City of Pharr to Giveaway 200 Boxed Meals to Families Ahead of Thanksgiving
We’d like to emphasize that this giveaway is not open to the public. Families have been chosen through school counselors and have been given vouchers.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023
Pharr, Texas – In the spirit of gratitude and giving back to the community, the City of Pharr is excited to announce its Annual Thanksgiving Food Giveaway spearheaded by Pharr Fire Department, Pharr Police Department and Pharr EMS. This event aims to provide a full Thanksgiving meal to 200 families including a turkey, traditional sides, dessert, rolls, canned corn, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and more. These families have been pre-selected and given vouchers.
This event takes place Tuesday, November 21, 2023, from 10 am to 2 pm at Pharr EMS Headquarters (3000 N. Cage Blvd. Pharr, TX).
City of Pharr staff, including city administration, will be at the giveaway helping load food boxes into cars.
Media is invited to attend.
*Attached is the video from last year’s event that may be used as b-roll.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Thanksgiving Food Giveaway
WHEN: Tuesday, November 21, 2023, from 10 AM – 2 PM
WHERE: Pharr EMS Headquarters (3000 N. Cage Blvd.)
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, November 6, 2023, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Proclaims November 6, 2023 as Romeo Robles Day
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring November 6, 2023, as Romeo Robles Day. A devout Pharr citizen, Mr. Robles was recognized for his many years of public service (24 years) in his capacity as a member of the City of Pharr Planning and Zoning Commission wherein he has helped shape and build Pharr over the past two decades. Mr. Robles worked as a special needs educator with PSJA ISD for 27 years and also served our county in the National Guard during the Berlin Crisis. A true Pharr treasure, he was recognized for his many accomplishments and service to our great city. He was joined by his children and family while accepting the proclamation and was acknowledged for his service to the City of Pharr by Kimberly Mendoza, Director of Development Services. Pharr city leaders acknowledged his long-lasting legacy of service to Pharr and its residents and thanked him for his decades of service.
City Declares November 11, 2023, as Honor Our Veterans Day
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring November 11, 2023, as Honor Our Veterans Day. In answering history’s call with honor, decency, and resolve, our Veterans have shown the power of liberty and earned the respect and admiration of a grateful Nation. The service of every man and woman is recognized and celebrated on Veterans Day as we honor their service to our country with respect and gratitude. Lucio Gaitan with local veterans with the American Legion of Pharr accepted the proclamation. The City of Pharr held its annual Salute to Veterans Parade and Fireworks event on Saturday, November 4, 2023, in Downtown Pharr. The City of Pharr extends our gratitude to all veterans for their service to our country! Ours is a country filled with promise for tomorrow — because ours is a history shaped by heroes like you. Wishing you a Happy Veterans Day!
Featured Event: City of Pharr Winter Wonderland- Friday, December 1, 2023, from 6 pm to 11 pm
City of Pharr to Unveil Veterans Wall of Honor inside City Hall
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce the unveiling of the Veterans Wall of Honor, a new display paying tribute to our city’s employees who have served in our nation’s military.
The unveiling will take place on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 10 AM in the City Commissioners’ Room, located on the 2nd Floor inside of Pharr City Hall (118 S Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577).
“We are indebted to our military men and women for the unyielding dedication and selfless sacrifice they have made for our nation,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This wall will forever pay gratitude to our very own City of Pharr veterans, the heroes who continue their service through the outstanding work they provide on a daily basis for our city and its residents,” he added.
This meaningful event provides an opportunity for the City of Pharr to recognize and express its gratitude to our employees who have selflessly served in the military, safeguarding our nation’s freedom.
We look forward to seeing you at this momentous event as we honor those who have served our great nation and the City of Pharr.
Media invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Veterans Wall of Honor Unveiling
WHERE: City Commissioners’ Room, Pharr City Hall 2nd Floor (118 S Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
WHEN: Thursday, November 9, 2023, 10 AM
City of Pharr to Host Veterans Parade and Fireworks on Saturday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023
Pharr, Texas – In honor of all Veterans who served in our United States military and armed forces, the City of Pharr is proud to host and celebrate Veterans Day with a Salute to Veterans Parade and Fireworks!
The festivities will take place in Downtown Pharr (200 S. Cage Blvd.) on Saturday, November 4, 2023, beginning with a parade at 5:30 pm followed by The HUB Market taking place at 7:00 pm, and concluding with a fireworks show at 8:00 pm.
Fireworks will be displayed by Pecina Rd. and Cage Rd. in South Pharr. Citizens are encouraged to find a safe location to watch the fireworks show.
“Pharr is proud to salute all Veterans in our community, and we honor the many brave men and women who have served in the armed forces to protect our freedom and our country,” said Mayor Hernandez. “On behalf of the entire Pharr City Commission, we invite the public, our citizens, and all our veterans to come and enjoy the festivities,” he added.
City of Pharr officials invite all Pharr residents and families to attend and show their support as we honor the men and women who have served and who are currently serving in the United States military.
This event is FREE and open to the public. All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Salute to Veterans Parade & Fireworks
WHEN: Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
WHERE: Downtown Pharr (200 S. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
Pharr Police Department Invites the Community to Annual Trunk or Treat Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department is thrilled to invite the community to join us for our annual Trunk or Treat event, a safe and fun-filled Halloween experience for families in Pharr and surrounding communities.
Trunk or Treat takes place Tuesday, October 31, 2023, from 6 PM to 9 PM at the Pharr Police Department (1900 S. Cage Blvd.) Admission is FREE.
At this drive-thru event, officers will be handing out treats to kids in their cars. This means parents and kids won’t need to exit their vehicles, ensuring a secure and enjoyable Halloween celebration.
“Our annual ‘Trunk or Treat’ event is a great opportunity for families to come together, have fun, and create bonds with our police officers,” Police Chief Juan Gonzalez said. “We’ve worked hard to ensure this event is not only fun but also safe, with our officers on hand to help everyone have a fun time,” Chief Gonzalez added.
In the spirit of Halloween, the Pharr Police Department would also like to remind parents to keep a watchful eye on their children as they go out and trick-or-treat. Please take a moment to review our attached Halloween Safety Public Service Announcement (PSA) for important tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
We look forward to celebrating Halloween with you at the Pharr Police Department’s Trunk or Treat event. Let’s make it a night of spooky fun and lasting memories for the entire family!
For additional details about this event or to make candy donations, please contact Officer Chris Hernandez at (956) 402-4700.
The public and all media are invited to attend this FREE event.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Pharr Police Department Trunk or Treat
WHEN: Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
WHERE: Pharr Police Department (1900 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX)
Fresh on the Border: Pharr Celebrates 10th Annual Start of the Produce Season and Avocado Festival
Nearly 7,000 thousand people attend inaugural Avocado Festival
Traditional Cutting of the Fruit – Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and special guests including Texas State Senators Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Mayor of Reynosa Carlos Victor Peña Ortiz, Chairman of the Pharr International Bridge Board Edgar Delgadillo and board members, and other dignitaries participate in the ceremonial cutting of the fruit.
Avocado Festival – A mother and her son enjoy the festivities at the City of Pharr’s inaugural Avocado Festival.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023
Pharr, Texas – As part of its Fresh on the Border initiative, the City of Pharr recently celebrated its 10th Annual Start of the Produce Season and its inaugural Avocado Festival. These events are part of the city’s focus on the importance of the produce industry for both the industry stakeholders and the families of the City of Pharr and the Rio Grande Valley.
The events kicked off with City of Pharr officials and Pharr International Bridge leaders celebrating the start of the 2023-2024 Produce Season by welcoming guests to this year’s themed event “Making History” which celebrated the event’s 10th year and featured an array of brightly displayed fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to the 2nd Annual “A Taste of Trade” where local restaurants and businesses showcased delectable offerings crafted with the very produce that crosses our bridge. The event was attended by elected officials, dignitaries, produce growers, importers, distributors, and consumers representing the United States and Mexico.
The Pharr International Bridge (PIB) continues to be the #1 bridge for produce crossings in the nation, with over 60% of all produce from Mexico crossing through Pharr. This is distributed to our local, regional and national supermarkets as we are the logistics produce gateway for America. The bridge also has a long-standing legacy in the produce industry encompassing both the distribution and supply chains.
“Each year, millions of pounds of produce, worth over $6 billion, cross the Pharr International Bridge, traveling from the East Coast and Midwest to the other parts of the country, and ultimately wind up in other countries, and we are so proud of that,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “As our demand continues to increase, we have been working diligently with many partners to ensure that our bridge continues to have the infrastructure, resources, and funding to meet our future needs,” continued Mayor Hernandez. “In addition, we are proud to have recently launched new initiatives, such as our inaugural Avocado Festival, which celebrates the importance of produce to our city, our region, and our nation,” he added.
The yearly average of produce shipments from Mexico to the U.S. through Pharr is 200,000, ranking this bustling border crossing as the number 1 in the nation for fresh produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables including avocados, pineapples, mangoes, tomatoes, carrots, and more make their way through the bridge every day.
“We are proud to highlight the vital role and economic impact produce has on both sides of our border and these events bring more knowledge and understanding of their importance to our region,” Hernandez added. “Everyone loves avocados, and as one of the staples of the Superbowl, many are not aware just how many of their avocados cross through our bridge to their grocery stores and eventually to their tables, that is why our new Avocado Festival is so important, it brings more awareness,’ he said. “We had a great event with a whopping 7,000 attendees participating in the festivities,” stated Hernandez.
The first-ever Avocado Festival, which was hosted in partnership with the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, is part of our Fresh on the Border featured events that celebrate and recognize the monumental achievements of the Pharr International Bridge and the communities it serves.
“The Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce is profoundly grateful to all the people who attended the 1st Annual Avocado Festival,” said Sonia Falcon, Treasurer of the Pharr Greater Chamber of Commerce. “We remain committed to our great City of Pharr and its businesses and citizens,” continued Falcon. “The Avocado Festival highlighted the importance of our Pharr International Bridge and its role in crossing 80% of the total volume of fresh avocados from Mexico into Texas to feed America,” she added.
The event featured avocado-themed contests, savory food vendors, lucha libre, vendors, and a performance by a Selena tribute band that brought the iconic Tex-Mex sounds to life.
“The chamber would like to thank all our sponsors and the great leaders at the City of Pharr, the Pharr International Bridge, and the Pharr EDC for believing in our vision,” stated Falcon, “We are already planning the 2nd Annual Avocado Festival for 2024. Looking forward to seeing all of you next year!”
The City of Pharr will continue highlighting Fresh on the Border initiatives and is thankful for a great turnout at both events which goes to show the vitality of the produce industry and the Pharr International Bridge.
