Pharr’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Attracts Over 10,000 with Performances, Drone Show, and Fireworks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr rang in 2025 with a celebration like no other, hosting 10,185 attendees at the region’s ultimate New Year’s Eve bash. The event, held at Downtown Pharr Park, dazzled guests with a high-energy atmosphere, unforgettable performances, and a stunning drone show that lit up the night sky.
The crowd was electrified by headlining performances from The Spazmatics, whose energetic set kept the party alive, and the vibrant rhythms of La Casetera, which brought the crowd to their feet. As the clock neared midnight, the city’s iconic Ball Drop brought a sense of excitement and unity, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display that welcomed the new year with a bang.
A highlight of the evening was the mesmerizing drone show, where hundreds of synchronized drones lit up the night sky with dazzling patterns and breathtaking visuals that captivated the audience. Adding a heartfelt touch to the celebration, the City of Pharr collected handwritten wishes from residents, which were then released in a blast of confetti at the stroke of midnight, creating a magical and unforgettable moment.
“We are thrilled to have celebrated the start of 2025 with our incredible community,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Seeing thousands of families and friends come together to enjoy this spectacular evening is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our city,” he added. “We look forward to an amazing year ahead, filled with new opportunities and shared successes.”
In addition to the entertainment, guests enjoyed festive party favors, unique photo opportunities, and an electric family-friendly atmosphere filled with joy and community spirit.
The City of Pharr extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and made this celebration a night to remember. Here’s to a prosperous and joyful 2025!
For more photos and highlights from the event, visit the City of Pharr’s Facebook page.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: yuri.gonzalez@pharr-tx.gov
PRESS CONFERENCE: Pharr EMS Announces Enhancements in Prehospital Care, THURS 12/19 @ 10 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2024
Pharr, Texas – Pharr EMS invites members of the media to a press conference unveiling innovative prehospital care services designed to save lives.
The conference is scheduled for 10 AM on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Pharr City Hall, 2nd Floor City Commission Room (118 S. Cage Blvd).
Pharr EMS will now provide blood transfusions and ultrasound imaging during en route care—critical advancements that improve patient outcomes in emergencies.
This announcement underscores Pharr EMS’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art medical services and ensuring the highest standard of care for the community.
Please RSVP to confirm attendance by contacting Michael Martinez at (956) 272-9803 or via email at [email protected].
DETAILS
WHAT: Press Conference – Pharr EMS Announces New Prehospital Care Services
WHEN: Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 10 AM
WHERE: Pharr City Hall, 2nd Floor City Commission Room (118 S. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
City of Pharr Selected as Finalist for Prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce its designation as a finalist for the highly esteemed Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, a recognition that honors organizations for exceptional performance excellence.
The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is the nation’s highest presidential honor for organizational performance, excellence in leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, workforce engagement, and operational efficiency.
Earlier this year, the City of Pharr welcomed Baldrige examiners for a series of on-site visits as part of the rigorous evaluation process. These visits provided valuable feedback and insights that will help the city refine its strategies and further enhance its operational excellence for future applications.
This milestone was made possible through the leadership of Melanie Cano, director of the Office of Strategic Excellence, and her dedicated team. Thanks to their thorough training, research, and preparation efforts, the City of Pharr and its employees were fully equipped to successfully participate in the site visits.
“Being selected as a finalist for the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is a tremendous honor for the City of Pharr,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “While we did not win this year, the site visit by Baldrige examiners highlights the significant progress we’ve made in achieving excellence across our operations,” he continued.
The City of Pharr is excited to build on this achievement and remain dedicated to its pursuit of excellence. As the city continues its journey toward achieving the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, it reaffirms its commitment to delivering the highest level of service and creating a thriving community for all residents.
“This recognition motivates us to continue striving for improvement, innovation, and exceptional service for our residents,” added Mayor Hernandez. “I am incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and the bright future ahead for Pharr!”
For more information about the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, visit https://www.nist.gov/baldrige.
Pharr PD Asking Public’s Assistance in Identifying Male Subject
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Pharr, Texas – the Pharr Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the male subject depicted. If you have any information regarding his identity, please contact our office at (956) 402-4700 or Pharr Crime Stoppers.
The individual was observed on video walking around an apartment complex on Sugar Road near Nolana Avenue.
At one point, he approached an apartment and attempted to open the door but fled immediately upon hearing dogs barking.
We urge residents to remain vigilant, ensure all vehicle and home doors are securely locked, and take extra precautions during this holiday season.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Pharr Police Department at (956) 402-4700 or Pharr Crimestoppers at 787-TIPS or 1-800-648-TIPS.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr to Host Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, 12/6 at 6 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is excited to kick off the holiday season and invite the community to Winder Wonderland! This festive event features our Tree Lighting event, live music, food, holiday activities, and more! Admission is FREE!
WinterWonderland takes place on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6 to 11 PM, in Downtown Pharr (118 S. Cage Blvd). The annual Lighting of the Christmas tree will begin at 7:30 PM.
This year’s entertainment includes performances by local dance teams, Gatos Locos, and a headlining performance by cumbia superstar Pee Wee!
Activities will include an all-new ice rink, photo ops with classic holiday characters, an Elf on the Shelf giveaway, an artificial snow play area, snow sledding, and carnival rides.
Ahead of our event, children in the community are encouraged to write a letter to Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez explaining why they want to help the mayor flip the switch turning on all the holiday lights.
“I’m excited to invite Pharr’s children to write me a letter sharing why they’d like to help light our city Christmas tree,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This honored tradition kicks off the holiday season, spreading joy to our entire community and I look forward to reading the letters and sharing this magical moment with the selected participants and our community,” he added.
Letters will be accepted through November 27, 2024, and can be dropped off at a special mailbox located outside Pharr City Hall.
Join us as well light up Downtown Pharr in an array of colorful and cheerful holiday lights!
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr’s WinterWonderland & Tree Lighting Celebration
WHEN: Friday, December 6, 2024, 6 – 9 PM
WHERE: Downtown Pharr (118 S. Cage Blvd. Pharr, TX 78577)
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, November 18, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Proclaims November 18 as “Mayor’s Monarch Pledge Day”
The City of Pharr Commission has proudly proclaimed November 18, 2024, as “Mayor’s Monarch Pledge Day,” reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation and the preservation of the iconic monarch butterfly. With their population declining by more than 80% over the last 20 years, monarch butterflies face critical challenges. Through initiatives such as dedicating parklands to native plants and encouraging residents to plant milkweed and nectar plants, Pharr is taking meaningful steps to restore vital habitats. By joining the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the City Commission are leading efforts to raise awareness and inspire collective action to protect these magnificent pollinators. Remy Vargas, Urban Ecologist for the City of Pharr, proudly accepted the proclamation and highlighted the significant measures the city is implementing to protect the monarch butterfly and its habitat. This proclamation symbolizes Pharr’s dedication to sustainability, creating a brighter and greener future for generations to come.
Pharr Media Department Recognized for Winning TATOA and NATOA Awards For Outstanding Communications
The Pharr City Commission proudly honored the Media Department and its News Director, Yuri Gonzalez, for their outstanding achievements in government programming. The team earned three prestigious Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA) awards, celebrating their exceptional work in highlighting Pharr’s accomplishments. On a national stage, they secured three National Association of Telecommunications Officers (NATOA) awards, including a first-place finish for the public information series “Se Antoja Pharr.” These accolades underscore Pharr’s unwavering commitment to excellence, transparency, and keeping residents informed and inspired by the city’s progress. This recognition reaffirms the city’s mission to showcase its positive impact and foster pride within the community. “These awards are highly competitive, with only a select few chosen to contend for such prestigious honors, and we are absolutely thrilled to have earned six awards this year,” said Gonzalez. “Our team takes immense pride in the work we do, and we remain dedicated to delivering the latest updates, celebrating our local businesses, and showcasing the vibrant community events that make Pharr so special,” she added. A big congratulations to the Pharr Media Team!
Pharr City Commission Approves Boundary Expansion
The Pharr City Commission approved an ordinance during its third and final reading to expand the city’s boundaries. This marks the completion of the process to annex 55.97 acres of land and roadway into the City of Pharr. The area includes land along South Veterans Boulevard and State Highway 365, as well as the south side of East U.S. Highway 281 (Military Highway), about 800 feet east of South Veterans Boulevard. This land was previously part of the city’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) in Hidalgo County, Texas.
Featured Event: Winter Wonderland and Lighting of the Christmas Tree – Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6 PM to 11 PM
The countdown to holiday magic is on!
Don’t miss Pharr’s Winter Wonderland, with food, market vendors, live music, and the Christmas Tree Lighting at 7:30 PM!
Dec 6 | 
6-11 PM | 
Downtown Pharr