La Feria will be hosting its South Texas Style Christmas and Rio Hondo will be hosting its Cowboy Christmas Parade.
Rio Hondo City Administrator Ben Medina said even though the parade is small and humble, it will be worthwhile to come out and see.
It will begin at the Dollar General on Colorado Avenue and end at Rio Hondo City Hall.
“It’s a great community event for everyone,” Medina said.
If you go
WHAT: South Padre Island Christmas Parade
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Padre Boulevard to watch lighted floats glide down the Island’s main street starting at Mars Boulevard to Red Snapper Boulevard
Other community main street
Christmas Parades
Mercedes: Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
La Feria: Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Rio Hondo: Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.
Santa Rosa: Dec. 17 at 5 p.m.
