LAREDO, TX – The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) has selected outstanding community leaders to lead two of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration’s most traditional and time-honored events; the IBC/Commerce Bank Youth Parade Under the Stars and the Budweiser Washington’s Birthday Parade. WBCA proudly announced the 2027 Parade Marshals for two of its most cherished and time-honored traditions Friday at an event proudly hosted by IBC/Commerce Bank.
Families for Autism Support and Awareness has been selected to serve as the Parade Marshals for the IBC/Commerce Bank Youth Parade Under the Stars; while the George P. Kazen Fellowship Program has been named the Parade Marshals for the Budweiser Washington’s Birthday Parade.
“WBCA is honored to recognize these two outstanding organizations as our 2027 Parade Marshals for their dedication, leadership and meaningful contributions to the Laredo community,” said 2026-2027 WBCA President, Dr. Alberto Salinas, emphasizing that both honorees are organizations that embody this year’s parade theme: “Celebrating our Freedom, Pursuing our Dreams. Through Education, We Create Leaders.”
“We as a community have limitless potential to move forward together, to break down barriers when challenges arise,” Dr. Salinas said. “These two successful organizations began with just one idea and those ideas, inspired students, and families every day and will continue to do so for future generations to come. As we celebrate our 129th Washington’s Birthday Celebration, we are honored to recognize their dedication, service, and positive impact on our community.”
As Parade Marshals, the designated representatives of the respective organizations will serve as official “WBCA Ambassadors”. On the day of the Parades, the Parade Marshals, and their respective groups, will lead more than 200 entries that participate in these grand events each year.
Families for Autism Support and Awareness - Families for Autism Support and Awareness (FFASAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families in Laredo, Texas. For more than 25 years, FFASAA has promoted autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion while creating opportunities for individuals with autism to
participate meaningfully in their community. Their mission is to promote Autism Awareness and to
create a non-biased, compassionate community where individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders can become lifelong productive members of our society while still keeping their uniqueness and integrity.
Through family support, community outreach, and inclusive activities, FFASAA strives to improve the quality of life for persons with autism and their families. They are devoted to fostering understanding, celebrating individual strengths, and building a group where everyone is valued, respected, and allowed to thrive.
For over 25 years, FFASAA has proudly served the Laredo community, ensuring individuals with autism and their families have access to support, meaningful experiences, and opportunities for inclusion.
At FFASAA, they believe that awareness leads to understanding, acceptance creates belonging, and inclusion builds a stronger community.
The George P. Kazen Fellowship Program. The Kazen Fellowship Program is a youth civic and leadership initiative designed to inspire the next generation of engaged citizens and community leaders. Established in 2023 to honor the legacy of the late U.S. District Judge George P. Kazen, the Fellowship begins with a five-week summer program that opens the doors of the federal and state courthouses and exposes high school students to hands-on experiences with the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. Through interactive learning with instructors and legal professionals, a select cohort of high school juniors and seniors gain an understanding of government, learn about the rule of law, and civic responsibility while developing leadership skills that foster community engagement and public service.
The summer program ends with a capstone mock trial where students are mentored by lawyers and judges preside over the students’ arguments, questioning witnesses, and the presentation of evidence. The Fellowship continues with each class cohort joining a pool of civically minded high school students who give back to the community through civic education service projects, such as middle school camps and civic education jamborees. The Fellowship will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2027, having served more than 100 students representing every public and private high school in Laredo. Each class is selected through a competitive application and interview process. Although they are from diverse backgrounds, the Fellows share common traits: great academic potential and perseverance in the face of adversity. As the first program of its kind in Laredo, the Kazen Fellowship brings students, judges, and attorneys together in ways that were never possible before and shows young people from the border that they have a voice and a place in our democracy.
“The Kazen Fellowship Program is honored to have been chosen by the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association to serve as the 2026–2027 Budweiser Washington’s Birthday Parade Marshals,” said U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña. “Since 2023, the Kazen Fellowship has brought together high school students representing every high school in Laredo for a summer of civic leadership development, and college preparation. Serving as parade marshals celebrates the power of community partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities that advance our youth and our community. Together with the Laredo Bar Association and our many dedicated community partners, the Kazen Fellowship Program is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders. When we invest in our youth, we all benefit from a stronger community, more engaged citizens, and students better prepared to compete for college opportunities and succeed in the future.”
The IBC/Commerce Bank Youth Parade Under the Stars takes place Thursday, February 18, 2027 at 6
p.m. The Budweiser Washington’s Birthday Parade will be held Saturday, February 20, 2027 at 9 a.m.
Both follow a route South on San Bernardo Avenue, to the heart of Laredo’s historic downtown district.
Throughout the years, the Celebration has grown to be over a month long and consists of parades, dazzling pageants, fireworks, a carnival, a two-day sizzling Jalapeño Festival and much more. Combined, WBCA events attract nearly 500,000 residents and visitors, and contribute an estimated $14 million every year to the local economy.
The 129th Washington’s Birthday Celebration takes place January 14 – February 28, 2027. For additional information visit www.wbcalaredo.org, e-mail wbca@wbcalaredo.org, contact the WBCA office at (956)
722-0589, or visit 1819 E. Hillside Road in Laredo, TX.