Can you believe we are in the final week of this mega Fiesta? Today I’ll let you know about two events at the Alamo, the Texas Cavaliers River Parade and a way to trade for a hard-to-find medal. Spurs fever is sweeping San Antonio with the hometown team knocking off rival Dallas Mavericks yesterday afternoon. After any playoff win, be sure to stop by Valero to pick up a free coffee from 5 to 10 a.m. — it can help you power through the day after a late night of Fiesta.
Air Force at the Alamo
Some of our finest servicemen and women will be at the Alamo tomorrow from 11 a.m. until noon. Not only will you have a chance to hear the sounds from the JBSA-Lackland Drum and Bugle Corps, there will be two other demonstrations for your entertainment. The Military Working Dogs will be on hand to demonstrate some of their skills in obedience, detection and patrol. If you’re looking to adopt a pet, you might want to consider fostering one of these future furry patriots. The Department of Defense Puppy Foster program will be on hand to give you more information. The explosive ordnance disposal unit will also demonstrate how they dismantle and dispose of bombs.
Pilgrimage to the Alamo
The Alamo Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas has hosted a pilgrimage to the Alamo since 1925. The women make their way in silence from the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts to the Alamo where they will lay wreaths and colorful bouquets of flowers honoring the 189 defenders of the Alamo. Throughout their procession, Tom Jackson will repeatedly read the names of the fallen heroes until the last floral tribute is placed. The event is held on April 21st each year to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, the place where Sam Houston ultimately defeated Antonio López de Santa Anna giving Texas its independence.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, 11 military families will be awarded Gold Star pins in recognition of their family member giving their life to the service of our country. In addition to the Gold Star pin, these families will also receive a Texas flag that flew over the Alamo today. The moving tribute will conclude with taps and Amazing Grace.
Texas Cavaliers River Parade
While many parades feature floats, the Texas Cavaliers River Parade is unique because the floats actually float! A quarter million Fiesta-goers make their way downtown to this Fiesta event that starts at 7:00 p.m., while many others tune in to KSAT for live television coverage. Over 40 floats make their way down the Paseo del Río, representing local organizations and military outfits. King Antonio himself will be on hand, waving to the crowd of adoring fans from his float.
There’s reserved seating, so you’ll want to get your tickets in advance at the Fiesta Store on Broadway. Many of the restaurants along the river offer special parade seating, so you may want to call your favorite and see if they are taking reservations. Finally, while there is a smoking ban for all parades in Texas, you are allowed to walk around with alcoholic beverages provided that they are not in glass containers.
Trader Joe’s Fiesta Medal
The store known for cookie butter and two buck Chuck has a special Fiesta medal this year, but they’ve only made a hundred to hand out. Want to get one? Show up to Trader Joe’s at the Quarry, but you better have a medal in tow. Per their namesake, the only way you’re getting one of their medals is to trade one of yours. They are trading up to five medals a day throughout Fiesta, so you’d be smart to call ahead before making the trip to the store.
Let Garrett know about your favorite Fiesta event, awesome unofficial party or where he can find medals by emailing him at fiesta@saflavor.com.
*Featured/top image: Fiesta Queens pose for a photo during the crowning of El Rey Feo LXVI on Saturday April 19, 2014. Photo by Scott Ball.
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