Día de los Muertos celebration set to honor McAllen icons

McAllen is getting ready to host an event to honor those who have been influential to the city.

Both the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corportation will host an “Altar de Muertos” celebration Oct. 28 which will honor three influential leaders who helped shape and mold the city’s growth and identity.

The three who will be honored is Mike Allen, founder and former president & CEO of McAllen EDC; Kirk Clark, visionary leader of Clark Chevrolet; and Joe Vera, longtimeAssistant City Manager of McAllen.

The event will be from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, located at 1200 Ash Ave. in McAllen. It is free and open to the public.

The city said this event will offer a meaningful way to celebrate tradition of the Día de los Muertos, as well as honor Allen, Clark and Vera for all they have done.

Elizabeth Suarez, president and CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and McAllen EDC, said that the three are iconic representations of what the city is.

“Mike Allen, Kirk Clark, and Joe Vera represent the very best of McAllen’s spirit — visionary leadership, dedication to progress, and love for community,” said Suarez said. “Through this Altar de Muertos, we honor their lives, their contributions, and the indelible mark they left on our city’s history.”