It's getting really busy here at the Fiesta Commission office. As soon as San Antonians put away their Christmas decorations, thoughts turn to Fiesta. Our phones have been busy--people are calling about street chairs for the Battle of Flowers and Flambeau parades, among other things.

(More than 100 small nonprofits, like Scout Troops and civic clubs, will start selling the seats at the end of this month. That's when the parade route map will go live again, too.)

Last night we had a very successful Mardi Gras gala with about 300 people attending at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel. The proceeds will go into the Fiesta Commission Charitable Foundation. That organization donates its funds to Fiesta member organizations that are 501(c)(3)s.

We're planning a Jan. 22 news conference at St. Philip's College (Culture Fest & Rib Cookoff) with officials from AT&T, a Fiesta corporate partner. We'll be talking about how the commission and the company are joining forces to promote the value of education to San Antonio students and their parents.

Our volunteer coordinator and our merchandise manager are scheduling volunteers like mad. Those dedicated folks are folding t-shirts, putting price tags on merchandise and making items for sale in The Fiesta Store. The store opens officially Feb. 17, with a grand opening Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. But if you just have to have a Fiesta item before that, we'll take you into the store to shop. You can't see the merchandise with the 2010 poster image yet. But we still have lots of things for sale.

If you want to become a special part of Fiesta, join the commission as an individual or business member. You can get 15 percent off of all official merchandise sold here. We've seen people who have saved enough with that discount to make up their membership fee! Our staff and volunteers will send you other member benefits as soon as we have your information and payment.

After January, things will really start jumping. We're planning our annual Poster Unveiling ceremony. It's set for Feb. 16 at the St. Anthony Hotel. We invite all of our members to this great party. So join soon, and you can attend!

We'll keep you posted on other news as it happens.