Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Association - 75th Diamond Jubilee 2023

Table of Contents

Fiesta Flambeau® Night Parade -

Lieutenant General

John R. Evans, Jr.

Commander, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) and Senior Commander, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis

President’s Welcome

Command Sergeant

Major Jerimiah E. Gan

U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) and Senior Enlisted Leader, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis

Military Greeting

On behalf of U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) and our military service members and families, retirees, veterans, and civilians who live and work in San Antonio, welcome to Fiesta San Antonio 2023!

We are truly honored to be a part of this great, vibrant community known as Military City, U.S.A.!

Joint Base San Antonio is one of the largest military installations in the Department of Defense with more than 140,000 military service members and families who currently call San Antonio their home.

Fiesta San Antonio provides a great opportunity for our military family to experience the unique culture, heritage, and diversity of this great city.

Fiesta San Antonio is known as a “party with a purpose” because of the contributions and funding it provides to non-profit organizations throughout the city. However, to the military community, Fiesta San Antonio is a “party with a purpose” because it is

also about honoring those military service members who have come before us, and showing our pride and gratitude for their service to our great nation. We are humbled by the numerous events throughout Fiesta San Antonio that showcase our military personnel and their service commitments. The first Fiesta parade was held back in 1891 to honor the memory of the fallen heroes at the Alamo and to commemorate the victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, which led to Texas’ independence from Mexico. The Army was a part of that first parade and has been a part of Fiesta festivities ever since.

You cannot separate the military from the City of San Antonio due to the history, heritage, and interconnectedness we share, and you cannot separate the military from Fiesta San Antonio. We are forever intertwined, and we are so grateful for this community’s warm embrace and support of our military service members, families, and veterans.

Viva Fiesta!

Strength of the Nation!

Fiesta® Commission President’s Welcome

Thank you for sharing the Fiesta® family spirit and attending the Fiesta Flambeau® 75th Diamond Jubilee Parade! I am honored to serve as the 2023 Commission President and thank the Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Association for their dedicated efforts in coordinating the country’s largest illuminated night parade.

When asked what my favorite part of Fiesta® is, I would say without a doubt that it’s people! Nothing makes me happier than experiencing people celebrate and work together to support our community. Back-

grounds don’t matter. Skin color doesn’t matter. Socio economic status doesn’t matter. The things that some might seek to use to divide or exclude serve to unite us instead, and everyone is included.

For 75 years, the Fiesta Flambeau® Parade is a great example of people joining together to celebrate the Fiesta® family spirit that is the true success of Fiesta®

I am honored to welcome you to the Fiesta Flambeau, considered America’s largest illuminated night parade; now in its 75th anniversary. This year’s theme is “Fiesta Flambeau 75th Diamond Jubilee.”

Inspired by the night parades of Mardi Gras, Reynolds Andricks believed San Antonio could create its own beloved night tradition. The result was the striking display of lights, floats, bands, and dance we now associate with the Flambeau Parade. Since the parade’s exciting debut in 1948, it has become a treasured tradition for the over 750,000 annual spectators lining the streets of San Antonio.

Mayor’s Welcome Battle of Flowers® President’s Greeting

Congratulations and cheers to Fiesta Flambeau Parade! The Battle of Flowers wishes you the very best as you celebrate 75 years of lighting up the streets of San Antonio. Your hard work, dedication, and creativity will certainly sparkle on April 29 th.

It has been a true honor and pleasure to work with you over the past several years.

Fiesta was first celebrated in 1891 to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Since then, Fiesta has evolved into a celebration of our community spirit. With thousands of volunteers and millions in economic impact, our celebrations include philanthropic events sponsored by local nonprofits and military organizations. Fiesta is a symbol of our city’s unity and promises a week of lively and compassionate fun.

The future shines bright as we unite to produce the best parades for our beloved community.

John Meyer President

Fiesta® San Antonio Commission, Inc.

Ron Nirenberg Mayor for San Antonio

Kelly Kennedy The Battle of Flowers® President

County Judge's Welcome

Welcome to the 2023 Fiesta Flambeau® Parade! My wife Rachel and I are honored to be a part of this year’s festivities. I expect this year will be bigger and brighter than ever. Congratulations on the 75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary.

I would also like to thank the Fiesta Flambeau® Association for their contributions to the educational enrichment of our community’s students by encouraging reading

Mistress of Ceremony

Elizabeth Ruiz, a retired radio news veteran with a 40-year career at KTSA/KTFM, now works part-time as an evening news anchor at KLRN TV and hosts a program on Catholic Television of San Antonio. She also volunteers for non-profits and serves on the boards of the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame and the Madonna Center.

Liz has been heavily involved in Fiesta events since childhood, serving as the voice of many ceremonies and being inducted into the Order of the Cascaron for her contributions to Fiesta. She is also a recipient of the San Antonio Radio Hall of

Sheriff Salizar Greeting

I am truly honored to participate in the historic Fiesta Flambeau Parade. The tradition that this parade has brought San Antonio over the years is like none other. I hope every one of you has a great time during Fiesta, enjoy responsibly, and Viva Fiesta San Antonio!

and literacy in schools. This demonstrates the purpose and true spirit of Fiesta.

A special thanks to Erwin J. De Luna, President of the Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Association and the Executive Board of Directors and countless volunteers and parade participants for making The Fiesta Flambeau® Parade internationally known as “America’s Largest Illuminated Night Parade”.

Viva Fiesta!

Fame and the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, among other honors.

Before pursuing radio journalism, Liz worked as a choir director and assistant band director at Burbank High School. She studied journalism at San Antonio College after earning a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Trinity University. Throughout her career, Liz traveled extensively to provide on-the-scene reports on various events, including presidential visits and natural disasters, and has co-hosted multiple radio programs.

Peter Sakai Bexar County Judge

Javier Salazar San Antonio's Sheriff

Liz Ruiz

TV and Radio Personality

Fire Chief

Charles Hood

San Antonio's Fire Chief

A warm Fiesta greeting to all. We are honored to be a part of this unique San Antonio celebration and the Fiesta Flambeau's 75th Diamond Jubilee! Celebrate safely with family & friends & Happy Fiesta!

Police Chief

William McManus San Antonio’s Police Chief

Thank you, San Antonio, for making the Fiesta Flambeau Parade a safe and enjoyable event year after year. Your commitment to ensuring the safety of all participants and spectators is greatly appreciated.

We are grateful for your support and enthusiasm for this beloved tradition that celebrates the vibrant culture and history of our city.Your continued participation and dedication to creating a festive atmosphere make the Fiesta Flambeau Parade a truly special experience.

So let’s raise our flags, put on our colorful costumes, and shout “Viva Fiesta!” as we come together to celebrate the unique spirit of San Antonio. Thank you for being a part of this cherished tradition.

Do you love a parade?

Become a member of Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Association!

This

year's parade is dedicated to Nicholas Carrisal III

Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Association President - 2012-2013

Nicholas Carrisal III was born and raised in the eastside of San Antonio and had a distinct connection with our city. He attended Sam Houston High School (a true Cherokee forever alumni) and attended San Antonio College. He worked many civil and structural engineering jobs with Prescon, Pape-Dawson, Cutler Galloway Services and Barker Structural Engineering.

Fiesta was always a fun time with family and friends but especially he had fun taking them to the parades. Nick was a proud member of the Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Association, Inc. for over 25 years. Beginning In 2003 he served as the Parade Director for a number of years and assisting others in their responsibilities for the parade. Nick became the Association President for the 2013 parade. In addition to the Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Association, he was dedicated to his family: his wife, Bonnie of 50 years, son, Nicholas Carrisal IV, daughter, Cira Marie Crouch and his 3 grandsons, Nicholas Carrisal V, Jude Phoenix Crouch and Remy LeBeau Carrisal.

Nick had many interests and passions. He enjoyed fishing, listening to Rock and Roll, loved to barbeque and baseball was his favorite sport, especially the Houston Astros. He was a fan of the San Antonio Spurs and the University of Texas football team. He enjoyed working as a Fan Experience Representative with Spurs Sports and Entertainment after he retired. He took pleasure traveling, his favorite spots were in Pennsylvania, in New Orleans and in Lockhart, Texas where he appreciated the sites and food. Titles that gave him the most joy were: Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, Friend and most of all PAPA!

He is greatly missed and remembered by the many lives he touched.

2023 Grand Marshal DANILO CARRERA

Telenovela actor, presenter, model, and football player

Danilo Carrera was born on January 17, 1989 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He began his modeling career in Ecuador, made walkways, worked in an Avena Toni commercial, and with Abercrombie & Fitch.

In 2007, he was part of the Ecuadorian team Emelec sub-18 in which he was crowned champion. In 2008, he joined the Ecuadorian team Barcelona Sporting Club in which he played until 2009.

In that same year, he left Ecuador to move to Miami, Florida. There, he went to Miami Dade College where he took basic classes and studied international relations.

In January 2011, he began his acting career by working in theater plays. Later in August of that same year, he was called by Telemundo to participate in the casting of Relaciones Peligrosas, in which he starred in as Leonardo 'Leo' Maximo. That role made him a winner in the Best Male Revelation category at the Miami Life Awards. In 2014, he starred in Cosita Linda as Federico 'Fede' Madariaga. He also worked with the cast of El Gordo y La Flaca in Univision. Then, in 2015, he starred in Pasión y Poder as Franco Gomez-Luna with Susana González, Fernando Colunga, Jorge Salinas, Fabiola Guajardo, and others.

When he's not on television shows or theater plays, he likes to play football, it's his favorite sport and hobby.

2023 honorary Grand Marshal

SHELLY LARES

Tejano Star

Shelly Lares, nicknamed "Little Miss Dynamite," is a Tejano music artist with over 40 years of experience. She has a large and devoted following due to her powerful singing voice and charismatic stage presence. Lares writes or co-writes all of her own songs and is also a talented guitarist and percussionist. She has won numerous awards and is a member of The Tejano Roots Hall of Fame.

Lares recorded her first record at age 10 with The Hot Tamales band (Orquestra) and stayed with them for four years before branching out on her own and signing with Manny Guerra. After leaving Manny, she signed to Sony and released several successful albums. Lares continued to tour and perform regionally as well as writing for other artists. In 2012, she started her own record label, Shellshock Records 3, which allowed her full control of recordings, manufacturing, distribution, and sales.

Lares has collaborated with many artists throughout her career, including Elida Reyna and Stefani Montiel as LAS TRES DIVAS. They toured internationally and received a Grammy nomination for BEST MEXICAN AMERICAN ALBUM as well as a Latin Grammy nomination for their CD "Las tres divas". Shelly retired from touring in

2022 to concentrate on her record label, SHELL SHOCK RECORDS 3, and to sign and develop new artists. She also dedicates time to hospice patients through music therapy. She will be signing her first artist, "El Gallo" DEZ, in April 2023 and continue to build her label.

Official Mascot of the Fiesta Flameau® Parade

Torchy

was created and developed as the official mascot for the Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Association, Inc. in 2007. He is a fun loving character who dances around sharing the Fiesta® spirit at events during the annual city-wide Fiesta® celebration in April. He also participates in parades throughout South Texas. Torchy enjoys visiting area schools where he reminds students of the importance of a good education, to study hard, respect one another and work together. Torchy plays a significant role in representing the illuminated magic of the Fiesta Flambeau® Night Parade.

Clyde is deeply honored to have been elected to represent The Texas Cavaliers as King Antonio C. Having the opportunity to be the 100th King means a great deal to him and his family.

Clyde has served The Texas Cavaliers as the River Parade Marshal for Magnificent Missions in 2018, Commander of the organization in 2022, and three terms on The Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation Board of Trustees. He has also served as a member of the Board for the Fiesta Commission.

Fiesta, as a celebration of the diverse culture of the San Antonio community, has been a tradition in Clyde’s family and extended family throughout his life. Clyde is now sharing this opportunity with his wife, Kim, and their three children, Bennett, Shelton, and Elle. They look forward to all of the upcoming Fiesta celebrations.

The Texas Cavaliers believe in the future of all children and work to ensure they have additional opportunities. As King Antonio, Clyde will have the honor of presenting more than $2,000,000 to area children’s charities. Since its founding in 1989, The Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation has distributed more than $12 million to Bexar County children.

During Fiesta, King Antonio and The Texas Cavaliers will visit schools, military bases, hospitals, nursing homes, charitable organizations, and many other Fiesta events. These visits not only have a profound impact on our community but create lasting friendships and traditions which make San Antonio a unique city!

2023 Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Association

Poster Artist Winner

Richelle (Nipper) Saur

San Antonio born and raised, Richelle grew up going to and participating in Battle of Flowers & Flambeau parades, and volunteering for N.I.O.S.A. She then participated in the San Antonio Lutheran Coronation in 2003, and elected queen for 2004. Shortly after Richelle was elected the 2006 Fiesta Teen Princess for the San Antonio Woman’s Club.

Although art is not part of Richelle’s professional portfolio, she joined the San Antonio Lutheran Coronation board in 2016, and was invited to join the court artist team in 2017. The poster was created in a similar process to the dresses of the courts she has designed and created.

2022-2023

“The vision came to when I heard the theme, Diamond Jubilee. Diamond Jubilee, to me a black-tie event. But wanted to encompass puro San Antonio. know this is not the typical fiesta design, but hope San Antonio embraces it, and supports the Fiesta Flambeau."

Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Judges

Beatrice Ballard

Willie Leal

Brent Ballard

Jim Wickens

Bernadette Peña

Danny Guerro

Melanie Cawthon

Kelly Wickens

Morgan Borja

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Photo Not Availlable

2022-2023

Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Association Membership

Larry Algueseva

Antonio Alvarado

Sam Alvarado

Sylvia Alvarado

Terry Acevedo Carmona

Nina Carr

Bonnie Carrisal

Roxanne Castillo

Shirley Copeland

Samantha Crane

Cira Crouch

John Crouch R. III

Jose Francisco Cruz

Robert Cuellar

Gloria DeHoyos

Jose J. DeHoyos

Erwin DeLuna

Sebastian Elizondo

Dolores Farias

Darlene Fenimore

James Fenimore

Efrain Fernandez “Ram”

Jeanette Flores

Lucila Flores

Michael Flores

Richard E. Flores Jr.

Roberto Flores

Moses Garcia

Margie Gonzales

Laura Govea

Trina Guevara

Martha Ann Gutierrez

G. Salvador Gutierrez

Elisa Hammer

Lynn Kee

Tobias Klingelhoefer

Celia Kiger

Kathy Kropp

Bobby J Laymon (BJ)

Gregory Leos

Fiesta Flambeau® mission statement

The purpose of the Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Association Inc., hereafter known as the Association, shall be to plan, organize, produce, and stage the Fiesta Flambeau® Parade annually during Fiesta San Antonio. The association shall do so to enhance the celebration for the San Antonio community and it’s visitors.

Carmen Luna

Terry McFarland

Daniel Medrano

Cecilia Mendiola

Darlene Morales

Virginia Mitzelman

Matthew Murguia

Pete Ortiz Jr.

Suzi Otis

Thelma Parker

Gloria Pelayo

Lillie Quintanilla

Patricia Robledo

Robert Robledo

Terry Robertson

Connie Rodriguez

Dora Rodriguez

Gilberto Rodriguez

Araceli Sanchez

Valdo Sanchez

Mari Sandoval

Linda Skop

Janie Solis

Marissa Solis

Gilbert Stanley-Medford

Beatrice (Bea) Tuley

Debra Valero

Fernando Villarreal

Allee Wallace

Casey J. Watts

Letie Wawrzyniak

MelindaWiggins

Fiesta Flambeau® Night Parade -

Designed by

V1 United San Antonio Pow Wow (Blessing) Toyota Truck

V2 SAPD- Traffic Department Motorcycles

V3 SAPD- Honor Guard Marchers

V4 Sam Houston ROTC Color Guard

V5 Alzafar Shriners

V6 Alzafar Shriners

V7 Alzafar Shriners

V8 San Antonio Armed Forces Parade Assc. Marchers

V9 San Antonio Armed Forces Parade Assc. Float

V10 433 AW- USAF Reserve - Float

V11 SAISD- Transportation Department Marchers

V12 Civil Air Patrol (Randolph/Lackland) Marchers

V13 433 Aw- 960th- CW & 340th -FTG Float

V14 149th Fighter Wing FTG Float

V15 Guardian of the Children Walkers

V16 Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 366 Float

V17 Inspiration 4 Life Walkers

V18 Military Order of the Purple Heart Float

V19 Hill Country Tractors- Banner Walkers

V20 Hill Country Tractors- Feather Banner Walkers

V21 Tractors

V22 Toyota Tundra Truck

V23 Toyota Sequoia

A1 San Antonio Police Department Vehicles

A2 San Antonio Police Department Event Commander Vehicle

A3 Torches-Jackson Hewitt Walkers

A4 Theme Banner Walkers

A5 “75th Diamond Jubilee” Marchers

A6 Joint Base Color Guard Band

A7 University of Texas Austin Marchers

A8 University of Texas Austin Band

A9 50 US Flags 25 Walmart Vehicles 25 Broadway Bank Walkers

A10 SAPD Walkers

A11 SAPD Police Chief - Banner Marchers

A12 City of San Antonio Police Chief William McManus Walkers

A13 SAFD- Fire Chief - Banner Walkers

A14 City of San Antonio Fire Chief-Charles Hood Fire Truck

A15 City of San Antonio - Mayor - Banner Walkers

A16 City of San Antonio- Mayor Ron Nirenberg Car

A17 San Antonio Fiesta Commission President - Banner Walkers

A18 San Antonio President John Meyer Car

A19 San Antonio Fiesta Commission - Queens Float

A20 Battle of Flowers Parade President Kelly Kennedy - Banner Walkers

A21 Battle of Flowers Parade Float

A22 U S Army Banner Walkers

The Skyline Raider Band Band

B3 Fiesta Especial with DisAbilitysa Walkers

B4 DisAbilitysa Float B5 Sommerset High School Silver Dancers Walkers B6 Sommerset High School Cheer Walkers B7 Sommerset High School Band Band

B8 Las Charangas Jeep Walkers B9 Flambeau Letters Walkers

B10 50 Flambeau Flags Band

B11 Oak Grove High School Marching Band Band

B12 Grand Marshal - Banner Walkers

B13 Honorary Grand Marshal - Banner Walkers

B14 Grand Marshal and Honorary Grand Marshal Float

B15 Sam Houston High School Cheerleaders Marchers

B16 Sam Houston Twisters Marching

B17 Sam Houston Band Band

B18 St. Mary’s Drone Group Walkers

C30 Texas A&M San Antonio Float

C31 Danzavida Dancers Walkers

C32 Danzavida Walkers Walkers

C33 San Antonio Zoo Float

C34 Brenham High School Band and Color Guard Band

C35 Toyota Tundra Truck

C36 Toyota Sequoia

D1 Villarreal & Begum Law Walkers

DD2 Villarreal & Begum Law Mini-Float

D3 Veterans Memorial HS Band Band

D4 Zumba Fitness Walkers

D5 AUEDA Float

D6 Heroes n More Walkers

D7 Chick-fil-A Float

D8 Centro Med - Banner Walkers

D9 Centro Med Mini-Float

D10 SAPD Officer’s Association Walkers

D11 Samba Vida Walkers

D12 Hearne High School Band Marchers

D13 NACL Alamo Branch 421 Marchers

D14 Master Move Caribbean Zumba Walkers

D15 O'Reilly Auto Parts Float

D16 Central for Health Care - Banner Walkers

D17 The Center for Health Care Services Walkers

D18 Lowndes High Georgia Bridgemen Marching Band Band

D19 U.S. Postal Service Float

D20 St Anthony's Catholic High School Dancers Marchers

D21 St Anthony's Catholic High School Walkers

D22 St Anthony Catholic High School

D23 La Michoacana Meat Market

D24 Pooper Scooper

D25 La Michoacana Meat Market

D26 Bill Miller

D27 San Antonio Sidecars Cars

D28 Palo Alto College

D29 Kazamba

D30 Harlandale HS Class of 73 Reunion

D31 Texas Citrus Festival Float

D32 Toyota

E1 Torches-Jackson Hewitt

E2 Jefferson High School Lassos Marchers

E3 Jefferson High School Lariats Marchers

E4 Jefferson High School

E5 Juneteeth Celebration Car

E6 Animal Defense League

E7 Queen City Belles

E8 HEB Float

E9 Claudia Taylor High School

E10 Team Taco

E11 Lutheran Coronation

E12 Groupo Folklorico de Bendiciones

E13 East Central Cheer Marchers

E14 East Central Gold Star Dance Team

E15 East Central Dazzlers

E16 East Central Band High School

E17 Mission Flea Market - Banner

E18 Mission Flea Market

2022-2023 Executive Board

Past Presidents Council

Past Presidents of the Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Association, Inc.

Erwin De Luna President

Roxanne R. Castillo Recording Secretary

Terry McFarlane Disbanding Director

Trina Guevara Public Relations

Robert Cuellar Immediate Past President

Mari Sandoval-Ayala Compliance Director

Terry Acevedo-Carmona Ticket Director

Linda Skop Parade Director

Bea Tuley Judging Director

James Fenimore Treasurer

Jeanette Flores Corresponding Secretary

Efrain "Ram" Fernandez Marshaling Director

Bonnie Carrisal 2019-2021

Trina Guevara 2017-2018

Pete Ortiz 1995-1999, 2002-2004

James Fenimore 2006-2007

Robert Cuellar 2010-2012, 2021-2022

Antonio Alvarado 2008-2013

Michael Flores 2004-2008, 2014-2015

G. Salvador Gutierrez 2013-2015

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Fiesta Flambeau® Night Parade - 2023

Executive Boards of the Past

Capturing the Magic: Fiesta Flambeau Memories in Photos

1948

1960

Joske’s of Texas float featuring a helicopter roping a Texas longhorn.

Decorated convertibles going west on E. Houston Street. 1951

First Prize Winner-Large Commercial Division: Martin’s Bakery

Greek Goddess of Health theme. Brooks AFB Aerospace Medical Division

Reynolds Andricks and Mrs. Andricks, our Founder of Fiesta Flambeau®

The San Jacinto Association float

1956

Buccaneer Days-Corpus Christi, TX

1969

Student cadets escort the Flambeau’s signature float.

Fiesta Flambeau® Night Parade

"Thank You" to the Friends of Flambeau®

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