Just a Thought: 2018 Fiesta Full Blown @ HemisFair 4-19-29

Just a Thought: Fiesta full blown
By Steve Walker

With Fiesta 2018 just days away, San Antonio is looking to celebrate another successful and exciting tradition. The April 19th opening ceremony will once again offer a fun experience that I will have the privilege of covering one more time for my photo-blog Walker Report. With an anticipated record crowd of Fiesta-goers to include music, dancing, speeches from dignitaries, it is awesome. 

The official opening of Fiesta 2018 will be at HemisFair Plaza at 434 South Alamo Street. There will be live entertainment, and the opportunity to greet Official Fiesta Royalty and special guests. You can buy, sell or trade Fiesta pins and medals at Pin Pandemonium.

The 20th will feature Combine Rey Feo--a cherished Fiesta icon, with Market Square a historic landmark in the heart of the city. It is one of the largest free celebrations. Also the crowning of Rey Feo will be held at 900 East Market Street.

The 21st there are over 25 events around the city to include: Investiture of King Antonio at 300 Alamo Plaza and the taste of New Orleans, Japanese Tea Gardens, located at 3875 North St. Mary’s. On the 22nd Pop Up, Fiestas in the galleries will be held at the Witte Museum, 3802 Broadway.

The 23rd the Air Force at the Alamo will have various units perform as well as a working dog demonstration and the Texas Cavalier River Parade. The 24th will feature exciting rides and a variety of food at 449 South Cherry Street.

The 25th will feature a Fiesta hat competition and luncheon at 16641 La Cantera Parkway, and the 26^th the Fiesta San Fernando at 231 West Commerce will take place. 

fThe 27^th hosts the 10^th Street River Festival at the VFW Post 76 and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade at Grayson and Broadway. Then there is the big one on the 28^th. The Battle of Flowers Parade at Grayson and Broadway will draw thousands!

Finally the 29th hosts Festival of Cascarones at One University Way, home of Texas A&M University. Remember these are just a sampling of the many events.

You can go to www.walkerreport.net during Fiesta and see the photos of the upcoming events that I will cover throughout the 10 day extravaganza! By the time Fiesta concludes I hope to cover between 10+ Fiesta events. I am already tired just thinking about it.

 I have many fond memories of past Fiestas over the past thirty years.

The one event that made Fiesta worth covering for me in the past but is no longer an official event was the St. Gregory’s Catholic Church and School Festival located on Dewhurst in Balcones Heights. Having attended the school from 1956-1960, (5^th-8^th grade) I readily admit I was extremely fond of that particular event.

The Texas Cavalier Parade is also one of my more memorable parades. The crowd along the river is sometimes overwhelming, as one who tries to navigate it, shooting photos of the smiling happy participants and onlookers. I have come very close to falling into the river on more than one occasion.  Get ready for Fiesta 2018, as it is upon us!

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

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