Traditions take over Thanksgiving Day in the Borderland

Thanksgiving Day is full of traditions in the Borderland.

An early and chilly start to the day for the Esparza family as they set up canopies and heaters along Montana Avenue.

They continue a tradition of arriving before the sun comes up to get the best spot to watch the 81st First Light Federal Credut Union Sun Bowl Parade.

“My brother is the one that started here and we’ve been coming since. Everybody just comes together and has a good time here,” said Alfredo Esparza.

As they wait for the sun to rise, hundreds of others are warming up for another reason.

Just a few blocks away, people are getting ready for the YMCA of El Paso Turkey Trot.

The 5K run and 3K fun walk raises money for the YMCA Strong Kids campaign.

“My family is a little upset with me for signing them all up, but this is going be fun! Then we get to pig our after this,” joked Victor Soto.

Soto, an El Paso native, is visiting from Houston to spend the holiday with his family.

“I have a big, big family.”

As the Turkey Trot wrapped up, more Sun Bowl parade spectators arrived to line the sidewalks with chairs and blankets.

At 9:45 a.m., as the sun warmed the morning, the parade started its route on Montana Ave. for 2.7 miles.

This year’s Grand Marshal were the WWII veterans of the Borderland, several of them rode on a patriotic parade float decorated with a massive eagle.

“This is our homecoming from WWII, we never had a homecoming before then. Now it’s our day,” said one veteran.

Spectators could be seen standing, cheering loudly and waving their flags as the veterans passed by.

“It’s awesome, I think they deserve it. We should all honor them, they deserve our respect,” said Joe Saucedo.