LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – The Budweiser Washington’s Birthday Parade is set to bring an estimated $20 million into Laredo, according to Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association President Jaime Fuentes.
The George Washington Celebrations began weeks ago, but the parade and Abrazo Ceremony are taking place this weekend. Chairs lined the sides of roads and sidewalk closures were in place ahead of the event.
Local businesses prepare for the surge
Joel Vázquez, assistant director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the event draws visitors from across the region.
“So this month it’s very important for us, for the community. We have people from all over, at least South Texas, that come in. We have a huge number from San Antonio, the Austin area, the Valley as well,” Vázquez said.
At least one downtown restaurant prepares weeks in advance. The parade route passes directly in front of Daniel Lira’s restaurant, and owner David Lira said longtime customers begin calling well ahead of the event.
“I have a lot of clients from year and years, they call two three weeks before the events, and it’s like six or seven families, sometimes, even ten,” Lira said.
Lira rents out about 80 chairs for parade viewers and prepares extra barbacoa for the weekend.
Hotels
The economic boost extends beyond restaurants. Steve Maynard said his hotel fills up quickly around the celebrations.
“There is definitely last minute bookers. Unfortunately, since yesterday and today, I’m completely sold out. It’s pretty much within a year in advance that people tend to book for this event. So we’re lucky that we’re always full towards the end of these months,” Maynard said.
Maynard also cautioned visitors against parking in hotel lots without a permit, noting that vehicles without permits will be towed due to limited parking during the celebrations.
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