Planning for the 129th Washington’s Birthday Celebration is officially underway, led by newly elected WBCA President Dr. Alberto Salinas. The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) Executive Committee and Board of Directors have also welcomed new leadership as preparations begin for another year of one of the nation’s most historic and patriotic celebrations.
This celebration will mark the 129th year that WBCA brings its festivities to Laredo, continuing a long-standing tradition of honoring our nation’s history while celebrating the unique culture of our community.
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the 129th Celebration,” said Dr. Alberto Salinas, WBCA President. “As a proud U.S. Navy Veteran, I look forward to continuing to build on the strong patriotic foundation of this celebration — honoring our country, our traditions, and bringing our community together in a way only Laredo can.”
Dr. Salinas brings over 30 years of experience in education, administration, and community service, along with a deep commitment to serving others. A decorated U.S. Navy Veteran, he has dedicated his career to both professional leadership and community involvement. His journey with WBCA began in 2015 as a volunteer and has since included roles as Board Member, Committee Chair, and Co-Chair of major events including the WBCA Stars & Stripes Air Show Spectacular and the Jalapeño Festival. His dedication earned him the prestigious WBCA President’s Merit Award.
Joining the Executive Committee as Treasurer is Jose “Pepe” Eduardo Garcia, President of Modern Construction Inc., who brings extensive leadership, operational, and financial experience to the role.
Garcia has led Modern Construction Inc. since 2009, overseeing all aspects of its design-build operations, including project development, estimating, administration, and construction management. With nearly three decades of experience, he has successfully managed complex commercial and industrial projects while maintaining a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and organizational integrity.
“I’m honored to serve as Treasurer and be part of the leadership team for the upcoming celebrations,” said Jose “Pepe” Garcia. “WBCA represents the best of our community, and I look forward to contributing my experience to help ensure we continue to grow responsibly while delivering a first-class experience for everyone involved.”
Prior to serving as President of Modern Construction, Garcia held leadership roles including Director of Operations and Project Engineer, contributing to major projects such as an NFL stadium and the Colorado Convention Center expansion. He is actively involved in the community as a member of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, Laredo Economic Development Corporation, and currently serves on the WBCA Board of Directors.
The Executive Committee members for the 129th Celebration are:
- Dr. Alberto Salinas, WBCA President
- Anabella Herbig, WBCA President-Elect
- Rafael A. Martinez, WBCA 1st Vice-President
- Rosa E. Cruz, WBCA 2nd Vice-President
- Jose “Pepe” E. Garcia, WBCA Treasurer
- Jaime Fuentes, WBCA Ex-Officio (Immediate Past President)
The 2026–2027 Board of Directors includes a diverse group of community leaders, professionals, and volunteers dedicated to continuing the legacy of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration.
Founded in 1898, the Washington’s Birthday Celebration is the largest celebration of its kind in the United States, featuring more than 32 events in 46 days. Highlights include parades, pageantry, fireworks, a carnival, the Stars & Stripes Air Show Spectacular, and the award-winning Jalapeño Festival. Each year, the celebration attracts nearly 500,000 residents and visitors and contributes an estimated $14 million to the local economy.
The 129th Washington’s Birthday Celebration will take place January 14 through February 28, 2027.
Stay up to date with all events by visiting wbcalaredo.org, and follow WBCA on social media for updates, giveaways, and more.
About WBCA
The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association is a 501-C4 Civic nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditions, culture, and community spirit of Laredo through one of the nation’s most unique and patriotic celebrations.
The Executive Committee members for the 129th Celebration are:
Albert Salinas, Ed.D, WBCA President
(Community Leader)
Anabella Herbig, WBCA President-Elect
(State Farm Insurance)
Rafael A. Martinez, WBCA 1st Vice-President
(Laredo Federal Credit Union, President/CEO)
Rosa E. Cruz, WBCA 2nd Vice-President
(PNC Bank)
Jose “Pepe” E. Garcia, WBCA Treasurer
(Modern Construction, Inc.)
Jaime Fuentes, WBCA Ex-Officio (Immediate Past President)
(Arguindegui Companies)
The 2026 – 2027 Board of Directors include:
Bryon “Andy” Alford – U.S. Department of Transportation
AnnaIsabel Alvarez – Community Leader
Efrain Alvarado Garcia Jr. – Premier Property Inspection & Consulting; SEC Builders, LLC
Monica Ayala – Texas Community Bank
Julio Javier Barbosa III - M&J Primary Home Care, LLC
Mirthala Barragan – First Class Learning Center
Gilbert Bermea – Tejas Financial Advisors
Amelia E. Bravo – Falcon Bank
Cristina Cabrera – Community Leader
Julia Casso - Ernest Health
Claudia Cavazos, MPH, DDS – Chief Dental Officer – Gateway Community Health Center, Inc
Russell Cerda - Community Leader
Milo Diaz – Community Leader
David Dodier – Rio Bank
Ashley Marie Dowler – Doctors Hospital of Laredo
Jesse Gonzalez – Prime Select Realty
Dario Gutierrez – Arguindegui Companies
Emmanuel Guajardo – Cresta Advisors
Erika Garcia Haynes – Erika Garcia Haynes School of Dance
Reagan M. Macdonald – Texas Community Bank
Eileen Andrade Martinez – Community Leader
Abner “AB” Miranda – Community Leader
Ignacio “Nacho” De La Miyar – Community Leader
David Ovalle – Livi’s Mexicue
Vanessa Palumbo – Laredo Independent School District
Scott Payne – KGNS-TV
Elva Puig – Community Leader
David Ramos – IBC Bank
Anita C. Reuthinger – Community Leader
Imelda Rodriguez – Falcon Bank
Minnie Dora Haynes Rodriguez – Rancho Colorado
Gloria “Terry” Salinas – Laredo Independent School District
Anna Lizeth Sanchez – Community Leader
Cordelia L. Valdez – Webb County Judge’s Office
Daniela Venegas – Vantage Bank
Alice Villanueva – Vantage Bank
Nydia Weathers – Gentle Family & Implant Dentistry
Lupita Zepeda – Office of State Representative Don McLaughlin
Lisa Zuniga – Zuniga Enterprises
The 2026 – 2027 Presidential Appointees serving one-year terms are:
- Sarai Ruelas - Community Leader
- Ashley Sciaraffa Hinojosa – Delgado Insurance
- Unel Verazzi - SitePro
Save the dates for the 129th Washington’s Birthday Celebration, January 14– February 28, 2027. The Washington’s Birthday Celebration, founded in 1898, is the largest Celebration of its kind in the United States. Throughout the years, the Celebration has grown to be over a month long and consists of parades, dazzling pageants, fireworks, a carnival, an air show, a sizzling Jalapeño Festival and much more. Combined, WBCA events attract nearly 500,000 residents and visitors, and yearly contributes an estimated $14 million to the local economy.