For the first time, the event expands to Portland with the Driscoll Children’s Parade, Buc Days 5K, cowboy breakfast, live music, and free family activities.

PORTLAND, Texas — Excitement is building in Portland as organizers unveil major plans for this year’s Buc Days celebration.

The 5K and Driscoll Children’s Parade are moving from their traditional Corpus Christi routes along Shoreline Boulevard to Portland. The 5K will begin at 9 a.m. at Fifth & Elm, turn around at Sunset Lake Park, and finish back at the venue. 

The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Gregory-Portland Middle School, proceeds down Wildcat Drive, and ends at Fifth & Elm. Awards for both events will follow at the venue.

Mark Avelar of the Buccaneer Commission said, “On Saturday, April 18th, we’re moving our children’s parade and our 5K to Fifth and Elm here in Portland. We’re really excited to partner with ArcelorMittal and become more of a regional event.”

Students participating in Buck Days praised the new Portland location. 

Students involved in Buc Days are enthusiastic about the move.

Maribella Gutierrez shared, “I applied to the Buc Day scholarship program because I wanted to grow as a leader and learn how to better serve my community… I’ve gained meaningful relationships, confidence, and leadership skills that will stay with me for life.”

Ianz Amarille added, “I gained new skills such as handling stress, community work, and the friendships I made with kids across the Coastal Bend—it was very worthwhile.”

Director of Communications at City of Portland, Shelby O’Brien, noted the impact of hosting Buc Days locally. “Portland is growing so fast and has so much to offer. Being able to share it with the Coastal Bend just means a lot. It encourages kids around Portland to join programs like this and grow their leadership skills.”

The April 18th celebration will include a cowboy breakfast, live music, fun and games for kids, all free and open to the public. Children’s parade applications and 5K registration are now open at bucdays.com.

The full Buc Days festival runs from April 30 through May 10, offering eleven days of rodeo action, carnival rides, competitions, and live entertainment across the Coastal Bend.

“This event is all about building community and celebrating together,” said Dr. Michael Spitz, CEO at ArcelorMittal Texas HBI. “We’re proud to support Buc Days and bring families out for a fun, free day here in Portland.”