Borderland leap year capital of the world prepares for massive celebration

ANTHONY, Texas — Two neighboring towns on the Texas, New Mexico border are preparing for a leap year celebration and attracting people from across the country.

Anthony, Texas, city leaders will host a parade on Monday for people born on Feb. 29, so-called 'leaplings.' Friday, the group toured University at Texas El Paso and the La Fe cultural center.

Saturday and Sunday, people will tour Las Cruces and Mesilla, New Mexico and Anthony, Texas.

The celebration began in 1988 when Anthony, Texas, resident Mary Ann Brown and her neighbor, Birdie Lewis, realized they shared the same leap year birthday. Brown said she wanted to celebrate and promote the community. Every year, the celebration grew from small gathering to parades and tours.

Brown said she can't believe how far a small idea has come.

"It didn't occur to me that it would be this big, but I did think it would be special. I said if we were having a celebration, it would promote our community," said Brown.

She is turning 21 years old in leap years Monday.

The parade starts Monday at 10 a.m. on Wildcat Drive. It ends at the Municipal Park in Anthony, Texas.