Council approves permits for 2026 Interpara Sports Festival and RGV Builders Association cook‑off

The Edinburg City Council approved temporary special use permits Sept. 16 for two large events: the 2026 Interpara Sports Festival (IPSF) to be held Aug. 6–9, 2026 at various city sites, and the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association (RGVBA) cook‑off at Edinburg Memorial Park in October. Anthony Matthew and Biju Joseph, representatives of the IPSF organizing committee and members of the local immigrant community, told council the sports festival expects roughly 1,000 participants across 30 events with up to 5,000 daily visitors over four days; council approved the special‑use permit by motion and thanked the organizers. Johnny Vasquez, representing the RGV Builders Association, said the builders’ cook‑off will also include an education component and scholarship fundraising; council likewise approved that temporary permit. Council members noted the potential economic benefit from hotel nights and attendees staying in the city and asked staff to coordinate logistics for parks, security, and sanitation. Both approvals were unanimous and conditioned on standard city event permitting and coordination with city departments.