Sunday, April 14, 2019

Fiesta is almost here in San Antonio (Just a thought) La Prensa 4-14


Fiesta is almost here!
 By Steve Walker

With Fiesta 2019 officially just 4 days away, San Antonio is looking to celebrate another successful and exciting tradition. The April 18th opening ceremony will once again offer a fun experience that I will have the privilege of covering it for La Prensa Texas as well as my photo-blog http://www.walkerreport,net . With an anticipated record crowd of Fiesta-goers to include music, dancing, speeches from dignitaries, it will be totally awesome! 

The official opening of Fiesta 2019 will be at HemisFair Plaza at 434 South Alamo Street from 3-9 p.m. 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. April 18th.

Fiesta is also the “Party with a Purpose” because more than 100 local nonprofit organizations and military units create the more than 100 terrific events that take place over 11 days. Those nonprofit organizations spend the rest of the year giving back to the community of San Antonio.
The Texas Cavalier Parade is one of my more memorable parades. Civic and community leaders make up the Texas Cavaliers Organization. They support local charitable organizations with their time and financial contributions. Don’t forget to bring home some medals as souvenirs from the parade and fiesta. The city sells and gives away some 30,000 medals.

The crowd along the river is sometimes overwhelming, as one who tries to navigate it, shooting photos of the smiling happy participants and on-lookers. I have come very close to falling into the river on more than one occasion.  Get ready for Fiesta 2019, as it is upon us! April 22nd 7-9 p.m.

Be sure to enjoy an evening of free Fiesta fun for the entire family with the crowning of the 71st Rey Feo on the 19th and continue celebrating with Rey Feo, Fiesta Royalty members, after the crowning at 418 Villita featuring great food and music @ 7 p.m. to include great food and spirits.

Then there is great news on the 24th. The second annual SAC Fiesta Brunch hosted by San Antonio College will have one of the biggest stars in show business on hand. Are you ready for this?

 Rita Moreno, the film and theatre legend is one of 15 people in the nation to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award.  She is also a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.

Rita Moreno will be the keynote speaker for the event that day. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Pearl Stable, located at 307 Pearl Pkwy. Nationally-renowned motivational speaker, Roy Juarez, Jr., will emcee.

No visit to the Fiesta San Antonio would be complete without seeing the Battle of the Flowers Parade. This parade has the special distinction of being the only parade in the U.S. that’s planning and direction is completed by women. It’s the Fiesta’s biggest parade, and it’s only rival in size in the nation is from the Tournament of Roses.9:30 a.m-2:30 p.m. April 26th.

Another exciting parade is the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. You might think if you’ve seen one parade you’ve seen them all, but “No” you haven’t. You will be missing out. The Fiesta Flambeau is the biggest illuminated night parade in the United States. You will experience marching bands in lock step, dancers, precise drill teams and much more. Everything takes place under a spectacular array of lights. 27th April, 7 p.m. -10:30 p.m.

Lastly, don’t forget to spend some quality time with your relatives at the festivals within the Fiesta. A Night in San Antonio is a four-night event put on by the San Antonio Conservation Society. It features 15 different themed areas, such as the French Quarter and Clown Alley. The proceeds for this part of the Fiesta help with historic preservation throughout the city.

Fiesta 2019 is ready to accommodate thousands of participants have a San ntonio Fiesta to remember. Drive safe, be aware of your surroundings and lots s, what I write is “Just a Thought.”
Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran, former journalist and Justice of the Peace

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