Washington Birthday Celebration Association

Welcome to the Washington's Birthday CelebrationTM in Laredo, Texas! The Washington's Birthday CelebrationTM, founded in 1898, is the largest Celebration of its kind in the United States with approximately 400,000 attendees annually. The month-long celebration includes parades, a carnival, an air show, fireworks, live concerts and many other fun and exciting events for every member of the family.

Join us for a blast on the border as we throw the biggest party for George Washington! The fun begins on January 23rd and runs through February 24, 2008.

Find out why we're the Celebration with Something for Everyone!

After one hundred and eleven years, the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association (WBCATM) has become a Laredo institution, with its history closely tied to the history of the community. Our focus is to foster a greater understanding between the people of the Americas, to promote Laredo as one of Texas' most patriotic and culturally alive cities and to facilitate a greater sense of civic and national pride within our community and region. We consistently strive to encourage economic growth, tourism and awareness of our great City through the organization of our annual events.

What has everything from fireworks, pageantry, and jalapeños galore--to street parties with Jamboozies and much more? You guessed it--it’s the 111th Washington’s Birthday Celebration an opportunity for everyone to experience so many events over 31 fun-filled days--an international celebration at its best! This year the events under the WBCATM umbrella will consist of parades, pageants, concerts, a carnival, children’s fun fest, plenty of tasty food, and much more. Our association is directly responsible for several events on our calendar and the remaining events fall under the direction of Affiliate Organizations.

-Poster Unveiling
-Commander's Reception Sponsored by CPL Retail Energy a Direct Energy Company
-Youth Song and Dance Festival
-American Historical Theatre George Washington Performance
-WBCATM Carnival Sponsored by Pocket Smart Wireless
-WBCATM Stars & Stripes Air Show Spectacular
-IBC Youth Parade Under the Stars
-International Bridge Ceremony Sponsored by La Posada Hotel
-Founding Fathers' 5K Fun Run and Health Fair
-Anheuser-Busch Washington's Birthday Parade
-Mr. South Texas Luncheon--Hosted by The Laredo National Bank-BBVA Group
-WBCATM Membership BBQ
-Jalapeño Festival
-HEB Fireworks Extravaganza

WBCATM works closely with Affiliate Organizations. These Organizations, each with their own boards, budgets, and by-laws, also contribute to the Celebration by bringing additional unique events to the festivities. WBCATM Affiliate Organizations include:

* The Society of Martha Washington
* Princess Pocahontas Council
* LULAC Council #12
* LULAC Council #7
* Los Caballeros de la Rebuplica del Rio Grande
* International Good Neighbor Council
* Streets of Laredo Urban Mall Association
* STARS (South Texas Academic Rising Scholars)
* Laredo Entertainment Center
* Laredo Little Theater
* Boys and Girls Club of Laredo
* Texas A&M International University
* Laredo Community College

# UETA Jamboozie
# United States Air Force Band of the West Hosted by LMT and TAMIU
# Boys & Girls Clubs of Laredo - Wine Tasting Gala
# Comedy Jam For George (Laredo Little Theatre)
# Princess Pocahontas Pageant and Ball
# LCC Family Fun Fest & Musicale
# Taste of Laredo - LEC
# Noche De Cabaret - (LULAC #7)
# Welcome Luncheon - (La Posada Hotel)
# Caballeros Cocktail Party
# Society of Martha Washington Colonial Pageant and Ball
# Society of Martha Washington Cocktail Party
# Noche Mexicana - (LULAC #12)