The McAllen Holiday Parade turned a $210,000 profit in December — more than four times the amount McAllen made in 2019 — despite challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Concerned about the risk posed by crowds, McAllen switched from a traditional parade to a made-for-television event.
“The city handled the transition very well,” said City Commissioner Omar Quintanilla. “I think it was a risk that we took. And I think it was a risk that paid off.”
McAllen spent nearly $750,000 on the parade during 2019, according to documents reviewed by the City Commission.
The total included nearly $141,000 for overtime, nearly $75,000 for ...