Today is the last day of Fiesta and there are still a lot of things to do and see. The Charreada—or Mexican rodeo—that I told you about a couple of weeks ago is back for another performance this afternoon. This event transports you back to the days of Old Mexico and the charros and I can’t think of another place I’d rather spend a Sunday afternoon.
As Fiesta 2014 draws to a close, I want to thank the Rivard Report for letting me write a daily event preview. It’s been a lot of fun to work on each day and I hope you’ve enjoyed it. But we do still have one day left, so here are four events you’ll want to check out.
Fiesta Wildflower Bike Ride
Whether you want to take a leisurely 15-mile ride, or go on a 100-mile endurance trek, the Fiesta Wildflower Bike Ride would be a great way to start your Sunday morning. The starting line is at Morgan’s Wonderland and there are rest stops every 10 miles. If you haven’t registered yet, there is a late registration and packet pick up is from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. with a cost of $55.
San José MissionFest
Widely regarded as the event that closes Fiesta, the San José MissionFest features one of the most talented musical lineups this side of Oyster Bake. Performing acts of note are San Antonio’s own barrio big band Bombasta, Grammy Award-winning La Santa Cecilia and Los TexManiacs with special guest and organ extraordinaire Augie Meyers. But the guy that looks to steal the show is Dwayne Verheyden, the tejano and conjunto accordionist from The Netherlands. If you haven’t heard him, you seriously need to check out his YouTube birthday gift video for Flaco Jiménez.
This family-friendly event also has a Children’s Corner with arts and crafts for the kiddos. MissionFest begins at 11 a.m. with an entrance fee of $8 for each person over 18, children 17 and under are free. The proceeds from the event go towards funding to preserve the Mission San José, known as the Queen of the Missions.
All Veterans Memorial
The Alamo Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America holds a ceremony at Veterans Square, just outside of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, at 1 p.m. The hour-long program with a guest speaker, patriotic music and wreath laying is open to veterans, servicemen and women and the general public to pay a solemn tribute to those who have served our country.
Blues Heritage Series
If the end of Fiesta has you down and out, head over to Sam’s Burger Joint to sing the blues from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The San Antonio Blues Society (SABS) hosts this Fiesta event where you can hear a range of blues musicians. Texas guitar legend Alan Haynes headlines the show with supporting acts Ezra Charles Band, Lauren Silva and SABS member artists No Refund Band. Tickets are $20 with funding supporting some of the societies efforts that includes the Sam Baird Scholarship Fund and the “Blues in the Schools” program.
That’s a wrap of this 18-day “Mega” Fiesta folks! Next year’s festivities return to the traditional 10-day schedule and take place from April 16 – 26. If you want to promote future Fiesta events, please contact me at fiesta@saflavor.com but until then, viva!
*Featured/top image: Nancy, a parade volunteer, proudly displays her Fiesta medals while at the Battle of Flowers Parade, April 25, 2014. Photo by Kay Richter.
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