This year as I was wandering around during Fiesta I had the chance to talk to several folks from out of town visiting during Fiesta.  Of course they asked about the medals everyone was wearing and what they were about.  I always wondered what people visiting thought about our strange Fiesta tradition of looking like third world generals.  Surely they think we San Antonians must be crazy to walk around with more bling on than we can possibly wear.

Some people make it a point when collecting medals to always have them given to them.  They feel proud when they don't have to pay for the bling, sort of a symbol of pride.  Let me offer some advice to you the next time you collect a medal.  Remember that when you purchase that medal the proceeds go back to the organization to help benefit their programs or projects.  That's what Fiesta is really all about.  It's more than just a party.  It's possibly one of the biggest fundraisers for many non-profit organizations in San Antonio.

Those street chairs you sit in to watch the parade help benefit Scout troops, church youth groups, youth sports programs and many more worthy causes.  The bleachers help provide funds for scholarships, as well as the oysters you consume during the biggest bake in the country.  The anticuchos and calf fries help preserve some of San Antonio's cherished history.

Fiesta was founded with a purpose of bringing together non-profit organizations in one big celebration to commemorate the Battle of San Jacinto.  Entry as a participating member organization requires that the organization be a non-profit group.  None of the money goes into anyone's pocket.  It's used to provide much needed community support after the last cascaron is cracked.

So the next time you go searching for a medal, thinking about purchasing it instead.  Help make Fiesta the party that keeps on giving.