COUNTDOWN TO THE 125th CELEBRATION

FAQs

General Questions

Well, besides being proud citizens of this great nation and there being many deserving men and women in our history -- The WBCA™ decided that Celebrating George Washington was as good a cause as any. Also, with the unique geographical location of Laredo and its predominantly Hispanic community, the city wanted to do something to remind the nation, just how proud the citizens of South Texas are to be a part of the United States of America.

Well, besides being proud citizens of this great nation and there being many deserving men and women in our history -- The WBCA™ decided that Celebrating George Washington was as good a cause as any. Also, with the unique geographical location of Laredo and its predominantly Hispanic community, the city wanted to do something to remind the nation, just how proud the citizens of South Texas are to be a part of the United States of America.

Have no fear, click here and download our vendor application. For vendor information at one of our affiliate events please click here and select your affiliate event of interest.

Parade Questions

No

No, unless they are on a float as a prop. Any motorcycle on a float cannot be turned on at any time on parade route or while in staging area.

No, only the dignitaries selected by WBCA are allowed to use convertibles.

No, unless they are towing a float and are fully decorated.

No, Businesses should consider making a float for their respective businesses.

No, only law enforcement uses the bikes to control traffic along route.

No, items may NOT be thrown from a moving vehicle. Walkers along side the float (18 years or older) can hand out approved items. All items must be approved by the WBCA Parade Committees. WBCA™ has a corporate sponsor for this event and any item that is in competition with our sponsor will automatically be rejected.

All floats must pay the fee and have the tagged and licensed fire extinguisher as required by the City Fire Department. Additionally, any non-float that has a generator (i.e. trucks with generator for a sound system) must pay the fee and have the tagged and licensed fire extinguisher as required by the City Fire Department. The Fire Department will be on site and will NOT make any exceptions to these rules.

No

No, WBCA™ is a non-political organization and does not promote any particular candidate running for office. Therefore, any campaign signage on a float or entry will not be allowed in the parade. Participants wearing political campaign shirts will be asked to remove the shirts in order to be allowed to participate. Sitting elected officials are allowed to participate and represent their respective office but would not be allowed to wear campaign shirts or use campaign signage. All policies and guidelines set by WBCA™ are established to make our parades safe and enjoyable for the community. Another goal is to keep the parades at a reasonable and enjoyable length. Therefore, we must keep the number of entries limited.

The City of Laredo Environmental Health Department is in charge of all vendors along parade route. The Health Department will cite food vendors who sell food without permits and/or vendors who are in violation of City Food Sanitation Ordinances. Laredo Municipal Court fines could range up to $2,000. The rules of food preparation and personal hygiene apply to all food service workers, whether they are paid professionals or volunteers. For more information please contact the City of Laredo Environmental Health Division at (956) 795-4904.

Air Show Questions

When arriving at the Laredo International Airport, you’ll take a left turn on Bob Bullock Loop and then a left on Jacaman Rd. Continue to Bartlett Ave and take a left, continue on Bartlett Ave. Take a left on Thomas Ave. and then a right on Hillside Rd to go into the free parking located in the El Metro Park and Ride.

There are many great lodging facilities in the Laredo Area. Click here for some of the establishments you can stay at during the Air Show weekend. Some may offer special room deals during Airshow weekend, so be sure to book early!

Parking for the event is completely free!

Yes. You must have a handicapped plate or tag in the car. Handicapped parking is limited and is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please arrive early to ensure yourself a parking spot. Handicap parking will be accessible at the El Metro Park and Ride parking lot. For questions pertaining to you individually, feel free to contact us.

Yes, you will have your hand stamped upon entering the show that will allow you to get in and out.

Firearms, weapons and concealed firearms are prohibited. For a full listing of TSA restricted items at airports, please see: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/printable

Motorized scooters and wheelchairs for disabled patrons are allowed in the Airshow grounds; personal golf carts are not allowed. Please be aware that the crowds may be heavy and maneuvering may be difficult, and you must bring your own charging equipment if you plan on recharging your device. Bicycles, skateboards, and roller skates are not permitted.

Yes! Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and small umbrellas. However, no tents, large umbrellas, or canopies are allowed.

You are NOT allowed to bring a cooler, alcoholic beverages or glass containers. Loose ice is prohibited. Frozen ice packs are allowed. No large bags. Any bags brought in are subject to search by security personnel at the gates and you may not be allowed in with such items. No cooking equipment is allowed. Remember that there are food and drink vendors available at the show.

The FAA and Department of Homeland Security have required us to enforce these rules for your safety. You will be on airport grounds. This is a rule common to all airports, major airshows and events in the U.S.

Yes, strollers or small wagons are allowed. Please limit any diaper bags to the smallest you can manage. All items will be searched by security personnel at the gates and they have the final say on what is allowed in.

Yes, cameras for personal use are allowed. Your camera bags will be checked by gate security upon entry. Remember that the Airshow performance and many performers acts are copyrighted, and your photography or video cannot be used for commercial purposes.

Drones are not allowed. A TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) will be in effect within a 5-mile radius around the Laredo airport, restricting air traffic of all types (including drones).

Pets are NOT allowed onto the Airshow area and should NOT be left in vehicles. Because of the festival setting with food and drink vendors, we prohibit animals, other than legally allowed guide and assistance animals. Please also understand that the loud noises and explosions can injure their sensitive hearing and/or frighten them.

Yes there is an ATM machine on site in a convenient location.

We list our acts but cannot give a specific schedule since schedules are finalized much closer to the date of the Airshow and depend on availability and various conditions. Times are subject to change without notice.

That information is not released to the general public.

The Airshow is held under an open sky. You are encouraged to bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen lotion. Limited shade may be found under the wings of some static display aircraft. Preferred Seating Areas like the Afterburners Club and Flightline Chalet offer a sun and shaded seating area. Umbrellas are discouraged except at the very rear of the viewing area to insure that all visitors have a good view of the show. No tents or canopies are allowed.

Yes! Many of the feature pilots and crew make themselves available before or after their performances to meet their audience. Many military crews are at their aircraft during static viewing times and are happy to answer questions and pose with you for photos. Airshow performers and may stop in before or after their performances to talk with you and answer questions.

The Airshow strongly encourages you to bring and use proper hearing protection such as quality ear plugs, and especially so for children. The noise from the jet engines and pyrotechnic explosions may be painful or harmful for some. This is especially true if you are viewing the show from the front line. For young children who may tend to play with and/or remove the foam type plugs, a suggested alternative is sound muffs (available in the gun section of most sporting goods stores, and generally available in children’s sizes). Please make your own choices on this matter and protect your hearing.

Unless the weather is severe, we will fly as much of the show as is safe and possible.Due to FAA permit restrictions and performer commitments, it’s not possible to reschedule the airshow for another weekend.