McAllen bringing back fireworks show for July 4th bash

McALLEN — City officials here will be giving residents something else to look up at this summer.

The city announced Tuesday morning that its 94th annual Independence Day Celebration will bring back the popular fireworks show to the tune of patriotic music on the Fourth of July.

The festivities will begin at 7 a.m. that day with a 4K run hosted by the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department, which partnered with Team Red White and Blue (RWB), a veterans’ organization. The run will be about 2.5 miles and will be held at Archer Park located at 101 N. Main St.

Anyone 7 or older can register for the race at www.mcallenparks.net with a registration fee of $30. The money from the race will benefit the local chapter of Team RWB. According to a city news release, the first 300 runners will receive a runner’s shirt and medal.

Sponsored by H-E-B, the celebration will also include a patriotic program beginning at 8 a.m., followed by the Main Street Parade that will run from Houston Avenue to Beech Avenue in McAllen.

City officials also announced the parade’s grand marshal will be the McAllen ISD Board of Trustees and superintendent.

Community organizations and groups who want to be a part of the parade can submit their entry at the parks and rec office, located at 1000 S. Ware Road, via email at [email protected] or by calling the office at (956) 681-3333.

According to the release, entries for businesses are $150, while nonprofits can enter at no cost after presenting a 501c(3). The deadline for entries is Friday, June 3.

Each entry should feature a patriotic theme and fit into one of the following categories: antique vehicles, marching/walking, color guard, vehicle club, float, horses, band or pageant.

The city will also be hosting a Freedom Festival at Archer Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that will include music, food and games. In the evening, the city will host a firework “extravaganza” at the Municipal Park located at 1921 N. Bicentennial Blvd. The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.

In addition to the Fourth of July festivities, the city announced it will be hosting a Little Miss Fourth of July pageant that will consist of four different age categories. Those who compete don’t need to reside in McAllen. The pageant will be held Saturday, June 11, and will feature an interview and talent portion for the older girls.

The registration fee for the pageant is $50. Entry forms can be submitted via email at [email protected], at the parks and recreation department office, or by calling (956) 681-3333.