Washington’s Birthday Celebration 2015

Hey y’all, it’s me Selina! Time for me to mesmerize you with my words and pictures and get you and your family down to Laredo, Texas.

February in Laredo means many things to me, my mom’s birthday, my dad’s birthday and Washington’s Birthday Celebration time! For now, I’ll pass on talking about how amazing, supporting and loving my parents are and instead focus on some of my favorite WBCA festivities.

There are over 25 events during the Celebration! If you’ve never been to Laredo, February is one of the best times to pack up the family and head on down I-35 South all the way to mile marker 1. For over 100 years, Laredo has played host to the Washington’s Birthday Celebration. This Texas-sized party is one for the books. You’ve got two parades, an air show, a jalapeño festival, a two week run carnival, fireworks and so much more all jam packed into four weeks of fun.

Here are some of my favorites:

The Anheuser-Busch Washington’s Birthday Parade

This will be taking place on Saturday, February 21st. I can remember my parents packing us up in the family station wagon very early in the morning and heading out to the parade route to grab a good spot. Watching the Society of Martha Washington debutantes glide by showing us their shoes, seeing all the colorful floats, and listening to the sounds of all the local high school bands set the tone for the afternoon.

The LCC Family Fun Fest and Musicale

This event has been around for almost 30 years, but only until last year did it land on my radar. I was looking for something that my 6yr old nephew would enjoy and sure enough, this was a hit! There were bounce houses, pony rides, a petting zoo, games, face painting, we had the best time ever! And yes, I took this opportunity to stuff my face with a giant funnel cake. It was a life changing treat and I’ll totally be going back for the funnel cake!

The WBCA Jalapeño Festival Sponsored by La Costeña

This 2-day event will take place February 20th & 21st and will be held at the El Metro Park & Ride (Thomas & Hillside). Who doesn’t love to see adults try and eat as many pickled jalapeños as they can in 15 minutes? It’s gross, it’s ugly, it’s entertaining and you just can’t seem to look away. Think you’re up to the challenge, sign up! Gather up some of your friends and head on out to participate in an afternoon of relay games, see the next Miss Jalapeño get crowned, or just proceed to indulge in fajita tacos, candy apples, sausage on a stick and don’t forget the funnel cake!