The "Countdown City" is in the 100-day countdown toward the biggest party of the year.
San Antonio, nicknamed by many after its area code, is preparing to host a diversity of 2.5 million people at this year’s Fiesta celebration. From April 18 to April 28, the city will become a bright, colorful celebration of culture with festivities including the popular Riverwalk floats, Night In Old San Antonio (NIOSA), and the Oyster Bake.
Fiesta Commission Executive Director Amy Shaw says, “Fiesta is about the same [size] as Austin’s South by Southwest, it’s bigger than the Indianapolis 500 Festival, it’s bigger than the Kentucky Derby Festival, and all of this goodness supports non-profits in San Antonio.”
Shoppers have already begun their Fiesta shopping sprees at the Fiesta Store on Broadway Street. “I waited until the last minute last year, and ended up not getting what I wanted for Fiesta,” said Lori, a Fiesta Store customer. “I heard on KENS5 last night that we were 100 days out from Fiesta and I wanted to come and hopefully get what I was really looking for.”
Shaw says that this year’s Fiesta celebration is anticipated to make a $340 million economic impact on the Alamo City, which will benefit the local non-profits. Proceeds from Fiesta medals purchased at The Fiesta Store on Broadway will benefit Fiesta and local organizations.
For more information on the festivities and the soon-to-be-rolled-out schedule of events, visit fiestasanantonio.org and follow up with KENS5 for updates at kens5.com/fiesta.