The International Bank of Commerce Youth Parade Under the Stars took place Thursday, February 17. From pre-school to high school, Laredo’s talented youth partook in this magnificent parade under the stars. The parade boasted over 120 entries consisting of illuminated floats, glittering costumes, dance teams from local area schools and much more.
The WBCA is proud to announce that our very own First Responders served as the 2022 Parade Marshals for the IBC Youth Parade Under the Stars.
“Mere words cannot express the tremendous gratitude and appreciation we hold for all of Laredo’s First Responders during these incredibly difficult and trying times. This is a well-deserved tribute for what they have done in helping our incredibly resilient City pull through these difficult times. I couldn’t be happier with the selection of our Parade Marshals,” WBCA President Natalie Hernandez said.
Our “First Responders” deserve this honor and deserved to lead the IBC Youth Parade Under the Stars, which serves as a prelude to the Anheuser-Busch Washington’s Birthday Parade.
The parade featured representatives from the Webb County Sherrif’s Office, the City of Laredo Police Department and the City of Laredo Fire Department who led more than 120 entries.
“IBC Bank is proud to be celebrating 25 years as sponsor of the Youth Parade Under the Stars and what better way to commemorate this anniversary than to have our First Responders as Parade Marshals. The brave men and women who protect us on a daily basis deserve this tribute and much more. This is a great way to say ‘thank you’ and ‘we are proud of you.’ This is a special year indeed,” Senior Vice-President of IBC Gabriel Castillo said.
The winners are:
Best Elementary School Dance Unit – Farias Elementary
Best Elementary School Cheerleading Unit – Santo Nino Elementary
Best Community Marching Unit – Los Intocables Baseball League
Best Middle School Band – United Middle School Band
Grand Marshal’s Award – Best Commercial Float – Vital Med
President’s Award – Raymond & Tirza Martin High School Band
Sweepstakes Award (Best Overall) – United Middle School Band
People’s Choice Award – Elias Herrera Middle School Band
The crowd voted Elias Herrera Middle School Band for the IBC Youth Parade Under the Stars People’s Choice Award. This was created as a bonus category where spectators and television viewers voted for their favorite entry via the WBCA website.
The Parade started on Garden Street and moved south on San Bernardo Avenue finishing at St. Peter’s Plaza.
The theme of this year’s parade was: “To Future Generations.”
Throughout the years, the Celebration has grown to be over a month long and consists of parades, dazzling pageants, fireworks, a carnival, an air show, a sizzling jalapeño festival and much more. Combined, WBCA events attract nearly 500,000 residents and visitors, and contributes an estimated $14 million every year to the local economy.
