MERCEDES — In a small town that already exhibits a public art project dedicated to cowboy boots, there will be perhaps no more American thing occurring in the region this December than the community’s upcoming “Star Spangled Christmas.”
At least this is the theme of the City of Mercedes’ Lighted Christmas Parade, in which the annual holiday procession is expected to embrace its patriotic side beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9.
Traveling north on Texas Avenue, the parade will kick-off near the intersection of Sixth Street and South Texas Avenue in Mercedes before once again making its way into the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show grounds. This is where the subsequent Festival of Lights, in which Mercedes ISD schools will provide entertainment such as caroling and craft booths, will be held.
Santa Claus will also be on hand at the festival for photos, as well as food vendors. Serving as the parade grand marshals will be the Weslaco-based Knapp Medical Center, to be followed by Star EMS out of Donna.
Rachel Treviño, who serves on the Mercedes Area Chamber of Commerce Parade Committee as its chairperson, explained that Knapp and Star EMS were selected for the services they provide in the city. Specifically, Treviño said Knapp has long collaborated with Mercedes on several projects, as well as offered its monetary support in the past.
For instance, Knapp recently donated $1,000 toward funding chamber-related giveaways, according to the committee chair.
“We either give it to the chief of police for a toy drive, or we give out baskets of food to our needy families; it depends on what the committee really decides to do,” Treviño said.
Competitive and non-competitive float entries are encouraged, as well as marching bands and dance groups. In fact, a traveling trophy will be awarded to the winning high school band. If such entries are limited, Treviño said judges will then consider junior high bands.
Also, floats placing first, second and third will receive $1,000, $750 and $500 prizes, respectively; while fourth and fifth place floats will receive honorable mentions.
Judging will commence at 5 p.m. after all competitive floats line up at the Mercedes Early College Academy parking lot, which is located on the corner of 10th Street and South Ohio.
What’s more, Samara Cokinos of KRGV Channel 5 has been named the parade’s master of ceremonies.
With regard to the number of floats expected to enter, Treviño anticipates improving upon last year’s 53 entries, which was already 30 more than the previous year’s turnout.
Those seeking to participate in the parade must complete entry forms and have them turned in at the chamber office, located at 320 S. Ohio in Mercedes, by Dec. 7. For more information, call the chamber at (956) 565-2221, or Treviño at (956) 463-0762.
