McDonald’s characters announced as Fiesta Flambeau Parade’s honorary grand marshal

SAN ANTONIO – Ronald McDonald and his cast of friends were announced as the 2026 Fiesta Flambeau Parade’s honorary grand marshal during a Wednesday press conference.

Ronald, Birdie, Hamburglar and Grimace will join SeaWorld San Antonio’s Shamu and Crew during the April 25 parade through downtown San Antonio.

San Antonio’s Flambeau Parade is the largest illuminated night parade in the United States.

>> Fiesta Flambeau Association announces nostalgic new theme for 2026 parade

The press conference was held at a McDonald’s in the 9600 block of Interstate 10.

A spokesperson for the association called the role of honorary grand marshal “a true American icon.”

“We are thrilled for this opportunity to collaborate with the heritage and tradition of the Fiesta Flambeau Parade,” said Ned Stagg, a representative of the more than 120 McDonald’s restaurants in San Antonio.

This year’s parade theme is “Adventures in Toyland. Shamu and Crew was announced as the Flambeau grand marshal in November.

Read more Fiesta 2026 coverage from KSAT:

• Fiesta Flambeau Association announces nostalgic new theme for 2026 parade
• Fiesta Flambeau Parade Association reveals 2026 grand marshal medal
• Texas Cavaliers announce founders of nature-based nonprofit as 2026 River Parade celebrity grand marshals
• Shamu and Crew announced as grand marshal for 2026 Fiesta Flambeau Parade
• WATCH: NIOSA reveals Fiesta 2026 medal
• Switchfoot, Candlebox top artists performing at Fiesta Oyster Bake 2026