As the final exam for my FDOM class nears, I can’t help but be a little sad that the fun semester of this class is just about over. I enjoyed this class greatly, and I especially took appreciation from this assignment. Here’s a VLOG of my reflections on this assignment and this class.
Hope everyone’s summer is AWESOME! May you make lots of memories and maybe even take a trip to San Antonio? It’s always a great day to be a bobcat…and a Spurs fan. đ GO SPURS GO!
The King William Fair is an annual fair that’s held every year during Fiesta in the historic King William district of San Antonio. On this Saturday, residents of the King William district have their homes decorated festively, and some even open their homes so that people will be able to see the historic and chic architecture and design within their home.
All along a select number of streets, various vendors of food and art set up for the large crowds that the fair consistently draws. But before the crowds take over, there is a parade of local schools, organizations, and even pups that floods down King William St.
This year was, as always, an incredibly fun experience for my family and myself. Here are some testimonial pictures from the fair.
The Fiesta Flambeau Night Parade is a 65 year old Fiesta tradition for the city of San Antonio. Bands, dance groups, and creative floats from organizations and institutions from all around San Antonio parade through downtown SA. This year, however, the parade was cut short for the first time.
Night in Old San Antonio, or NIOSA, is a San Antonio Fiesta tradition. Each year for a week straight, various vendors and entertainment groups gather in the center of downtown at San Antonioâs La Villita park.
There are different sections within the NIOSA event. These sections are divided by the culture its representing. There is âChina Townâ, which obviously hosts Chinese performers and vendors selling foods, such as egg rolls and even fortune cookies.
There is âFroggy Bottomâ, which is a New Orleans-styled section, selling soul food and hosting soul performers. There is the âIrish Flatâ which boasts select Irish beer vending, as well as Irish foods.
 
âFrontier Townâ hosts country cover bands through the night, along with vendors selling beer and food, particular barbecue.
This little girl below really enjoyed Thursday nightâs entertainment by the local Nathan Mathis Band.
And, of course- there is a âSouth of the Borderâ section which is thriving in salsa and cumbia bands, as well as Mexican foods, such as flautas, which I enjoyed very much!
There are many other sections besides those I mentioned. Each corner turned, there was a different band with a different style of music to your enjoyment. This band was playing some oldies but goodies. In the video below, youâll see a group of NIOSA-goers enjoying this bandâs rendition of âPlay That Funky Musicâ by Wild Cherry.
Although extremely crowded, NIOSA is always an enjoyable event!
Every person there is in the definite NIOSA spirit. Spirits are extremely high when the Spurs beat the Lakers!
There are also cold treats for those of us who canât enjoy a cold beer or margarita!
All in all, NIOSA is one of the most exciting events of Fiesta. It brings friends and families from all across the city together to enjoy the different cultures present within the wonderful city.
Since we recently celebrated “Earth Day”, I thought it’d be appropriate to show one of the most green areas in San Antonio. This place is the Japanese Tea Garden!
Located on an 11-acre tract to the east of the San Antonio River, this garden is rich in beauty and history. Originally, this piece of land was owned by the Koehler family- the owners of the historic “Pearl Brewery” of San Antonio. Upon the death of Mr. Koehler, his widow decided to donate this strip of land to the city in order to contribute to the creation of a public park. The, then, City Parks Commissioner- Ray Lambert, had a vision to design and manipulate this land to look like a lily pond. With the surrounding quarry, numerous donations, and the help of prison labor, Lambert was able to fulfill his vision by 1919.
The new lily pond and “Japanese tea garden”, as it began to be called, received renowned recognition for its unique design, structures, and plant variety.
In the mid 1920s, a Japanese artist named Kimi Eizo Jingu was invited to actually live in the garden to open and maintain what became known as the “Bamboo House”, which sold lunches and of course- tea. That’s appropriate, right? Upon his death, Mr. Jingu’s family took over the operations of the garden. All was well until 1942 when they were evicted due to the anti-Japanese sentiment that was driven by World War II. It was not until 1984 that the city renamed this the “Japanese Tea Garden” and rededicated it to Mr. Jingu’s memory, in a dedication ceremony with the Jiingu family and representatives from the Japanese government in attendance.
In 2008, the garden was reopened after a year of renovations. The reopening ceremony was graced by the presence of descendants of the Koehler family, Ray Lambery, and of Mr. Jingu.
The Japanese Tea Garden is definitely a gem of San Antonio. Its beautiful greenery is definitely a sight to see. The garden is popular for Quinceanera, Sweet 16, graduation, wedding, prom, etc. photos! While in San Antonio, if you need a getaway from the busyness of the city, make sure to drop by the Japanese Tea Garden! Don’t forget your camera. It’s a sight you will want to capture!
Established in 1718 as the city’s first mission, the Alamo (formerly known as Mission San Antonio de Valero) has lots of history within its walls and still plays a major role within San Antonio.
The Alamo was one of five missions built among the SA river by the Spanish Catholic church, in order to convert natives. It served this purpose for a great amount of time.
However, its conversion success stories are not what make the Alamo memorable for most. What makes this place so memorable is its place in Texas History. For two weeks in 1836, 200 Texan troops stood guard to over 1,000 of Mexican general Santa Anna’s soldiers. At the end of this- the “Battle of the Alamo”, the Alamo did fall and the Texas defenders lost. However, this loss stood as motivation for other Texas Revolutionaries. The chant “Remember the Alamo!” is said to have been constantly chanted at the Battle of San Jacinto which followed about a month after the Alamo fell- which ended up a victorious battle and an end to the war, with the capturing of Santa Anna.
Today- the Alamo is a very popular tourist attraction, which is free to get into. Within the walls of the Alamo are preserved and protected artifacts that have been found on Alamo grounds. For more information about the Alamo, visit http://www.thealamo.org
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The King William district of San Antonio is located just south of downtown. It is the historic district of the city and is known for its beautifully aged-architecture and preserved homes. However, on the first Friday of every month, the King William district gets a little busy. Why is this? Well, here is where San Antonio celebrates âFirst Fridayâ.
First Friday can be considered a free local art/vendor community showcase. Walking through the streets of King William on the first Friday of every month, you can find local vendors selling their creations, as well as artists selling their art (some even producing it in front of you), musicians doing what they do best, and of course- lots of booze!
Each First Friday experience is fun. Here are some of the highlights of my visit on March 1st.
       
Handmade art pieces- “Dia de los Muertos” skulls and crosses.
Photo slideshow being projected on wall next to painted Virgen de Guadalupe mural
Local Art Tatum‘s stand with graphic tees for sale, along with featured art pieces for sale as well
Local artist spray painting a piece in front of an audience on a street corner
And I ran into some construction…
King William homeowner hosts “Open House” to display antique home and several art pieces
Meanwhile, on the front porch…a pre-teen band covers “Sweet Child of Mine”
Blue Star Brewery
Local indie band performing on the back porch of Blue Star
For more on this event, check out http://safirstfriday.com/
Being that San Antonio is densely populated by Hispanic people and that it just has a down-home south Texas Latino cultural feel to it, itâs only a given that you will be in the mood for some Mexican food while in SA. However, a trip to one of the well-known Mexican restaurants downtown, such as Mi Tierra, La Margarita, or Pico de Gallo- can cost you a lot from both your wallet and your time. One of the most treasured âlittle secretsâ of San Antonio is Mama Margieâs Mexican CafĂ©. From enchiladas to super nachos to bean and cheese tacos, Mamaâs got it all! The best part about it? Itâs cheap! Mama Margieâs offers free chips and salsa and .96c bean & cheese tacos. I mean, does it get any better than that? They are open 24/7 and since itâs considered a âfast-foodâ restaurant, youâre looking at 5-10 minute wait on your food. Good deal, huh? Although itâs cheap, it sure doesnât taste it. This food is authentic Mexican food that will make you want to come back for more! Donât miss out or make any excuses. There are four locations located in San Antonio- Culebra Rd. outside of LOOP 1604, IH10 and Wurzbach, Zarzamora and IH35, 17196 IH35 N. Drop by; donât disappoint Mama, because she wonât let you down!
  
One of the most exciting places to visit in San Antonio is the San Antonio Zoo! It was originally founded in 1914 and has since grown to be the 6th largest zoo in the country. The zoo sits on 56 acres northwest of downtown San Antonio and is home to a little over 8,500 animals. Because of its vast amount of various bird species, the San Antonio Zoo has earned the informal name of “the bird zoo”. From the reptile house to the petting zoo, to the hands on lorikeet exhibit and the dine-in restaurant…the San Antonio Zoo is fun for everyone! Next time you’re in San Antonio, make sure that taking a drive down N St. Mary’s is on the top of your list! Don’t let any rainy weather stop you, either. The zoo is open 365 days a year, rain or shine. And yes, they do sell ponchos!
  
Visit http://www.sazoo.org for zoo hours, prices, and updates!
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