This year, for the eve of 2018, a time-honored tradition is returning to McAllen.
This year, for the eve of 2018, a time-honored tradition is returning to McAllen.
The ceremonial dropping of the New Year’s ball is back by popular demand, and returning with it is a show billed as a “family-friendly” event that will be free to the public.
Featuring live performances, food booths, vendors and rides, the New Year’s Eve festivities will run from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., as many banda, norteño, country and reggaeton groups will take the stage.
Mauricio Saldaña, coordinator of the project, said the night especially aims to promote local establishments. Throughout the evening’s entertainment, coordinators are “trying not to outsource too much.”
Fifty booths are expected and will be selling food items and merchandise.
The ball drop will take place on 17th St. in downtown McAllen. Two stages will provide continuous entertainment off Austin and Eerie avenues.
Closer to the midnight drop-off of the 18-foot, LED-lighted ball, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars tribute performers will hit the stage. Local dance studios have provided backup dancers for these performers.
Saldana says the ball was newly constructed for this year and will shine brighter than those of years past.
Villa del Sol construction and Applebee’s are two major sponsors, with the latter contributing beer gardens.
Thousands are expected to make it out, according to Saldaña, who has received calls and messages “day and night” from residents of Pharr, Weslaco, Brownsville, McAllen and all throughout the Valley.
A special firework display will be happening once the clock strikes midnight.
VIP tickets are being sold, beginning at $40.
The idea behind the event is “to give back to the community” and have everyone come together in celebration to enjoy fireworks, said Saldaña. Organizers are looking forward to witnessing people all together “enjoy the last hours of the year.”
