McAllen, Lorena Ochoa, Holiday Parade, Golf, LPGA, Bert Ogden Auto Group, H-E-B, McAllen Public Library, Soñar en Grande, Rio Grande Valley
Staff Report
McAllen TX - World Golf Hall of Famer Lorena Ochoa has been named Grand Marshal of the 2026 McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group, city officials announced Thursday, Oct. 15, at Bert Ogden Volvo in Edinburg.
The parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5.
Ochoa’s visit to McAllen included a media meet-and-greet with the ALARCÓN–MORRISH–OCHOA Golf Design team at McAllen Public Library, a community engagement celebrating her new book, Soñar en Grande, and a visit to the South Texas International Book Festival. Her appearance further highlighted a partnership, announced at the city’s 2026 State of the City address, to bring a new signature golf course to McAllen.
“Having Lorena Ochoa spend time in McAllen this week has been exciting,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “From her connection to our new golf course project to sharing her life story with readers and now serving as our Holiday Parade Grand Marshal, her visit represents the kind of partnerships and experiences that make McAllen a special place to live, visit and invest. We are proud to welcome her and look forward to celebrating with her on December 5.”
Ochoa became the first Mexican golfer to reach No. 1 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, earning 27 LPGA victories, including two major championships. She continues to contribute to the sport through golf course design and champions education and opportunity for children through the Lorena Ochoa Foundation.
Ochoa and her partners, Rafael Alarcón and Carter Morrish of ALARCÓN–MORRISH–OCHOA Golf Design, are collaborating with the city on a new signature golf course planned west of the existing Champion Lakes Golf Course along South Ware Road. The project represents Ochoa’s first involvement in designing a golf course in the United States. The planned course is intended to offer engaging experiences for golfers of different ages and skill levels, incorporating creative design concepts, challenges and vegetation native to the region, while considering water conservation, environmental protection, education and youth development.
McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil highlighted Ochoa’s selection as Grand Marshal. “We are excited to welcome a Grand Marshal of this magnitude to lead our festivities,” Tawil said. “Lorena Ochoa is a world-class champion whose accomplishments have inspired people across generations and around the globe. Her presence adds an extraordinary level of excitement to Wild Christmas, and we look forward to celebrating with families and visitors near and far.”
Bert Ogden Auto Group, a day-one parade partner, provides more than 50 vehicles to transport parade floats along the route. The 2026 parade is expected to draw an estimated 265,000 guests, with millions more watching across Texas, Mexico and beyond. Natasha Del Barrio, CEO of Bert Ogden Auto Group, announced the return of the company’s special parade entry — a new float to be revealed on parade day — along with the return of the company’s mascot, Bertie.
The McAllen Holiday Parade is presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group, and sponsored by McAllen International Airport, South Padre Island CVB, Reliant and Lone Star National Bank. Additional sponsors include Budweiser-L&F Distributors, McAllen International Bridge System, McAllen Public Utility, Metro McAllen, McAllen Public Works, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Lone Star Ambulance, Matt’s Building Materials, PepsiCo, J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, South Texas ISD, South Texas College, McDonald’s, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Chick-fil-A Rio Grande Valley, American Electric Power Foundation, McAllen Shines, IBC Bank, Lacks Furniture, Visit McAllen, Hermes, Peña Eye Institute, McAllen ISD, Linebarger Attorneys at Law, PNC Bank, O’Reilly Auto Parts, McAllen Economic Development Corporation, Rhodes Enterprises & Esperanza Homes, Pollux Castor Creative, Explore McAllen, Palenque Group, Halff Associates, B2Z Engineering, Carollo Engineers, Whataburger, Sports and SpawGlass.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow the McAllen Holiday Parade’s official social media channels for additional announcements, ticket information and volunteer opportunities.
Source - City of McAllen