The IBC Youth Parade Under the Stars is sure to bring a smile to everybody's face this year on Thursday, February 17th at 6 p.m. Tickets for bleacher seating are $2 pre-sale and $3 at the gate.   

About the event: The culmination of hundreds of little hands at work, the Youth Parade offers some healthy competition as area schools and youth groups prepare all year for this event, creating floats, dance and band routines, and musical arrangements.  The city streets fill with local talent and with all the regular parade trimmings like popcorn and cotton candy, the IBC Youth Parade reaches a growing audience every year.

Contact: The WBCA Office 956.722.0589

The Juarez-Lincoln Bridge gets a rare break as it serves as the stage for the WBCA/IGNC Bridge Ceremony Sponsored by La Posada Hotel on Saturday, February 19th at 7:30 a.m. This event is by invitation only.

About the event: A WBCA pre-Parade tradition since1961, the International Bridge Ceremony features the symbolic coming together of the United States and Mexico. The Abrazo Children, two representing the United States and two representing Mexico meet at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge, then, dignitaries from both nations meet and extend their hands in a gesture of welcome and unity, the respectful coming together of friends, neighbors and business partners.

Contact: Amelia Bravo 956.723-7151 

The WBCA/La Posada Hotel Welcome Luncheon is the opening salvo to the final weekend of the celebration. It takes place at the historic downtown hotel in the San Agustin Ballroom on Friday, February 18th at Noon. This event is by invitation only.  

About the event: The success of George Washington's Celebration is the topic of discussion at the historic La Posada Hotel, as the celebration approaches its final days. La Posada is celebrating its 50^th anniversary. Among the many guests gathered inside the historic confines of La Posada for the traditional Welcome Luncheon are city dignitaries and WBCA directors, Ambassadors, and Board members. 

Contact: The WBCA office 956.722.0589  

Come meet the newest members to join the ranks of the Caballeros de la Republica del Rio Grande on Friday, February 18th at the Laredo Civic Center Ballroom at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40.

About the event: Celebrity guests, both national and international, join with state Governors, Congress members, and dignitaries to induct the newest members of the Caballeros de la Rep�blica del R�o Grande. Established in 1961, the Caballeros recognize and honor individuals who work to make each George Washington's Birthday Celebration such a success.  Comprised generally of Mr. South Texas honorees, former WBCA presidents and portrayers of George Washington, the group does more than promote the Washington's Birthday events, it also works to encourage Laredo youth to pursue higher education.  To this end, proceeds from the Caballeros Cocktail Party are distributed through a scholarship program to area high school students.

Contact: The WBCA office 956.722.0589   

Buy your Mr. South Texas tickets for $100 or reserve a  table of 10 for $1,000 for the Saturday, February 19 event at the Laredo Country Club at Noon.

About the event: The Mr. South Texas Luncheon Hosted by BBVA Compass, held at the Laredo Country Club, honors one individual for their contributions to South Texas. Previous honorees include governors, members of Congress, ranchers, bankers, physicians, and educators, each recognized for his or her work on behalf of South Texas.

The wide range of recipients guarantees an impressive list of international and national attendees. This year's recipient Speaker of the House Joe Straus has dedicated his time and resources to the improvement of the great State of Texas.

A proven political leader, Straus serves as an example of the quality of the leaders WBCA has honored with this award over the years.

Contact: The WBCA office 956.722.0589

This event provides one last chance to witness the elegant and elaborate dresses of the Society of Martha Washington on Saturday, February 19th at the Laredo Country Club at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50.00 per person.

About the event: The Society of Martha Washington hosts a cocktail party at the Laredo Country Club in order to bid a fond farewell to this year's festivities. George and Martha Washington along with the beautiful debutantes and their escorts enjoy their last chance to dazzle the guests with their elaborate and wonderful costume designs. Family and friends are on hand as well to lift a glass and to offer final congratulations to all cast members.

Contact: The WBCA office 956.722.0589

Be a part of one of the oldest affiliate events involved with WBCA on Saturday, February 19th at the Laredo Civic Center Ballroom at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person or reserve a table of 10 for $450. You can also reserve a table of 10 in a preferred location for $500.

About the event: Sponsored by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Council #12, the Noche Mexicana celebrates international Hispanic achievement by honoring representatives from the United States and Mexico as Se�or & Se�ora Internacional.

This night of Hispanic recognition offers great entertainment, music and dancing.

An important side note to the event, all proceeds from the evening will go to LULAC scholarships for area students.

Contact: Amando Chapa 956.235-4424

Come hungry and enjoy a well deserved feast at the WBCA BBQ on Sunday, February 20th at L.I.F.E. DOWNS at 5:30 p.m. WBCA membership and or invitation required.

About the event: Texas and barbecue go hand in hand and after a month of hard work there is nothing better to reward all the WBCA members and volunteers than with a great barbecue feast.

Hard work and exemplary service to the Celebration are recognized and thanks are given for a job very well done.  And, as always, plans for next year's "even bigger" WBCA events begin to take shape.

Say goodbye to the festivities in style by attending the H-E-B Fireworks extravaganza on Sunday, February 20th at the L.I.F.E. Downs at 8 p.m. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

About the event: All the sights and sounds that the Washington's Birthday Celebration had to offer are hard to top, but the H-E-B Fireworks extravaganza comes as close as it gets.

So before this year's Celebration becomes a part of WBCA history, H-E-B lights the birthday candles one last time and the night sky explodes in a pyrotechnic extravaganza to congratulate George.  To really appreciate the brilliant display of light and sound, arrive early with a blanket or lawn chair and find a good viewing spot and dress comfortably.