McALLEN — A line of spectators stretched well into the parking lot of the McAllen Convention Center by the time the gates opened at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.
As Christmas music filled the air, hundreds gathered around the 118-foot Christmas tree, awaiting the city of McAllen’s 10th annual tree lighting ceremony.
Following a few words from local dignitaries, McAllen Communications Director Xochitl Mora amped up the eagerly awaiting crowd.
“Are you ready to get this Christmas tree lit?” she called out to excited cheers from the crowd. She then began counting down from 20 as numbers illuminated the large digital tree.
When the countdown reached the end, a large button on the stage was pressed and the tree came to life with color and an elaborate fireworks show.
“Here in McAllen, quality of life is very important to us, and part of that is this — what we do,” Mayor Javier Villalobos said after the ceremony. “A lot of times people think about money or about what it costs. Well you know what? This puts smiles on our peoples’ faces, on our constituents faces. We, today, lit up the tallest digital Christmas tree in the United States, and we’re very proud of it. Based on the crowd, they loved it too.”
The illuminated Christmas tree is just one part of the many holiday offerings at the McAllen Convention Center’s South Pole Illuminated Festival. Lights, inflatables, rides and vendors occupy the perimeter of Oval Park, the culmination of over a month of work from the city and the convention center.
“This is a massive project that involved a lot of city crews,” Yajaira Flores, McAllen Convention Center Director, said. “We had the McAllen Convention Center and McAllen Parks and Recreation teams help out. This is really just a team effort in putting together what you see today. We have hundreds of displays for people to see. It’s millions of lights.”
Despite adverse weather conditions throughout the month of November and over the weekend, crews were able to put the finishing touches on the large Christmas tree just in time for the lighting ceremony.
“It’s truly spectacular to see all of our crews coming together and putting this together for the community,” Flores said. “When you see the magic in kids’ eyes, it’s all worth it.”
Lilly Salinas of Mission, who attended with her husband, Abraham, and their daughter, Amelia, said she was impressed with the tree lighting ceremony.
“They did a really good job,” Salinas said. “They did a really nice job, and I think the fireworks at the end were just the cherry on top.”
Joshua Hyatt of McAllen attended the event with his fiance and their four children. He said that this was his family’s fourth time attending the annual tree lighting ceremony, and that this year’s event was the best one yet.
“It was great,” Hyatt said. “All the lights are beautiful. The tree is amazing. This is the best illuminated (ceremony). Just all the lights around the lake, everything just looks awesome.”
He said he hopes to see more family-friendly events like Wednesday’s hosted by the city in the near future.
“They need to do more of this,” Hyatt said. “I know it takes work. It takes hard work from the city, but everybody’s grateful for it. I mean, I am.”
Visitors will be able to visit the illuminated park everyday until Jan. 1, with the exception of Christmas Eve. The park will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The entrance fee is $7 for children ages seven to 12 years old, $10 for adults and children under the age of 6 get in for free.
