"Justa Thought" Column continues in La Prensa of SA, 4-10

Just a Thought: Fiesta 2016 is here
By Steve Walker

The 125th celebration of Fiesta is now only four days away with opening ceremonies, Thursday at 6 p.m. in front of the Alamo. Fiesta Royalty and special guests like the Air Force Band of the West will perform along with other types of performers who will also be on stage.

Adjacent to the Alamo stage is the sell or trade Fiesta pins and medals at Pin Pandemonium on the Alamo grounds near the Main Gazebo, which kicks off the festivities at 5 p.m.

Then there is the opening ceremonies of the Carnival over behind the Alamodome with “Thrills and chills to fill the air.” Glittering lights, a variety of rides and a wide assortment of foods in downtown San Antonio make the Carnival experience a perennial favorite of Fiesta®-goers. The Carnival will run every night from April 14^th-April 24^th in the evening with various times ranging from 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. 11 p.m. or midnight. The revenue from this event helps support the activities of Fiesta.

April 15^th begins the Taste of New Orleans in the Sunken Garden in Brackenridge Park. If you want to experience unique and exquisite New Orleans food, don't miss this three-day fest, alive and kickin' with the tastes and sounds of 'Nawlins.

You can experience Creole and Cajun dishes like gumbo, crawfish, shrimp etouffee, red beans & rice, boudin and many other favorite cuisines of New Orleans.

The event features toe tappin' music from Dixieland to Smooth Jazz and Zydeco, straight from the Crescent City. The Sunken Garden is ADA accessible. Blankets, strollers and folding chairs are welcome.

The San Antonio Zulu Association/SAZA Commission Inc. which sponsors the event is a benevolent not-for-profit organization founded with the mission to assist the greater San Antonio community. The organization reaches out to the community by providing youth the opportunity to further their education through scholarships.

For the past eight years I have been actively covering Fiesta events by shooting photos for my photo blog Walker Report and also for La Prensa. I begin with the opening ceremony in the Alamo Plaza and Carnival, move on to the crowning of El Rey Feo on Friday and the Taste of New Orleans on Saturday From there it is the River Parade, the Battle of Flowers, and various events as Fiesta progresses.

With the River Parade on the horizon as well as the Battle of Flowers, (my favorite) I might see some of you out there in the streets with my camera and press pass. If so, be sure to say hello and enjoy Fiesta.

I shared in last week’s column that this year’s Grand Marshall for the Battle of Flowers Parade is none other than International singer and motivational speaker Dr. Patsy Torres, who I have known for over 20 years. I have also written about her for La Prensa twice in the past. I look forward to covering her in photos at the Battle of Flowers Parade this year.

As always, what I write is “Just a Thought.”  

Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran and former Justice of the Peace and Journalist.