By Amanda Alaniz

MCALLEN, TEXAS – The City of McAllen, in collaboration with UTRGV, today announced final details for the annual McAllen Holiday Parade.

McAllen District 6 Commissioner Pepe Cabeza De Vaca, during a press conference at Rio Bank, revealed the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade will be UTRGV Football Head Coach Travis Bush.

On Monday, Nov 27, 2023 UTRGV hosted the City of McAllen at the Rio Bank in McAllen to announce several UTRGV participatory events happening with the McAllen Holiday Parade. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

“This comes as a shock, but it’s definitely humbling,” Bush said. “Thank you to the city of McAllen and the committee for allowing UTRGV to be a big part of this parade.”

Bush, who has been building the football program at UTRGV from the ground up, has ties to the Rio Grande Valley: His wife grew up in McAllen and Went to McAllen Memorial High School.  

In addition to the Grand Marshal, the city announced that UTRGV’s inaugural Marching Band, led by UTRGV Athletic Bands Director Ronnie Rios, will perform prior to the parade, followed by performance along the mile-long parade route.

UTRGV first-ever Drill Team will be performing, alongside the Marching Band, at the McAllen Holiday Parade. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

“This is our first year to ever have a marching band,” Rios said. “Our participation in this event brings so much spirit to our group – and to the community. Music helps bring people together.”

The marching band will be accompanied by the UTRGV’s inaugural Drill Team, led by Sel Gomez, head coach of UTRGV Spirit Programs. 

UTRGV President Guy Bailey shared his excitement for all the university spirit events being showcased at this year’s McAllen Holiday Parade, and looks forward to seeing the impact on UTRGV of the future football team and the first-ever marching band and drill team.

"The dedication and pride of our students is what UTRGV is all about, and we know the Rio Grande Valley community is eager to jump on the band wagon to support them," Bailey said. 

President Guy Bailey also announced the winner of the UTRGV Annual Holiday Card Contest. Maritza Flores, who said the art for her card design – an enormous Vaquero mascot soaring high above a parade float – was inspired by the holiday parade. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

Bailey also announced the winner of the UTRGV Annual Holiday Card Contest. Maritza Flores, who said the art for her card design – an enormous Vaquero mascot soaring high above a parade float – was inspired by the holiday parade. Flores is a cybersecurity major from Edinburg; her first-place design comes with a $1,000 scholarship.

The McAllen Holiday Parade begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2001 N. Bicentennial Blvd.

For more information, visit https://www.mcallenholidayparade.com/.