The City of McAllen has announced plans to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday at 11:40 a.m. at Quinta Mazatlán, located at 600 Sunset Drive.
The memorandum signing, referred to as an International Events Partnership, will feature a delegation of Korean dignitaries from the City of Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, in South Korea, according to a news release.
The delegation will be visiting McAllen for a series of planned meetings and ceremonies in continuation of an extended collaboration between McAllen, Jinju and IFEA (International Festivals and Events Association) Asia toward exchanges in festivals and events from both communities.
Attending the memorandum signing will be Vice Mayor Jung Jae Min, City of Jinju, South Korea; Jeong Gu Hwa, Tourism Department Chief; Cho Won Hyeok, Tourism Department; Deputy Chief Ha Sang Kyun, Business and Commerce Department; Suh Yung Soo, Chairman for the Jinju Cultural Foundation; Kim Ki Jeong, Secretary General for the Jinju Cultural Foundation; and Jeong Gang Hoan, President, Korean Chapter International Festival & Events Association, Asia.
“Among the meetings and visits planned are McAllen’s biggest, brightest and most anticipated events of the holiday season, including FRIO!, and a behind-the-scenes experience of the Best Parade in the World, the McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B,” read the news release. “Additional visits will include the McAllen Public Library, Quinta Mazatlán, International Museum of Arts and Science and the McAllen Economic Development Corporation.”
According to the news release, the City of Jinju will be providing some giant light sculptures in collaboration with the McAllen Holiday Parade. Additional light sculptures will be located at Santa’s Circle at the McAllen Convention Center, the McAllen Main Library and IMAS.
“The McAllen Holiday Parade has been recognized as the Best Parade in the World,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling in the news release. “Part of its charm is the celebration of our Rio Grande Valley and South Texas culture represented in the floats. I am so proud that we are truly expanding awareness and publicity of the parade around the world. The City of Jinju and their cultural events are a great partner for us to learn from, exchange ideas and bring a bit of the world home to McAllen.”
