Can you believe the fall semester is already here? With it come many opportunities for Texas Wesleyan to engage in community events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. The first will be this year’s Fiestas Patrias Parade in the Fort Worth Stockyards—the fifth annual parade and Texas Wesleyan’s fourth year of participation. Our presence in the parade shows families and prospective students that TXWES is a proud, fun, and welcoming community where they can envision themselves thriving.

In preparing for our involvement, I’ve been in touch with Dena Newell, Vice President of Marketing Communications for the Stockyards Heritage Development Company (SHDC). She shared that this year SHDC and Visit Fort Worth will welcome the new Consul General of Mexico in Dallas/Fort Worth, and that NBC5 and Telemundo will broadcast the festivities. 

The theme this year will highlight sports, with a special emphasis on soccer. ⚽

Given the sports theme, it would be wonderful if, in addition to the Gold Line dance team (thank you, Coach Snow, for encouraging participation these past four years!), we could have more student-athletes in uniform join us in the parade. Coaches would, of course, also be more than welcome!

As always, the Hispanic Heritage Committee deeply appreciates the support and participation of the Latinx Student Association (LSA), the Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO), Mariachi Oro Azul, the Gold Line dance team, and members of the TXWES Alumni Board. We would also be beyond delighted and proud to have more of our administrators walk with us this year (shoutout to Dr. Rodriguez and to Dr. Ohan for their participation in past years). The event is a huge opportunity to showcase Ram pride, highlight our students’ talents and leadership, and celebrate the cultural diversity that strengthens both Texas Wesleyan and the greater Fort Worth community. Please share this invitation and let me know if you, your athletes, your students, or members of your office are able to join us in the parade.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 14
• Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m. for line-up and float decoration
• Parade Time: Noon-1:00 p.m.
• Meeting Point: Parking lot 5 in Stockyards (172 Stockyards Blvd., 76164)
• Attire: TXWES gear, team uniforms

What to bring:

• Mexican candy to distribute to kids (avoid melt-prone sweets like chocolate). Popular brands include Pulparindo, Duvalín, De la Rosa Mazapán, Bubulubu, etc. (available at Fiesta, Target, Walmart, and on Amazon) 
• A sign representing your team, organization, major, or office
• Water
• Wear sunscreen