Laredo's Washington's Birthday celebration began after the local lodge of the Great Council of Texas of the Improved Order of Red Men decided in 1897 to organize a celebration of George Washington's birthday. On February 21, 1898, the Red Men held a two-day festival featuring a mock battle, parade, concert, reproduction of the Boston Tea Party, and fireworks. The next celebration was held in 1900, beginning the annual observance of the tradition. In 1902, the city of Laredo and the Chamber of Commerce became involved, and in 1923 the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association of Laredo formed and began overseeing the festival. Annual events came to include galas, parades, luncheons, and a bridge ceremony intended to unite the cultures of Mexico and the United States in festivity. Started in 1900 with a meeting of the mayors of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, the bridge ceremony grew more elaborate over time and often included important political officials such as Texas governors, U.S. senators and representatives, and cabinet members. Other events added through the years also sought to promote a positive relationship between the United States and Mexico. Today the celebration lasts as long as three to four weeks each year, brings millions of dollars into the city, and remains a vital part of Laredo's tradition and economy.