Los Palominos to Headline 4th Annual Avocado Festival in Downtown Pharr, Exciting Week of Events Announced at Fresh on the Border Press Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr held its annual Fresh on the Border press conference announcing a week of events that will celebrate the city’s important role in international trade, and economic development. During the event, City officials also unveiled the highly anticipated entertainment lineup for the 4th Annual Avocado Festival.
Fresh on the Border Week kicks off Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with the inaugural Gateway Forum, bringing together industry leaders, regional partners, and key stakeholders to discuss the future of international trade, logistics, investment, and economic growth. The celebration continues Thursday, October 8, with the 13th Annual Start of the Produce Season, honoring the growers, shippers, importers, distributors, and transportation partners who move fresh produce from farm to table while highlighting Pharr’s role as one of the nation’s premier ports of entry for fresh fruits and vegetables. Activities continue Friday, October 9, with the Drive for Trade Golf Tournament, uniting industry professionals, business leaders, and community partners for a day of networking, collaboration, and friendly competition.
Fresh on the Border Week will conclude on Saturday, October 10, with the 4th Annual Avocado Festival, taking place from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in Downtown Pharr. The festival celebrates the avocado while recognizing Pharr’s position as a global gateway for fresh produce. The family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, local vendors, delicious food, interactive activities, and attractions for all ages.
Festival attendees will enjoy performances across two stages. The 956 Stage will feature Mesteño, Arturo Quintero, Derick Garza, Ali Cat Crash, Vintage Travelers Band, and Domingo Elias 3Zero. The Main Stage will showcase RED, a Taylor Swift tribute band, De Parranda, La Casetera, Braxton Keith, and headliners Los Palominos, offering a diverse lineup of entertainment throughout the day and into the evening.
Fresh on the Border Week reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the produce industry while strengthening the partnerships that have established Pharr as a vital hub for international commerce and economic opportunity.
In 2025, the Pharr International Bridge crossed 220,000 produce trucks — that’s 600 trucks every single day, a pace no other port can match for produce. Among those shipments, our partners moved 34,000 truckloads of avocados, totaling 1.5 billion pounds worth $2.3 billion through Pharr last year, further cementing the city’s role as a critical gateway for fresh produce entering the United States.
The press conference can be viewed in its entirety here.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Kenia Gomez
Phone: (956) 769-1006
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr to Host Independence Day Festival on Saturday, 7/4 from 7 – 11 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr invites residents and visitors to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at the City’s annual Independence Day Festival on Friday, July 4, 2026.
The festival will take place from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Allen & William Arnold City/School Park (615 W. Eldora Rd, Pharr, TX 78577). Join us for a night of family fun, including aDrone Show at 9:30 PM and a spectacular Fireworks Show at 10:30 PM.
This FREE, family-friendly celebration will feature live entertainment, carnival rides, food vendors, a petting zoo, and an evening of patriotic festivities for the entire community. The evening’s entertainment includes performances by Michael Flores & Southern Vibes, Midnight Run, and Trey Gonzalez. A clear bag policy will be enforced.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead as temporary road closures will be in effect to ensure the safety of festival attendees. Motorists traveling through the surrounding area should expect delays and plan alternate routes.
ROAD CLOSURES:
• W. Eldora Rd. between Sugar Rd. and Frontage Rd.
• Frontage Rd. (access into the area permitted; no exiting onto Frontage)
• Frontage Rd. exit closed 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Independence Day Festival
WHEN: Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
WHERE: Allen & William Arnold City/School Park (615 W. Eldora Rd, Pharr, TX 78577)
City of Pharr Breaks Ground on New Multi-Use Facility to Enhance Public Services, Emergency Preparedness, and Community Programming
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026
Pharr, Texas – City leaders, distinguished guests, and project partners gathered Wednesday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the City of Pharr’s new Multi-Use Facility, a transformative project designed to support municipal operations, emergency preparedness, and community programming under one roof.
Located at the corner of U.S. Highway 281 and Ferguson Avenue, the facility represents a significant investment in the City’s future and will provide a flexible, modern space capable of evolving alongside the needs of the growing community.
The facility is 83,567-square-feet and is situated on 14.6 acres. Designed with adaptability in mind, the facility will feature large operable partitions, state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, mezzanine-level viewing areas, and broadcast-ready capabilities.
The facility’s primary functions will include:
Emergency operations support
Customer service functions for municipal services
Cultural and educational programming
Civic gatherings
In addition to serving residents during day-to-day operations, the facility will play a critical role in emergency coordination, preparedness efforts, and regional response initiatives when needed.
The project is expected to generate approximately 400 to 500 construction-related jobs throughout the duration of the build, while also creating indirect economic opportunities for local suppliers, contractors, and service providers.
Construction began in May 2026 and is anticipated to be completed during the first quarter of 2028.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Kenia Gomez
Phone: (956) 769-1006
Email: [email protected]
Pharr EMS Offering FREE Hands-Only CPR, Stop the Bleed Courses, & Blood Drive on Thu., 5/21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026
Pharr, Texas – Pharr EMS, in partnership with local healthcare and emergency response organizations, is offering FREE Hands-Only CPR & Stop the Bleed training courses for community members interested in learning essential lifesaving skills.
Participants will learn how to perform hands-only CPR, a simple but effective technique that can help save lives during cardiac emergencies, as well as Stop the Bleed techniques to control life-threatening bleeding before first responders arrive. Training includes instruction on chest compressions, wound packing, applying pressure, and tourniquet use. No prior experience is required.
A total of five FREE classes will be offered throughout the day, with space for up to 100 participants per class.
Class times include:
• 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
• 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
• 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
This course is open to the public at no cost. Registration can be done in advance HERE.
In addition to the training courses, a community blood donation drive will also take place from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the event location. Community members are encouraged to donate and help support local patients in need of lifesaving blood donations. FREE tote bags will be available to those who donate while supplies last.
Registration for the blood drive can be done HERE.
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: FREE Hands-Only CPR & Stop the Bleed Training & Community Blood Donation Drive
WHEN: Thursday, May 21, 2026
WHERE: Pharr ONE (1121 E. Nolana Ave., Pharr, TX 78577)
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Michael L. Martinez
(956) 877-5716 [email protected]
Pharr Police Department Mental Health Unit to Host 4th Annual “Mind Matters” Health Fair on Friday, 5/15 @ 6 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026
Pharr, Texas – In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Pharr Police Department Mental Health Unit invites community members, families, local organizations, and media representatives to attend the 4th Annual Mind Matters Health Fair – Community Edition.
This FREE event takes place Friday, May 15, 2026, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Pharr ONE French Garden located at 1121 E. Nolana Loop.
The event is designed to promote mental health awareness, strengthen community connections, and provide families with access to valuable local resources and information booths. Attendees can enjoy raffles, popcorn, family-friendly activities, and community engagement opportunities.
The public and media are invited to attend.
EVENT DETAILS What: 4th Annual Mind Matters Health Fair – Community Edition When: Friday, May 15, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Where: Pharr ONE French Garden (1121 E. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577)
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Proclaims May 10-16, 2026, as “Pharr Police Memorial Week”
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation recognizing May 10-16, 2026, as Pharr Police Memorial Week, held in conjunction with National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15. The proclamation was presented to Chief of Police Juan F. Gonzalez and members of the Pharr Police Department, honoring the service and sacrifice of officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and recognizing the dedication of those who continue to serve. Commissioners praised the department for their commitment to protecting the community. “We are thankful for the leadership and support of our city leaders as we recognize this week as a time to honor those we have lost in the line of duty,” said Chief Gonzalez.
Pharr Declares May 17-23, 2026, as “National Emergency Medical Services Week”
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation recognizing May 17–23, 2026 as National Emergency Medical Services Week, honoring Pharr EMS as a vital public service that provides lifesaving care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The proclamation was presented to Pharr EMS Chief Danny Ramirez and his staff, recognizing the important role Pharr EMS plays in improving survival and recovery, as well as providing critical out-of-hospital care, prevention, and access to telemedicine. Chief Ramirez stated, “I want to thank you for the support and note that Pharr EMS is turning 5 years old. In that time, we have transformed and strengthened our system to better serve our community, we became the first EMS agency in the Rio Grande Valley to fully deploy Stryker equipment across our fleet, enhancing both patient care and provider safety, we have expanded our capabilities with innovations like Traumagel, Butterfly iQ for sonograms, whole blood, and we have invested in our people by supporting the growth of advanced EMTs and paramedics within our organization.” He added, “We have improved our facilities and more; however, our greatest accomplishment is our people. Every day, the men and women of Pharr EMS answer the call with professionalism, compassion, commitment, and excellence.” The Pharr City Commission congratulated the Pharr EMS team for its continued growth and dedication to serving the community.
Maria E. Morales Named April Pharr Way Trailblazer
The Pharr City Commission proudly honored Maria E. Morales, Schoolyard Forestry Project Coordinator with the City of Pharr Public Health Department, as this month’s Pharr Way Trailblazer Award recipient. The award was presented by Public Health Director Elizabeth Diaz, who praised Maria’s leadership and dedication. “Maria is a leader, and you see it day in and day out,” Diaz said. “She is committed to service and is the driving force behind many of our Pharr Public Health initiatives,” she continued. “I am thankful for her dedication.” Maria’s commitment to excellence, strong work ethic, and passion for serving others continue to make a meaningful impact on the community. “I am thankful for this recognition and proud of the initiatives we are working on for our community,” added Morales. The City of Pharr thanks Maria for her dedication and the positive difference she makes each day. Congratulations, Maria!
Pharr EMS Paramedics Recognized for Lifesaving Care and Transport
The Pharr City Commission recognized Jesus Balderas and Ariel Martinez of Pharr EMS for their swift response and lifesaving care in treating Nicole Guzman during a heart attack. In a critical moment, they quickly recognized the signs, provided immediate care and reassurance, and ensured she was safely transported to a heart hospital for advanced treatment, actions that made all the difference. Today, Nicole has fully recovered and shared her heartfelt gratitude to Jesus, Ariel, and the entire Pharr EMS team for their compassion, professionalism, and care during one of the most difficult moments of her life. In honor of Pharr EMS Week, Pharr EMS Chief Danny Ramirez, joined by representatives from McAllen Heart Hospital, recognized both responders (although Jesus could not be present) and highlighted this year’s EMS Week theme, “Improving Outcomes Together,” noting it reflects the collaboration and commitment to delivering exceptional care. During the recognition, Ariel Martinez, the responding licensed paramedic, was presented with a Clinical Excellence Commendation for her decisive lifesaving actions taken on March 31, 2026, demonstrating exceptional skill in rapid recognition, treatment, and transport. City commissioners each took a moment to share words of encouragement and congratulate her on a job well done. Congratulations, Ariel!
Pharr Celebrates Professional Municipal Clerks Week
The Pharr City Commission recognized Professional Municipal Clerks Week by honoring City Clerk Imelda Perez and Assistant City Clerk Alessandra Garcia for their dedication to public service. Observed nationwide, this week highlights the important role municipal clerks play in supporting local government through record-keeping, transparency, and ensuring the smooth operation of city meetings and services. The city is grateful to both individuals for their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence, as well as their vital contributions to keeping the City of Pharr running efficiently every day!
April Sales Tax Numbers Show Continued Growth in Pharr
The Pharr City Commission received the Sales Tax Collection Report for April 2026, reflecting continued economic growth for the city. Sales tax collections increased 10.69% compared to April 2025. Year-to-date collections also showed a 4.61% increase compared to the same time last year based on the calendar year. For Fiscal Year 2025–2026, collections are up 5.52% and are currently 1.29% ahead of the City’s projected budget, demonstrating steady financial performance and a strong local economy.
Featured Events:
4th Annual Mind Matters Health Fair – Friday, May 15, 2026, from 6 PM to 8 PM
Join us for the 4th Annual Mind Matters Health Fair on May 15th from 6 – 8 PM at Pharr One – French Garden!
Come out for an evening focused on wellness, connection, and building “More Good Days, Together.” Enjoy helpful resources, community support, and activities centered around mental health and overall well-being.
Friday, May 15, 2026 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Pharr ONE – French Garden (1121 E. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577)
Let’s come together to support healthier minds and a stronger community.
Safe Summer Splash – Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM
The City of Pharr invites the community to attend the Safe Summer Splash.
This FREE, family-friendly event is designed to promote water safety awareness while providing fun and educational activities for children and their families. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on CPR education provided by Pharr and other EMS professionals. Participants will also receive free properly fitted life jackets for children (*while supplies last), free sample swim lessons, and other fun giveaways.
Friday, May 16, 2026 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Pharr Aquatic Center (1000 S. Fir St., Pharr, TX 78577)
Registration is required for participation. REGISTER HERE.
Kids to Park Day – Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 5 PM to 8 PM
Kids + Parks = The perfect day
Join us May 16th for FREE family fun!
Saturday, May 16, 2026 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Allen & Willian Arnold City/School Park (615 W. Eldora Rd., Pharr, TX 78577)
For more information, call the City of Pharr Parks & Recreation Department at 956-402-4550.
City of Pharr Memorial Day Ceremony – Friday, May 22, 2026, at 9 AM
Let’s come together as a community to remember and honor our fallen heroes. Join us on May 22nd for our Memorial Day Ceremony at Memorial Park.
Friday, May 22, 2026 9:00 AM Memorial Park (501 W. Egly Ave., Pharr, TX 78577)
Friday, May 15, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Pharr ONE – French Garden (1121 E. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577)
Let’s come together as a community to remember and honor our fallen heroes. Join us on May 22nd for our Memorial Day Ceremony at Memorial Park.