If you can only go to one outing this weekend, make it Siclovia. There is nothing like it.
Organizers invite everyone to "Go Play in the Street" at San Antonio's largest block party.
This is the city's second Siclovia. At the newly designated pre-Fiesta event, participants aren't passively sitting down watching a parade go by (not that there's anything wrong with that.) Instead, they are engaged in walking, cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, dancing, walking their dogs, talking and connecting with people in their larger neighborhood: the city.
Organizers are making Sunday's Siclovia as accessible as possible blocking off the streets to cars from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. Sunday. They want people to get out and get active.
"There is a spirit that is going on in San Antonio that has never been seen before, and Siclovia is part of that," said Randy Escamilla, with the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District.
You'll find every variety of wheeled conveyance from tiny-tot roller skates to tandem, recumbent bicycles, and other more experimental wheels, sharing the street.
It's a safe environment for the little ones since it's a car-free zone between Brackenridge Park and McCullough Avenue on Sunday.
Stop off at a 'reclovia' for a little Zumba, cardio combat, yoga, or shoot some hoops, pick up a fruit slushie or fruit cups, turkey burgers and roasted corn. If light snacks are not substantial enough, pull in at Timbo's for a burger, or grab a meal at one of the Pearl-area eateries (bring your bike lock.)
Along the street last year they had pods of hula-hoops available for use. Put that bike down and give it a go. Don't think you remember how? You'd be surprised!
Got a flat? Take it to a Bike Texas booth. They'll do the repair. Last year they also loaned out bikes, free of charge, others will be available at a nominal charge. The Bexar County Medical Society will also be handing out bike helmets for kids at Maverick Park.
When you are ready to flip that kickstand down, do it at Broadway and E. Jones. The Better Block project will stake a temporary claim to the area, transforming it with temporary landscaping and pop-up shops featuring a coffee shop, a flower shop, kids' art studio and a few art galleries.
As part of the city's Complete Street initiate, Team Better Block will demonstrate how you can revitalize an under-utilized space, making it a place where pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as automobiles, can "coexist in a friendlier sort of way."
Chris Looney, assistant director of Planning & Community Development, says they want to show people what a street could look like - to inspire us to look at these seemingly abandoned blocks in new and creatively integrated ways. The Better Block project will close at 2 p.m. Sunday, so make a beeline to that corner before the coffee shop closes and the trees are carted away.
At San Antonio's first Siclovia, held last October, about 15,000 people congregated along Broadway. This year organizers expect twice that many. But, there is sure to be plenty of room and plenty of activities at the parks along the route to keep everyone in a happy, playful mood.
Siclovia takes place Sunday, March 4, with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. at Lions Field, across from Good Time Charlie's. Urban 15 will be on hand to lead the parade. But remember, this isn't about watching. This is about moving!
