2018 Eagle Pass International Friendship Festival To Be Held March 16-25

By: Miguel Munoz, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2018

The 2018 Eagle Pass International Friendship Festival will be held during March 16-25, 2018, announced Sandra Martinez, Executive Director of the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce.

The annual Eagle Pass International Friendship Festival will kick-off on Friday, March 16th, at 5:30 P.M. with the traditional “Abrazo Ceremony” between the Cities of Eagle Pass, Texas and its Mexican sister-city of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico at the Eagle Pass International Bridge No. 1 sponsored by both the Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras Good Neighbor Councils.  The Eagle Pass representative designated as “Mr. Amigo” is former City Manager and Eagle Pass Water Works System General Manager Roberto Gonzalez while the Piedras Negras representative designated as “Senor Amigo” is historian Ramon Carrillo.  Representatives from the United States, State of Texas, Maverick County, and City of Eagle Pass will participate in the traditional Abrazo Ceremony with their Mexican counterparts from the Mexican federal government, State of Coahuila, and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico.

The annual Abrazo Ceremony Dinner will be held on Friday, March 16th, at the historic Fort Duncan Ruins at 7:30 P.M. by invitation, sponsored by the Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras Good Neighbor Councils.

Also on March 16th, the traditional International Friendship Festival Amusement Carnival will open its doors to the public at Shelby Park on the banks of the Rio Grande River for the enjoyment and entertainment of all children and adults in the community and surrounding areas. The Amusement Carnival will feature the latest mechanical rides, games, and entertainment for all to enjoy and participate in.  Tickets for the Amusement Carnival are available for pre-sale at the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce, 400 Garrison Street, Eagle Pass, Texas, (830) 773-3224.  Pre-Sale Carnival Tickets are available at 2o tickets for $10 from now until March 16th at 5 PM. After March 16th, Carnival Tickets will only be available at the Carnival at regular prices.

On Saturday, March 17th, the International Friendship Festival will host the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the City of Eagle Pass new Skateboard Park located on North Flowers Street (underneath Veterans Blvd. Overpass) at 10 A.M. followed by an International Skateboard Competition with contestants from the United States and Mexico.

Also on March 17th, the City of Eagle Pass will host an International Softball Game between teams from the United States and Mexico at Chelo’s Field in Fort Duncan Park at 6 P.M. in Eagle Pass.

On Sunday, March 18th, the International Bowling Tournament will be held at Desert Lanes Bowling Center, located on El Indio Highway (FM 1021) at 1 P.M. The International Bowling Tournament is open to the public. For more information, please contact Desert Lanes Bowling Center in Eagle Pass.

Also on March 18th, the City of Eagle Pass Parks and Recreation Department will host the Fiesta 5K Ole Run at 6 P.M. at San Juan Plaza in downtown Eagle Pass, featuring runners from both the United States and Mexico participating. The Fiesta 5K Ole Run is open to the public.

On Wednesday, March 21st, the International Burrito Eating Contest will be held at Mia’s Restaurant on Main Street in downtown Eagle Pass at 5:30 P.M.  The International Burrito Eating Contest is open to the public.

Also on March 21st, the City of Eagle Pass and BBVA Compass Bank will sponsor Outdoor Movie Night at 8 P.M. at San Juan Plaza in downtown Eagle Pass.  Free admission and open to the public.

On Thursday, March 22nd through Saturday, March 24th, the annual Noches Mexicanas will be held nightly at Shelby Park on the banks of the Rio Grande River with musical entertainment, food and refreshment booths available for every palate and cuisine.  Free admission and open to the public except for food and refreshments will be sold.

On Saturday, March 24th, the traditional International Friendship Festival Parade will be held in downtown Main Street in Eagle Pass at 11 A.M.  The theme for the parade is “Where Yee-Hah Meets Ole.”  Parade participants from both the United States and Mexico will participate. To participate in the parade, please call the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce at (830) 773-3224.

Also on March 24th, the annual Mayor’s Friendship Reception will be held at the newly remodeled Eagle Pass Public Library at 12 P.M.

On Sunday, March 25th, the International Elementary Mini-Golf Tournament will be held at the City of Eagle Pass Mini-Golf Course on Bliss Street in Fort Duncan Park at 10 A.M.

All Maverick Countians and surrounding area communities are cordially invited to attend and participate in the 2018 Eagle Pass International Friendship Festival during March 16-25, 2018. For more information, please contact the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce at (830) 773-3224.