Eagle Pass-Piedras Negras International Friendship Festival to be held March 20-29th

By: Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2015, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

The 2015 Eagle Pass, Texas and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico International Friendship Festival will be held during March 20-29, 2015 with activities being sponsored in both U.S.-Mexico border sister cities, announced Sandra Martinez, Executive Director of the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce.

Kicking-off the 2015 International Friendship Festival is the traditional “Abrazo Ceremony” between Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras public officials, business, and civic leaders to symbolize the international friendship between both communities and countries on Friday, March 20th, at 5 P.M. at the City of Eagle Pass International Bridge No. 1. The Abrazo Ceremony is one of the most beautiful events of the International Friendship Festival which symbolizes the unique and close ties between the citizens of Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras, Coahuila. The Abrazo Ceremony is sponsored by the Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras, Coahuila International Good Neighbor Councils.

Also starting on Friday, March 20th, and continuing until Sunday, March 29th, is the annual International Friendship Carnival at Shelby Park on the banks of the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass with many amusement rides and carnival games, food, and fun for the entire family. Discounted pre-sale tickets to the International Friendship Festival are now on sale at the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce, located at 400 Garrison Street, in Eagle Pass from 9 A.M. through 5 P.M.. Purchase your pre-sale tickets early and enjoy the fun and laughs at the International Friendship Carnival. You may also reach the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce at (830) 773-3224.

On Saturday, March 21st, the International Friendship Festival will host the annual “Mutt on Main Pet Parade” at 10 A.M. starting at San Juan Plaza and parading to the City of Eagle Pass Historic Public Library on Main Street. All pet owners interested in participating in the Mutt on Main Pet Parade are invited to dress up their pets with their finest costumes and meet at San Juan Plaza at 9 A.M. on Saturday, March 21st. This is a fun activity for all pets and pet owners.

Also on Saturday, March 21st, is the International Friendship Festival Softball Tournament at 11:30 A.M. at Moncada Baseball Park in Fort Duncan Park with teams from both Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras participating. Any softball team interested in participating in the International Friendship Festival Softball Tournament, please contact the City of Eagle Pass Parks and Recreation Department at (830) 773-4343.

On Sunday, March 21st, the annual International Friendship Festival Amistad Bowling Tournament will be held at Desert Lanes Bowling Center in Eagle Pass with bowling teams from both sister cities vying for the coveted team championship and individual honors. To register your bowling team, please contact the Desert Lanes Bowling Center at (830) 757-8065.

The International Friendship Festival continues on Wednesday, March 25th, with the International Friendship Golf Tee-Off at 5 P.M. at the Main Plaza in Piedras Negras, Coahuila. Golfers compete for the closest Tee over the Rio Grande River to a bulls-eye circle target from Piedras Negras’ Main Plaza into Eagle Pass’ Shelby Park. This is a must participate event for all golfing enthusiasts on both sides of the Rio Grande River. To register for the International Friendship Golf Tee-Off, please call the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce at (830) 773-3224.

The traditional and lively Noches Mexicanas will be held during Thursday, March 26th through Saturday, March 28th, at Shelby Park sponsored by the City of Eagle Pass and the Eagle Pass Lions Club. The Noches Mexicanas will feature traditional foods, refreshments, music, and entertainment for the entire family.

Also on Saturday, March 28th, the International Friendship 5K and 10K Runs will be held at 8 A.M. at Shelby Park on the banks of the Rio Grande River with individual and team runners from both Mexico and United States participating. Join the International Friendship 5K and 10K Runs by registering with the City of Eagle Pass Parks and Recreation Department at (830) 773-4343.

The 2015 International Friendship Festival will culminate with the largest, loudest, and most fun parade on Saturday, March 28th, at 11 A.M. in downtown Eagle Pass with over 100 parade entries from both Mexico and United States. To participate in the 2015 International Friendship Parade, please call the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce at (830) 773-3224.