Border Texan of the Year

Every year, BorderFest recognizes an individual that has contributed greatly to the lives and well-being of residents along the border in the Rio Grande Valley. This tradition of excellence includes such past recipients as then-Governor George W. Bush, Governor Rick Perry, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Charles Butt to name but a few. Last year’s honoree was Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa.

Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame

Featured outside of the State Farm Arena, the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame celebrates the life, the achievements, and the significant civic contributions of individuals that have made a difference in the Rio Grande Valley. Inductees are nominated from every city in the Rio Grande Valley—two per city. The City Council and Chamber of Commerce of each city each nominate an individual who has contributed greatly to their city. The Inductees are then recognized in a formal ceremony, in which a paver with their name and date is unveiled in the Walk, and a commemorative paver is presented to the honoree.  The Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame is now a local landmark that bears the names of President George W. Bush, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Governor Rick Perry, Despierta America Host Fernando Arau, Singers Lupita D’Alessio, Laura Flores, Ninel Conde, and multi-Grammy Award winner Ramon Ayala, among many other distinguished persons. This year’s Walk of Fame ceremony will take place at the State Farm Arena the evening of Wednesday, February 27 with a reception at 6:30 and a dinner at 7:00 p.m.

Ambassadors of Goodwill

As a celebration of the cultures along the border, BorderFest each year recognizes a U.S. Ambassador of Goodwill and a Mexican Ambassador of Goodwill.  The nominees will be honored at the Ambassador’s and Mayor’s Luncheon, this year to take place the afternoon of  Saturday, March 2nd at the State Farm Arena. The Ambassadors will participate in the Budweiser Grand Parade on Saturday at 10 a.m. The parade starts on Coma St. in Hidalgo and runs through the front of the BorderFest grounds at State Farm Arena. The Ambassadors will be officially recognized during a public ceremony on the Bert Ogden Main Stage that evening at 10:15 p.m.

BorderFest Grande Parade

Whatever you do, don’t miss the exciting Budweiser BorderFest Grand Parade to State Farm Arena on Saturday morning. There will be flags, bands, floats, motorcycles, dignitaries, BorderFest royalty and lots of entertainment along the way.

For  info and applications for the parade check under the info tab.

Action 4 News Illuminated Parade

Experience the Rio grande Valley’s best Illuminated Night Parades on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at BorderFest.

BorderFest Queen/Miss Hidalgo Pageant

Sunday evening March 3rd you can enjoy the Beauty Pageant and see the crowing of Miss BorderFest 2013 and Miss Hidalgo 2013.  For information  on how to compete  in the pageant check the Pageant Application on the info tab.

Abrazo

This tradition, which began with the inception of BorderFest, marks the official start of BorderFest. On the first day of BorderFest (this year, on Thursday, February 28th ) at 9:30 a.m., the mayors of the cities on both sides of the border walk across the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge and meet in the middle with an embrace of friendship, or abrazo. Reynosa Mayor Everardo Villarreal Salinas and Hidalgo Mayor Martin Cepeda will then lead the promenade over the bridge to the town square, or plaza, where the International Square Dance Jubilee will take place. The Square Dance Jubilee this year celebrates its 26th anniversary. The event offers square dancers (particularly our Winter Texan guests) the opportunity to earn their International pin. The festivities include, food, music, dancing, and fun, and conclude in the afternoon.

Square Dance Jubilee

Square Dancers  participate and dance in the event on the International Bridge.

Bike Parade

See come out and see more than 500 awesome Bikes in the Bike Parade that starts at 9:45 am just before the Budweiser BorderFest Grand Parade on Saturday morning.  This is one you will not want to miss.

MOPAR Car Show