News

Deal yourself fun at Fiesta Casino Night Gala

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There's still time to make your plans for the Fiesta Commission's Jan. 14 Casino Night Gala!

Gala tickets for $150 are available in advance and at the door of the event at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel, 205 East Houston St. You or your organization can also sponsor a table:

$1,500 for a Gunslinger sponsorship.
$2,000 for a Wyatt Earp sponsorship.
$10,000 for a Sheriff sponsorship.

For those who want to party hard and stay safe, the Gunter is offering a great room rate of just $99! That special is thanks to Elected Commissioner Debbie Gonzalez, the hotel's general manager. Call the hotel at (210) 227-3241 for reservations and mention Casino Night.

The party starts at 6 p.m. and includes Vegas-style games, food, an open bar, door prizes, a raffle drawing and a live auction.

You can also enjoy two live shows featuring former Miss Fiesta San Antonio Erica Gonzaba and other Fiesta queens. They'll show you that "Fiesta's Got Talent!"

To buy your tickets for this bodacious bash, call the commission at 227-5191 or e-mail fiesta@fiesta-sa.org. Don't delay--act today!

All proceeds go to the Fiesta Commission Charitable Corp.

Promotion of "Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo"

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Promotion of "Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo"
during Feb. 24 Fiesta news conference

Introduction of new Fiesta kickoff event

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction of "Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo"
at 2009 Fiesta Poster Unveiling, Feb. 18, 2009

Fiesta president, artist reveal 2009 poster

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fiesta Commission President Charles Barrett and artist Billy Mitchell revealed the Fiesta 2009 poster Feb. 18 at the commission's annual Poster Unveiling at the historic St. Anthony Hotel.

Some 600 Fiesta Commission members and guests attended the event. They mingled with Fiesta royalty, military ambassadors, Fiesta corporate sponsors and representatives of many official Fiesta guests.

Cynthia Lee, news anchor for KABB, an official Fiesta TV station, emceed the ceremony. Mark Koshnick, president of Capital One Bank for San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley, received a framed copy of the new poster. Capital One was the event underwriter.

Guests also met representatives of new and returning Fiesta events, placed bids on items in a silent auction and were the very first to buy official Fiesta merchandise at a store in the hotel lobby.

Fiesta Carnival opens today!

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

April 15, 2009

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
*CONTACT: Ron Weber (757) 482-5727*

FIESTA CARNIVAL OPENS TODAY - FREE ADMISSION

San Antonio - Wednesday, April 15th marks the opening day for one of Fiesta San Antonio's most popular events, the Fiesta Carnival. The Fiesta Carnival is now located at Alamodome Parking Lot C and the added space is packed with new rides, games and attractions. Wade Shows, one of the top 3 carnival companies in the country, will be producing the Fiesta Carnival this year.

"We will have over 40 rides, dozens of food and game stands, free circus acts and free nightly musical entertainment on the main stage", said Frank Zaitshik, owner of Wade Shows. Some of the largest and most unique portable amusement rides in the country will be among the lineup on the Fiesta Carnival midway. At the top of the list is the Zyklon roller coaster, one of the largest portable coasters in the country. 150 feet long, with six cars, drops and twists and turns, the Zyklon is one of the most popular attractions on the midway. Another death-defying spectacle is the 130-foot tall Mega Drop. Riders travel up the long tower to the top of the ride, with the entire midway in full view. Seconds later, the seats plummet to the ground, only to be stopped, at the last second, by the elaborate braking system. This ride is thrilling just to watch. The Magnum is a third attraction sure to be talked about during the event. The only portable model in the United States, the Magnum is manufactured in Holland by Mondial. With thousands of flashing lights, a flipping action for the cars and high rates of speed, the Magnum is a great crowd pleaser.

In addition to the large spectacular rides there are lots of old favorites and dozens of rides for the kids. The Tilt-A -Whirl, Slide and Ferris Wheel are all on the midway along with the trains, cars, motorcycles, berries and balloons that populate kiddieland.

The Fiesta Carnival also has free nightly circus acts, free main stage musical entertainment and food, rides and games for all ages. Unlimited ride tickets are available each night for $18 Mondays through Thursdays and $20 on Fridays through Sundays. $3 discount coupons are available through www.wadeshows.com.

The Fiesta Carnival runs today through Sunday, April 26th at Alamodome Parking Lot C. Admission to the carnival is free. For a full lineup of musical entertainment, rides and attractions, visit www.wadeshows.com.

Find clues to a Royal Carribean cruise online

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Royal Caribbean International is hitting the road in style to spread the word about the cruise line's new online game, "Clues to the Cruise."� Check it out this Friday and Saturday in Maverick Park on Broadway.

A visually captivating vehicle - the centerpiece of which is a mobile ball pit - is traveling coast-to-coast, bringing the game to life and offering consumers the opportunity to learn about Royal Caribbean's unparalleled vacation experience, as well as compete to win exciting prizes and cruises.

Be sure to visit www.cluestothecruise.com for more chances to win prizes from Royal Caribbean - including a cruise!

New item in Fiesta Store--great photo book

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Fiesta Store, 2611 Broadway, just put a new Fiesta souvenir on the shelves.

It's Viva! Fiesta, a photo book produced by the San Antonio Express-News.

The book has several hundred photos of Fiesta covering more than a century of the Alamo City's biggest, best festival. It's $34.95 at the store. Come check it out. Maybe you'll see yourself, or a relative or friend.

Metropolitan Ballet to host regional festival as its Fiesta event

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet, one of the 100 official members of the Fiesta San Antonio Commission, is hosting a very special event for 2010.

It's The Art of Dance, a festival featuring some 600 talented performers from 24 companies in four states. They'll dance April 8-10 at Municipal Auditorium. Though the festival happens a week before Fiesta's official April 15 start, the dancing is an official Fiesta event.

The Art of Dance was inadvertently omitted from the Fiesta 2010 schedule brochure, but it's in the Program Magazine and in the Schedule and Event Descriptions pages of this website. Please tell all the ballet lovers you know about these great upcoming performances.

De Luna's Fiesta roots run very deep

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Erwin De Luna takes his Fiesta responsibilities as seriously as he does his Native American heritage.

That's why Fiesta Commission President Mary Begia chose him as her 2010 presidential appointee.

"Erwin really is a wonderful example of a Fiesta volunteer," Begia said. "He always raises his hand first."

De Luna's first Fiesta involvement dates back to 1963. That's when he marched with his Boy Scout troop's drum and bugle corps in the Battle of Flowers Parade.

Now the President of United San Antonio Pow Wow Inc., he serves as the Pow Wow's commissioner and as a prior elected commissioner.
He rarely misses meetings, Begia said. He voices his opinion. He engages the members of the committees he chairs.

He's also a member of the Fiesta Flambeau Parade Association and the San Antonio Conservation Society, two other PMOs.

Getting involved has been De Luna's mission throughout his life, he said. He is an Eagle Scout and has led both Boy and Girl Scout troops. He organizes and attends pow wows to educate others about Native American history and Culture. He danced at the opening of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian. He's active in his church.

At the same time, he's had a full career with the State of Texas. He and his wife, Rose Mary, have raised two daughters and enjoy their five grandchildren.

Why does he do it all? Not just because the work is important, he said. He also donates his time and talents because it's fun to be a part of Fiesta.

Memorials

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Steen Jr. and Mrs. Tina Flatten made donations to the Fiesta Commission Charitable Foundation in memory of Edward H. Kurth.

Military-Civilian Club Ambassador Reception

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction of Fiesta Military Ambassadors for 2009 at Military-Civilian Club Reception, March 16

New leaders take their seats for Fiesta 2010

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Fiesta San Antonio Commission elected new officers at its May meeting to lead the organization through Fiesta 2010. They are:

President Mary Begia. She was president elect for 2009 and has served in previous officer positions. She is a past president of the Miss Fiesta San Antonio Scholarship Pageant.
President Elect Sam Bell Steves II. He was senior vice president for 2009. Steves reigned as King Antonio in 2004.
Senior Vice President Susan Reed. For 2009 Reed was a vice president. She chaired the carnival committee and the Fiesta Fiesta event committee.
Vice President Penny McCutchen Gardner. She was also vice president in 2008. Gardner is a former president of the Miss Fiesta San Antonio Scholarship Pageant and Queen of Soul Inc.
Vice President Marilyn Eldridge. She served as treasurer for 2009 and is a past president of the Battle of Flowers Association.
Secretary Cristina Gonzalez. A newcomer to the Fiesta Commission executive committee, Gonzalez is president of Lo Bello de San Antonio Women's Club, a Fiesta participating member organization. She also served as an elected commissioner.
Treasurer Fernando Reyes. He was a Fiesta elected commissioner and reigned as el Rey Feo in 2008.
Charles Barrett Jr., the 2009 president, will remain on the executive committee as immediate past president.
Erwin De Luna. Begia asked De Luna to be her presidential appointee. He is also president of United San Antonio Pow Wow, which produces the Celebrations of Traditions Pow Wow.

New elected commissioners are Judge Roy Barrera, Vangie Flores. Charlie Garza, Dr. Dennis Gutzman, Cynthia Lee, Bob Murdock, Maria Ramirez, Emily Thigpen Solis, Christine Turner and Terri Williams.

Begia chose James Fenimore as an elected commissioner in June to replace Lindsey Musch. She now serves on the commission's executive committee as president of the Miss Fiesta San Antonio Scholarship Pageant.

Other executive committee members include:

Alison Boone, Battle of Flowers Association.
Klaus Heide, Beethoven Maennerchor Inc.
Tony Alvarado, Fiesta Flambeau Parade Association.
Helen Pohly, Military-Civilian Club.
John Park, The Order of the Alamo.
Rolette Schreckenghost-Smith, San Antonio Conservation Society.
Larry Taylor, San Antonio Zulu Association.
Bill Mitchell, Texas Cavaliers.

The new leaders began their terms June 1.

New Queen of Soul crowned

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ashley Dixon, a 19-year-old St. Philip's College student, received the 2009 Queen of Soul crown March 28 at the Carver Cultural Community Center.

Here's a link to a MySanAntonio.com slide show of the pageant.

Membership numbers continue to climb

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By Linda Skop
Creative Coordinator

Just like Sir Edmund Hillary, the Fiesta Commission continues the arduous climb up our membership mountain toward its goal of $150,000.

As of mid-March we had collected more than $126,000. We so much appreciate each and every individual, couple and business that has shown support for Fiesta and the good work it does in the San Antonio community.

Commission volunteers met in December to prepare a mailout of membership entitlements, and we're planning another in March.
The commission has received many compliments on our 2009 calendar. Thanks to all the PMOs who shared pictures of their event for the monthly pages.

We had our Christmas Members Only event during the holidays. The event was very successful. The guests enjoyed a musical performance from the Beethoven Maennerchor, and Santa Claus, played by Jim Rhodes, was a big hit with everyone.

The 2009 Poster unveiling was another big success with about 600 members attending in February at the St. Anthony Hotel. The commission's third annual silent auction took in $6,500, which benefits our membership campaign.

Fiesta Track Meet date changed because of weather

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Fiesta Track Meet set for April 18 at Fox Tech High School has been moved to May 9 because of threatening weather.

The San Antonio Independent School District made the change, said Doris Horne Ellison of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. The sorority sponsors the event.

The meet will go from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school, 727 Quincy, on the new date, Ellison said.

The 25th annual track meet is for youths ages 6 through 14. The Fiesta Program Magazine says, "This event is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop good sportsmanship skills. Students gain a feeling of accomplishment while participating in a healthy multicultural activity. All students receive certificates of participation. Winners receive ribbons. Schools receive participation and sportsmanship trophies."

Admission is free for spectators. There is a $2 registration fee per participant. For more information call 654-0178 or 599-0855.

Carnival musical lineup here

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

April 13, 2009

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
*CONTACT: Ron Weber (757) 482-5727*

FIESTA CARNIVAL ANNOUNCES MUSICAL LINEUP

San Antonio - Fiesta San Antonio is filled with music throughout the event. This year, The Fiesta Carnival, April15 - 26, will be another place festival goers can experience great musical entertainment.

"The move of the carnival from downtown out to the Alamodone gave us some extra room for more rides and entertainment", said Frank Zaitshik, owner of Wade Shows, the company that produces Fiesta Carnival. "We have booked an outstanding lineup of music for our customers to enjoy free of charge. We are so much more than just a carnival this year", Zaitshik added.

Musical performances include Norte�o, Tejano, Cumbia and Duranguence bands. With many different styles of music represented, the free main stage at Fiesta Carnival offers something for everyone. The full music line up is as follows:

Friday, April 17
�8:00-8:45 p.m. �� 9:00-9:45 p.m. �� 10:00-11:00 p.m.
Grupo Inizzio �� Los Kaballeros �� Los Marineros del Norte

Saturday, April 18
8:00-8:45 �� 9:00-9:45 p.m. �� 10:00-11:00 p.m.
Los Traficantes de SLP �� Los Potrillos de Chihuahua �� Los Monarcas de SLP

Sunday, April 19
6:00-7:15 p.m. �� 7:30-8:45 p.m. �� 9:00-10:00 p.m.
Fantacia Musical �� Los LLaneros de Ojinaga �� Arranke Musical

Monday, April 20, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Grupo Pasion

Tuesday, April 21, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Grupo Inizzio

Wednesday, April 22, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Rey Avila

Thursday, April 23, 7:00-8:20 p.m. �� 8:30-10:00 p.m.
Esclavo �� Los Kaballeros

Friday, April 24
6:45-7:45 p.m. �� 8:00-9:30 p.m. �� 9:45-11:00 p.m.
Hilda Mendoza Acompa�ada �� Grupo Pasion �� Los Pescadores Del Rio Conchos
del Mariachi Nuevo Jalisco

Saturday, April 25
8:00-8:45 p.m. �� 9:00-9:45 p.m. �� 10:00-11:00 p.m.
Esclavo �� La Calma �� Los Potrillos de Chihuahua

Sunday, April 26
6:30-8:00 p.m. �� 8:30-10:00 p.m.
Rey Avila �� Los Norte�os de Ojinaga

All performances are on the main stage of Fiesta Carnival at the Alamodome.

Admission to the Fiesta Carnival is free and all musical and entertainment acts are free.

Ride ticket are sold at the event. Visit www.wadeshows.com for additional information.

Fiesta 2009 now part of history

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fiesta 2009 is now part of San Antonio history.

The city has done its usual great job of cleaning up the parade route. Wade Shows has broken down the carnival rides. Scout troops and others have turned in thousands of chairs. Hotel employees have carried tons of luggage to departing cars. Vendors are on their way home.

The Fiesta San Antonio Commission will be surveying its nonprofit member organizations soon to get an idea of 2009 attendance and revenue. Event officials have said that the first weekend's weather affected crowd numbers. But heavy rains pretty much held off until the day after the festival ended.

Some 13,000 people of all ages came to Alamo Plaza April 16 for Fiesta Fiesta, the new kickoff event. They loved the music, the children's area, appearances by royalty, all the pins and medals, and lots more. Fiesta staff have heard that the evening was a big hit for everyone who came.

Millions of residents and visitors went to the other 106 events throughout the 11 days. Even yesterday, the last day, had a full schedule of 17 activities, including the Carnival, Fiestas Fantas�as at Market Square, Fiesta San Fernando and the Charreada.

One new event debuted Sunday. The San Antonio Municipal Band presented the Sounds of San Antonio, a rousing concert featuring everything from John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever" to "Granada," sung by young tenor Rafael Moras Jr.. The free concert at San Antonio College's McAllister Auditorium delighted an audience of several hundred.

The program also featured Charles L. Booker Jr.'s "La Fiesta de San Antonio," a piece commissioned in 2007 by the John Marshall High School Band. Booker is associate professor and director of bands at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.

What was your favorite Fiesta 2009 experience? You can post it on our blog or on our Facebook page (if you're not a Facebook member, you can sign up for free).

Just 354 days until Fiesta 2010!

Photo top left: Marine Ambassadors salute at the end of the All Veterans Memorial Service Sunday at Auditorium Circle (photo by Jon Alonzo).

Photo lower right: Stephen Cavender (King Antonio LXXXVII) waves as he rides in the arena at A Day in Old Mexico and Charreada Sunday (photo by Jon Alonzo).

Unveiling, silent auction highlight poster party

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fiesta Commission members mingled, shopped, made bids and cheered the official 2009 poster during the annual Poster Unveiling party Feb. 18 at the St. Anthony Hotel.

For the third year Capital One Bank underwrote the event, which some 600 people attended. Mark Koshnick, bank president for San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley, greeted the guests and said that Capital One was proud to be a Fiesta sponsor.

The high point of the evening came when Fiesta Commission President Charles Barrett and artist Billy Mitchell revealed Mitchell's poster. The artwork shows the San Juan Capistrano Mission tower with multicolored ribbons streaming from the tower's bells.

The party included a silent auction, which raised more than $6,000 for the Fiesta Commission's membership fund. The 76 donated items included jewelry, Spurs tickets, gift certificates and a Spurs jersey autographed by Tony Parker. The commission thanks merchants who donated items.

After the ceremony guests became the first people to shop for official Fiesta merchandise. Artist Mitchell was on hand to sign copies of his poster and other items.

Fiesta Commission President Charles Barrett (right) and artist Billy Mitchell reveal the Fiesta 2009 poster Feb. 18 at the St. Anthony Hotel. Some 600 members and others attended the unveiling party. (Photo by Jon Alonzo)

President's Message

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fiesta 2009 is now part of San Antonio's history. Fiesta Commission staff and volunteers are now well under way with plans for Fiesta 2010.

As you know, the commission made major changes to our Opening Ceremony this year. We moved it from Friday morning to Thursday evening. Vice President Susan Reed and her committee planned a lively street party in front of the Alamo, with lots of great music, a children's area and a beautiful fireworks finale! Many of our participating member organizations, or PMOs, helped make this kickoff event a success. Some sold their Fiesta foods or merchandise. Others offered their official pins. And some, like the royalty and Urban 15, marched in mini-parades around the area.

It was a great new way to get Fiesta started. We've already begun planning for the 2010 event (mark April 15 on your calendar). Vice President Marilyn Eldridge is the chair. She'd like your input. Please fill out and return the survey inserted into this newsletter issue. Tell us what you think!

That's a different survey from the one we ask our PMOs to complete right after Fiesta. In that questionnaire, 74 percent of respondents said their 2009 attendance was the same as or greater than in 2008, and more than 28 percent said they'd had record attendance. Seventy-one percent said their event income was the same as or more than last year, and almost 23 percent took in the most ever.

Considering the economic challenges we're facing, those are wonderful results! They show the strength of Fiesta as a San Antonio institution. It has something for everyone. About 60 of our events have free admission. Ticket prices for the others range from a couple of dollars to $100. Families can plan their Fiesta schedules to match their resources. And word is getting out that the money residents and visitors spend goes to a lot of very good causes all over the city. In other words, Fiesta never ends!

Mary Begia

Former Fiesta presidents gather for dinner

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fiesta Commission President Charles Barrett (center) enjoys a moment with the two most senior former presidents of the Fiesta Commission. They are Peter Hennessey (left), of 1968 and Ralph Lehr of 1971. Almost 30 former presidents were joined by executive committee members March 10 for their annual get-together at Club Giraud. (Photo by Chuck Blische)

News

Deal yourself fun at Fiesta Casino Night Gala

Promotion of "Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo"

Promotion of "Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo"during Feb. 24 Fiesta news conference

Introduction of new Fiesta kickoff event

Introduction of "Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo"at 2009 Fiesta Poster Unveiling, Feb. 18, 2009

Fiesta president, artist reveal 2009 poster

Fiesta Carnival opens today!

Find clues to a Royal Carribean cruise online

New item in Fiesta Store--great photo book

Metropolitan Ballet to host regional festival as its Fiesta event

De Luna's Fiesta roots run very deep

Memorials

Military-Civilian Club Ambassador Reception

New leaders take their seats for Fiesta 2010

New Queen of Soul crowned

Membership numbers continue to climb

Fiesta Track Meet date changed because of weather

Carnival musical lineup here

Fiesta 2009 now part of history

Unveiling, silent auction highlight poster party

President's Message

Former Fiesta presidents gather for dinner

Promotion of "Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo"
during Feb. 24 Fiesta news conference

Introduction of "Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo"
at 2009 Fiesta Poster Unveiling, Feb. 18, 2009