That 4th of July celebration is also proving to be a fun one for hundreds of families who are enjoying day two of the festivities.
And while many are just looking for a place to go this weekend, Mayor Raul Salinas says he's glad they've chosen Laredo.
Our Annette Garcia has the story.
Mayor Raul Salinas, City of Laredo
“The local economy is in serious shape. We talk about local economy but we also talk about local survival.”
Mayor Raul Salinas is talking matters of life and death for many Laredo businesses.
All as hundreds turn out to celebrate the 4th of July at the Laredo Civic Center including over 400 bikers from across the nation and Mexico here for the first ever twin city bike rally.
This type of event, he says may be the only hope for our local economy.
“That’s 400 people that are going to be using our hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and just spending money locally. It revives the tourism efforts we're trying to promote.”
Annette Garcia, Garcia@pro8news.com
“City officials say there are a lot of things to see and buy here. They hope that keeps people coming back to Laredo.”
Irene, who recently moved to Laredo, said,
“Como somos nuevos queriamos saber come es aqui en ves de ir a otros lugares pero me gusta estoy contenta.”
“We’re new to Laredo," she says, "and instead of going elsewhere ... we decided to visit places in the community and I like it so far. I’m happy to see this.”
Angelica Ituarte, Laredo Resident
“Todo lo que se pueda festejar para ir con los ninos.”
“Anything the city can celebrate, I hope they do," she says. "I want to take the kids!”
Laredo residents say finding places for the family can sometimes be difficult and lead them outside of the city.
Today’s festivities complete with motorcycles and duck rides seemed to lift their spirits.
“It's nice for the people to come over and spend some money here in Laredo.”
“It will be fabulous if we can continue doing it through the years coming.”
Edgar Sanchez, who enjoyed the bike rally, said
“Not only Laredo families but also people will come in and it starts getting bigger and bigger.”
Annette Garcia Pro 8 News.
Mayor Salinas says his message remains the same. He hopes more people will shop Laredo and hopes families will continue enjoying any events planned.