Danny Loff, the founder of Sombrero Festival, designed the first iconic sombrero logo and laid the foundation for a community tradition that celebrates Brownsville’s vibrant culture and Charro Days spirit.

Mary Alice Loya , president in 1991, led with unwavering dedication to cultural preservation, ensuring the festival remained rooted in the traditions of Charro Days.

Jose Luis Martinez, president in 1994, focused on supporting local artists, showcasing their talent through the festivals events and designs.

Mary Jane Escareno, serving as president in 1997, strengthened cultural ties by fostering collaboration and promoting unity among festival attendees.

Sammy Herrera, president in 2000, expanded the festivals entertainment options, introducing dynamic attractions that enhanced the overall experience.

Adrian Garcia, president in 2003, maintained the festivals traditions while incorporating modern elements to keep the event fresh and engaging.

Tommy Bermudez, serving in 2006, expanded cultural representation within the festival, adding diverse elements to celebrate Brownsvilles heritage.

Gabriel Gabe Pena, president in 2010, brought energy and innovation to the festival, introducing fresh activities that invigorated the event.

Olga Gonzalez, leading the festival in 2013, celebrated local talent by spotlighting artists and performers as central figures in the event.

Letty Rodriguez, president in 2016, brought cultural flair to the festival, incorporating vibrant designs and creative programming that captivated audiences.

Margarito Maldonado, leading the festival in 2019, focused on cultural celebration, emphasizing the importance of preserving and showcasing Brownsvilles traditions.

Patricia H. Gonzalez, leading the festival in 2022, revitalized traditions and brought the community together to celebrate the return of inperson festivities.

Mark Barnard, the second president of the Sombrero Festival, continued to build on the foundation established by the festival's founder, bringing fresh ideas to enhance the Charro Days celebration.

In 1992, Alonso Tiny Barrientes introduced familyfriendly features to the festival, making it an inclusive celebration for attendees of all ages.

Jack Loff, leading the festival in 1995, enhanced its traditional elements while modernizing the experience to engage new generations.

David Vela, president in 1998, fostered cultural pride by highlighting Brownsvilles rich traditions and ensuring they remained central to the festival.

Roberto Solis, serving as president in 2001, focused on youth engagement by incorporating programs and activities designed to inspire younger generations.

Poncho Gomez, leading in 2004, brought innovative ideas to the festival, ensuring its continued growth and relevance within the community.

Sandra Herrera, president in 2007, emphasized inclusivity, ensuring the festival was welcoming to all members of the community.

JJ Gonzalez, serving in 2011, focused on community engagement by involving local groups and ensuring their active participation in the festival.

Norma Gomez, president in 2014, enhanced familyoriented events, creating programs that catered to attendees of all ages and strengthened the festivals community appeal.

Emily Mathers, serving as president in 2017, introduced modern themes to the festival, blending traditional elements with contemporary ideas to attract new audiences.

Anika Aviles, president in 2020, emphasized community support by maintaining the festivals role in bringing people together during challenging times.

Lupita Vera, president in 2023, introduced innovative ideas while maintaining the festivals strong cultural roots, ensuring its legacy for future generations.

Dan Alaniz, president in 1989 and 1990, prioritized community involvement by fostering partnerships and emphasizing inclusivity, ensuring the festival represented the heart of Brownsville.

David Hanawa, president in 1993, championed cultural themes, bringing vibrant traditions and artistry to the forefront of the festivals programming.

In 1996, Robert Bobby Lerma expanded the festivals outreach efforts, encouraging broader community participation and involvement.

Molly Plitt , leading the festival in 1999, promoted inclusivity by creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone in the community.

A. Roy Gonzalez , president in 2002, championed local talent by providing platforms for artists and performers to showcase their creativity.

David Musso, president in 2005, celebrated the festivals history, commemorating its milestones and honoring the contributions of past leaders.

Roy De los Santos, president in 2008 and 2009, expanded festival partnerships by collaborating with local organizations to enhance the events programming.

Sergio Rodriguez, president in 2012, expanded cultural representation, adding diverse elements to reflect the communitys rich heritage.

Dillon Vanderford, leading the festival in 2015, celebrated its milestones by honoring its legacy and the achievements of past leaders.

Connie Hensley, president in 2018, prioritized festival traditions, ensuring the event remained rooted in its cultural heritage while exploring opportunities for growth.

The Virtual Festival in 2021 adapted to challenges by embracing a digital format, ensuring the spirit of the festival continued despite unforeseen circumstances.

Neal Mathers, the 2023 president of Sombrero Festival, turned the event into a dynamic celebration, embodying the motto 'Now It’s a Party!' with innovative ideas and energetic programming.