Your San Antonio Chamber of Commerce anxiously awaited the first day of Fiesta as if it were Christmas morning. Staff members decorated the office with colorful adornments, piñatas, and flower wreaths. When the big first day arrived, everyone was prepared for the unforgettable festivities in store for the next 10 days.
The Chamber was instrumental in the early days of Fiesta, so it is only fitting that the Opening Ceremonies get the same treatment. Every year, the Chamber holds a contest among the staff in search of the ugliest necktie in the land. This year, Assistant Vice President of Public Policy Martin Gutierrez and his racecar tie won the most votes.
“I think winning the ugly tie contest signifies my great taste in ties,” Martin said.
As the winning tie, Martin’s fashion faux pas made its greatest and final appearance at the opening ceremonies. Each year, the winning tie is worn by the Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors to the opening ceremonies and then ceremoniously cut by King Antonio. Paula Gold-Williams, Board Chair and President & CEO of CPS Energy, honored the tradition, as a large pair of golden scissors cut the tacky tie in two, signifying the official start of Fiesta.
The celebrations only grew after that. Per tradition, the Chamber opened the downtown offices to family members of the staff for the Texas Cavaliers River Parade. Delicious food was served and the children in attendance took some whacks at the piñata before finally settling to watch the boats travel down the San Antonio River. But your Chamber did more than just watch—some even participated.
From April 5-16, the staff held another competition to see who could go the distance and clock the most steps during this timeframe. In the end, membership consultant Rick Mireles was crowned the Fiesta King of Steps and earned his place on the Chamber’s river boat during the parade. Rick was joined by his wife, Chamber President Richard Perez and his wife, Director, Board Relations & Chief of Staff to the CEO of CPS Energy KJ Feder, and her guest William Long.
“Participating was epic!” Rick said. “Definitely something that should be on everyone’s bucket list!”
Starting off Fiesta on the right foot is the surest way to have a rousing time from the opening ceremonies to the final weekend. For everything else in between, your Chamber is working hard to leave its mark with every event, reception, and medal.
(photo credit: Jonathan Alonzo)
