Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Veterans Day Celebrations
• The annual Veterans Day Parade in El Paso, hosted by the United American Veterans Organization, will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, in Downtown. This year’s theme, “In Honor of our Past and Present Military History,” invites the community to celebrate and remember service members’ contributions. Street closures along the parade route will be enacted by 9:30 a.m. The parade will begin at the intersection of Campbell Street and Myrtle Avenue. It will proceed west along Myrtle Street before concluding at Texas Avenue and North Florence Street. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to find a viewing spot, and participants should observe all parade safety guidelines.
• Celebrate military veterans during the annual Veterans Day Parade beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11. The parade, themed “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service,” will conclude at the Old Glory Memorial, 9550 Gateway North Blvd., and be followed by a ceremony at 11 a.m. All are invited to join in honoring the nation’s veterans with friends and family. Clubs, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to participate. Information and float registration: oldglorymemorial.org or 915-228-6172.
• San Elizario’s 28th annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony will honor local veterans and their contributions at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. The event begins with a parade departing from 900 Thompson Road, following a route along Socorro Road to Veterans Memorial Plaza on Main Street in the San Elizario Historic Plaza. A ceremony in the plaza will immediately follow the parade. Parade staging begins at 7:30 a.m. Information: 915-383-8529 or 915-422-3653.
• The El Paso Veterans Affairs Health Care System invites veterans and the community to a week-long celebration, highlighting the dedication and sacrifice of those who have served. Several observances will take place as part of the celebration. These include a ceremony that will take place from 7 to 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at Fabens Veterans Park, 602 4th St. Also, a solemn last roll call ceremony is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 8, at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave.
• Speaking Rock Casino will host its annual tribute to those who served. Veterans and a guest are invited to enjoy a free event from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at 122 S. Old Pueblo Road, featuring live music from local performers Abe Mac and Brian Mars. The evening will include special drawings for veterans, available while supplies last.
High School Football Enters Final Weekend
The high school football season in El Paso enters its final weekend, and teams throughout the Borderland are gearing up for a last chance to make their mark on the field and clinch potential postseason berths. From playoff-bound powerhouses to underdogs seeking a strong finish, this week’s games will be key to the postseason.
High school football schedule
All games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Thursday, Nov. 7
• Parkland at El Dorado at SAC II, 6:30 p.m.
• Coronado at Eastlake at SAC I
• Pebble Hills at Franklin, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 8
• Burges at El Paso
• Hanks at Chapin
• Riverside at Fabens
• Horizon at Jefferson
• San Elizario at Austin
• Andress at Canutillo
• Bowie at Ysleta
• Americas at Bel Air
• Irvin at Clint
• Montwood at Socorro at SAC I, 7:30 p.m.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Join the El Paso community for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive. The event kicks off with an opening ceremony and the walk — a 1.4-mile loop around the lake — beginning at 10:30 a.m. This annual event raises funds to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s care, support and research initiatives. There’s no fee to register, but donations are encouraged, with participants raising $100 or more receiving an official T-shirt. Register by Thursday, Nov. 7, to secure your spot and a free parking pass. Information: vaharkness@alz.org or 915-257-0252.
El Paso Symphony Orchestra Performs ‘Harry Potter’ Score
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’ iconic score from “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Plaza Theatre. Under the direction of James Welsch, the orchestra will bring to life the Grammy-nominated soundtrack while the film plays in high definition on a giant screen. Experience a magical and musical evening as Harry, Ron and Hermione face a variety of challenges in their quest to save Hogwarts. Tickets range from $55 to $100. Information and tickets: epso.org
‘Flights & Bites: Tastes and Tequila’
Celebrate the 10th annual “Flights & Bites: Tastes and Tequila” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at the El Paso Holocaust Museum, 715 N Oregon St. This evening fundraiser will feature specialty tequila flights paired with dishes and desserts from local eateries. Attendees can enjoy live music, a wine and spirits pull, and a selection of drinks. Tickets are $65, with proceeds supporting the museum’s educational mission to combat prejudice and intolerance. Information: jamie@elpasoholocaustmuseum.org or 915-351-0048.
Outlet Shoppes at El Paso Tree Lighting Ceremony
Kick off the holiday season at the Outlet Shoppes at El Paso’s grand tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8. The evening will include festive fun for the whole family with a special appearance from Santa Claus as the large tree at the shopping center lights up for the first time this year. The event takes place at 7051 S. Desert Blvd. in Canutillo and will include holiday-themed activities. Information: theoutletshoppesatelpaso.com