River Parade Program 2014

2014

INSIDE : Parade Map, Floats, Events Sponsored By:

Ford Holiday River Parade 2014

2014 Paseo del Rio Association Board of Directors President Justin Holley, Wyndam Garden River Wak

TABLE OF CONTENTS 6

Welcome

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Meet the Grand Marshal

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Holidays on the River Walk

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Tonight’s Line Up

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A Look at 2015

Welcome to the 2013 Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony.

President Elect Tammy Peacock-Werline, Hard Rock Cafe.

Vice Presidents Terry Corless, Mad Dogs John Carbajal, Rio Rio Cantina Andy Hearon, El Tropicano Hotel Cece Smith, Smithprint Secretary/Treasurer Joe Melton, Embassy Suites

The historic San Antonio River Walk transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Learn about the many holiday activities you and yours can enjoy on the river.

Chair, Operators Committee Andreas Esparza, Morrison Supply Board of Directors Ben Garcia, Silver Eagle Andres Munoz, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Laurence Seiterle, Zurich Properties Michael Teran, Swig Martini Bar John Beauchamp, Hixon Properties Jesse Holguin, Pepsi Nancy Kilpo, Grand Hyatt Beth Ticku-Smith, Hotel Valencia Pierre Olivier, Casa Rio Mae Escobar, aMAEzing Marketing Tom Lawrence, Dons & Bens Shannon Miller, Office of Historic Preservation, COSA Mark Bohanan, Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood Kevin Donohue, Donohue Media Teresa Johnson, Broadway Bank Chris Oviatt, River Center Mall John Seabers, Sinclair Broadcasting Ex-Officio Jim Mery, Downtown Operations Anthony Piazzi, Centro SA Steve Schauer, San Antonio River Authority

Editor Nancy Martinez – editor@paseodelrio.com Advertising Inquiries Janis Maxymof janismaxymof@gmail.com Rio Office Address 110 Broadway, Ste. 500, San Antonio TX 78205 Publisher Louis Doucette- louis@travelingblender.com

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Leading this year’s parade is San Antonio business man and philanthropist Gordon Hartman.

A look at the participating floats in the 2014 Ford Holiday River Parade.

The 2015 Paseo del Rio Association Event Calendar.

Thank you and happy holidays!

The Paseo del Rio Association would like to thank all of our hard working volunteers for their yearlong support of the river walk. With over 1,500 volunteer hours a year, our events could not go on without you!

Want to become a volunteer? Call 210-227-4262

Concessions are available street level on Villita Way by the Assembly Hall.

Ford Holiday River Parade 2014

WELCOME Good Evening and welcome to the 2014 Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting ceremony. We thank you for joining us for this magical event which has become one of the highlights of the holiday season for many people, and we are happy to share in the memories being created by you and your loved ones tonight. This evening’s festivities would not be possible without the support of our wonderful parade sponsors and float participants, and we are grateful to each of them. Have a wonderful time, and come back to visit the river walk throughout the year. In doing so, you are helping us in our mission to promote, protect, and preserve the San Antonio River Walk.

Happy Holidays!

Nancy Hunt, Executive Director, Paseo del Rio Association

On behalf of the Paseo del Rio Association I would like to welcome you to a celebration of holiday traditions from around the world. With San Antonio being rich in culture and history it is only fitting to bring all of these traditions to the banks of the San Antonio River Walk. The Paseo del Rio Association is proud to bring to you the 33rd annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony.

We are so greatly appreciative of all of the sponsors that continually support this event year after year. San Antonians open their arms year around to showcase our beautiful city and this event in particular highlights the warmth in our culture of service. Anyone that comes to the river walk during the holidays leaves with a rich sense of how passionate the city is with a culture rich in history. With the River Walk now being a 15.5 mile stretch winding through the downtown core of San Antonio, it offers something for everyone. The Paseo del Rio Association invites you to explore the entire river! It is here for you, be our guests.

Justin Holley, President, Paseo del Rio Association

Welcome to the 2014 Ford Holiday River Parade. San Antonio is magical during the holidays and the San Antonio River Walk is the most enchanting destination of all. This parade has become a wonderful tradition for San Antonio families and a great opportunity for visitors to experience the spirit of our city during this special time of year. May you and yours enjoy a beautiful evening and a joyous holiday season!

Mayor Ivy Taylor

At Ford Motor Company, we truly appreciate the support that the San Antonio community provides to our business. In partnership with our local Best in Texas Ford Dealers, we at Ford take great pride as we Go Further by spreading good-will through several local community initiatives right here in San Antonio. In the spirit of community involvement and as a thank you for your support, it is Ford Motor Company’s pleasure to continue a tradition of dedication to this wonderful and historic Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony.

Thank you,

Larry Gach, Regional Sales Manager, Ford 6

Ford Holiday River Parade 2014

GRAND MARSHAL Gordon Hartman

Leading the parade as Grand Marshal this year is prominent philanthropist and San Antonio native, Gordon Hartman. Hartman is a former businessman turned philanthropist. In 2005, he sold his homebuilding and development businesses to establish the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation and devote the rest of his life to helping those with special needs such as his 21-year-old daughter, Morgan. Since that time he has achieved numerous milestones including opening Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park designed for individuals with special needs but built to be enjoyed by everyone. In 2010, Gordon opened the STAR Soccer Complex and launched Soccer for a Cause, a grassroots effort to establish pro soccer that led to the creation of the San Antonio Scorpions and in August 2011, Gordon opened Monarch Academy, a school for students ages 12-24 with special needs. Gordon is passionate about serving the special needs community and has many more hopes and dreams to fulfill with the help of the San Antonio community. He is firm in his conviction: “Together, we can make a difference!”

Special Thanks

Special Thanks to Youth Orchestras of San Antonio for providing the entertainment on the Arneson River Theater stage during the parade. YOSA is a nonprofit organization made up of five orchestras, an annual Summer Symphony Camp and the new Music Learning Center on the city’s west side.

The mission of YOSA, the premier orchestral experience for youth citywide, is to enhance education, enrich the community and transform lives by pursuing excellence in classical music in a stimulating, nurturing and fun environment that is equally accessible to all youths.

For more information, visit www.yosa.org.

Float designer Tony Villejo was born in San Antonio, TX where he lives and works. He studied fine art with Mel Casas at San Antonio College. Villejo has worked in the entertainment industry for nearly two decades, building parade floats, creating retail displays, and designing theater sets for stage productions throughout Texas as well as Mexico City and New York. For more information on Villejo’s works, like him on Facebook or email him at t_villejo@yahoo.com

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Ford Holiday River Parade 2014

HOLIDAY SEASON ON THE RIVER WALK

By Rudy Arispe

Every November, the famous San Antonio River Walk transforms into a winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights, the sounds of the season, and unique shopping.

Luminarias

Since 1973, the Paseo del Rio Association has lit the way for thousands of locals and tourists to stroll the River Walk and witness the magic of 6,000 twinkling candle-lit, white bags filled with sand, as part of the annual Ford Fiesta de Las Luminaria.

The tradition, which symbolizes the lighting of the way for the Holy Family on the night of Jesus’ birth, continues this holiday season beginning at 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 5-7 and continuing Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 19-21.

But lining the Riverwalk with 6,000 luminarias, as they are known, takes work, said Nancy Hunt, executive director of the Paseo del Rio Association.

“We sand them on the Thursday before Fiesta de las Luminarias begins on that Friday, then we load them on two barges and have five people per barge,” Hunt said. “They unload them and then space them out.”

Families, she added, come from all throughout Texas and the country to admire the luminarias during their visits here.

“It’s really pretty because lights in the trees and the candle-lit bags line the Riverwalk,” she said.

According to Wikipedia, luminarias are believed to have their origin from Spaniard merchants, who were impressed with the paper lanterns from the Chinese that they decided to make their own version when they returned to Spain. Often times, they are arranged in rows to create elaborate displays. The idea is that the luminarias will guide the spirit of the baby Jesus to one’s home.

River of Lights

The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) presents the Museum Reach River of Lights through Jan. 2. A River of Lights Kick-Off 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Holiday music concert barges will feature performances

by Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza competition winners from Irving Middle School, the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio, Trinity University Jazz Ensemble and Youth Orchestras of San Antonio.

Yviand Serbones, SARA community relations coordinator, said white and multi-colored, 12

www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com Festive decorations as well as a special twinkling lights-and-music show will be among the highlights of the third annual “A Wonderland Christmas,” special evening entertainment for the entire family at Morgan’s Wonderland.

The unique theme park will be open for A Wonderland Christmas from 4 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 28 through Dec. 20, plus Thursday, Dec. 18, and Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 21-23. It will cap a successful 2014 season, the fifth for Morgan’s Wonderland – the world’s first ultraaccessible, theme park for family fun specifically designed with specialneeds individuals of all ages in mind but built for everyone to enjoy.

LED lights will be strewn under bridges, in trees, along the water falls and underwater. “We want to add as many lights as possible to make the Museum Reach festive for people to enjoy” she said.

Families are encouraged to bring their cameras to take a photo with Santa from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the River Level off the Camden Street Bridge at Newell Street. For more information and a list of activities through the holidays along the Museum Reach, visit www.sara-tx.org.

Regular Morgan’s Wonderland admission prices will be applicable throughout A Wonderland Christmas, and as always, those with special needs will be admitted free of charge.

The latest information about operating schedule and admissions is available at www.MorgansWonderland.com or at (210) 495-5888.

Ford Holiday Boat Caroling

Back in the horse shoe of the river walk; join visitors from around the world in impromptu sing-a-longs from the patios of river walk restaurants during the three weeks of Holiday Boat Caroling. Joyus caroling fills the evening air along the San Antonio River Walk in December as more than 185 school, church, company, and civic choral groups ring in the holidays by singing traditional carols on cruising boats.Caroling takes place from 6-9pm nightly from December 3rd through the 21st.

Holiday Arts & Crafts Show

If you are looking for one-of-a-kind gifts for your family and friends, check out the Holiday Arts and Crafts Show on December 12th-14th. Located on the river walk, near the Chamber of Commerce, participating vendors display some of the most unique handmade merchandise available anywhere.

Whether its jewelry, pottery, or fine art you are interested in, you are sure to find what you are looking for. Enjoy a stroll along the river walk and take home an item that is sure to brighten up a loved one’s holiday.

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Ford Holiday River Parade 2014

PARADE FLOATS

This year’s floats will depict the theme

“Holiday Celebrations Around the World” The theme was chosen to celebrate the unique differences in cultures during the holiday season. We aim to promote unity and understanding and offer a look at exciting traditions.

Note that floats may not arrive in the order listed. In addition, The Holiday River Parade is being televised live. Please take into consideration that there may be breaks in-between floats to allow for commercial breaks.

Thank you for attending the 2014 Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony.

We hope you enjoy the show!

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Grand Marshal - Gordon Hartman World Celebrations

Leading the parade as Grand Marshal this year is prominent philanthropist and San Antonio native, Gordon Hartman. Hartman is a former businessman turned philanthropist. In 2005, he sold hs homebuilding and development businesses to establish the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation and devote the rest of his life to helping those with special needs such as his 21-year-old daughter, Morgan. He is firm in his conviction: “Together, we can make a difference!” Hartman is joined by Stinger (mascot for the Scorpions), Joy (mascot for Morgan’s Wonderland) Nikki Young, representing Monarch Academy, and staff representing the various organizations at Wonderland, TX. Special shout out to the San Antonio Scorpions for winning the NASL championship!

SA Gardenia and Musical C lub Sweden

Founded in 1960, the San Antonio Gardenia and Musical Club is a fine arts organization that presents fine arts scholarships to San Antonio area high school graduates. Scholarship recipients are deserving fine arts students who graduate from area high schools and continue their education in San Antonio colleges. On tonight’s float is Queen of the Club, Sophia Canales and Float Chairman DeeAnn Simpson.

The Paseo del Rio Association Kwanza

Founded in 1968, The Paseo del Rio Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promote, protect and preserve the San Antonio River Walk, the number one tourist attraction in Texas. The Association accomplishes this through the production of special events along the River Walk throughout the year, the publication of Rio Magazine, and the hosting of http://www.TheSanAntonioRiverwalk.com. Representing the organization tonight is River Walk Queen Brandy Lopez, Princess Nancy Kilpo, King James Boone and the Royal Court.

www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com

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Ford Holiday River Parade 2014

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The City of San Antonio Mayor and City Council San Antonio

The City of San Antonio has over 11,000 employees with a $2 million budget. The City of San Antonio partners with the Paseo del Rio Association to promote the River Walk along with other downtown destinations. The float features Mayor Ivy Taylor and members of the City Council as well as City officials and staff. San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the U.S. with more than 1.2 million residents. There are 28 million people who visit San Antonio each year. Most of these folks visit the Alamo and the River Walk, making those the #1 and #2 destinations in the State.

Ford

Best in Texas

Ford Motor Company is in its eleventh year as the TITLE SPONSOR of the Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony, just one of the many ways that Ford and Texas Ford Dealers contribute to a brighter future in San Antonio. San Antonio area Ford dealers have long-standing ties to the San Antonio River Walk and sponsor year-round events that make this such a special place for residents and visitors alike. The festivities continue with the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias and the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling. The Ford float features the “Built Ford Tough” Truck F-150.

OneMain Financial China

OneMain Financial provides personal loans with one-on-one, local service at branches nationwide. With roots in lending that date back to 1912, OneMain Financial has been helping people achieve their goals and dreams for generations. Personalized loan solutions offer customers a simple and straightforward loan application, fixed rates, fixed payments, clear terms and multiple payment options. Additional information is available at OneMainFinancial.com.

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San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau

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Starbucks Coffee Company

San Antonio

Switzerland

This float features some of the many treasures San Antonio has to offer, from the NBA Champion Spurs to our beautiful theme parks. The city is celebrating being named the top travel destination in the state by the readers of Texas Highways magazine. We’re so pleased to be able to celebrate this honor by having the good folks from Texas Highways join us on our float as part of one of San Antonio’s most festive annual events.

The Convention & Visitors Bureau works every day to make visits special for tourists and residents alike, and the holiday season in San Antonio is an especially magical time. To discover why San Antonio is number one, simply go to VisitSanAntonio dot com. You’ll find restaurants, fun events for the family and everything else you’ll need for an unforgettable holiday.

Starbucks opened their first store in Seattle, Washington in 1971 in the now famous Pike Place Market. The company now has over 18,000 stores across the globe. Just recently, Starbucks Coffee Company announced their commitment to hire 10,000 military veterans and active duty spouses by 2018. Riding on the float is Greg Meirot, retired store manager and US Army Veteran who served 14 years and retired as a Captain.

Ford Holiday River Parade 2014

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News 4 WOAI, Fox 29, C W35 France

KABB is the official media partner of this annual parade broadcasting the parade live on the CW35. Hosts from all three stations are on tonight’s float representing the SA Living Show, Daytime at Nine, and the News 4 SA Morning Team. Both lifestyle shows highlight events, celebrities and content of local interest. Community is a big part of the shows, bringing the good news and the local happenings right outside your door.

Beethoven Kinderchor Germany

Celebrating German heritage through traditional songs, the Beethoven Kinderchor is comprised of kids of all ages, starting at age 3 and up. They strive the further the understanding of German culture, teaching anyone, including those with no experience in the German language. Directed

by Yvonne Freckmann, the Kinderchor float has placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd four years in a row in the costume contest for the Holiday River Parade.

The choir has performed at local sports events including San Antonio Rampage games. Gemuetlichkeit!

University of the Incarnate Word Japan

The University of the Incarnate Word is the largest Catholic University in the state and the fourth largest private university in Texas. The diverse student body of more than 9500 students represents over 73 countries. The university is committed to shaping good minds of strong character that will expand our world, and our universe. With us tonight we have members of the UIW Spirit team Jasmyne Singletary, Selenne Perez, Angela Banda and Morgan Gorley. Also with us are Patrick Greener and his wife Dr. Gail Heather-Greener representing UIW’s over one thousand employees. And of course, everyone’s favorite holiday guest. Red the Cardinal.

King Antonio-Texas Cavaliers King Barge

The Texas Cavaliers is an organization of 600 business, civic and community leaders, who dedicate their time and talents to supporting San Antonio area charities. Founded in 1926, the organization has blossomed into an influential part of San Antonio culture. King Antonio, the Cavaliers, and their generous supporters helped raise over $300,000 this past year for local childreri’s charities through the Charitable Foundation. The Cavaliers are also responsible for the one-of­a-kind River Parade, of which all net proceeds benefit the Charitable Foundation. Represented tonight by King Antonio XCII Donald E. (De) Miller Jr. .

Bud Light/Silver Eagle Ireland

Silver Eagle Distributors is the nation’s largest Anheuser-Busch distributor, and one of the largest Groupo Modelo distributors in the country.

Headquartered in Houston, Silver Eagle bases its operation for 13 South Texas Counties out of San Antonio, and also operates depots in Del rio and Carrizo Springs. Bud Light/Silver Eagle plays an active role in the local community through participation in a variety of events and organizations. Bud Light/ Silver Eagle has contributed or helped raise thousands of dollars for non-profit groups across San Antonio, and brought a message of responsibility to adult consumers. Bud Light/Silver Eagle wants to encourage adult consumers to celebrate responsibly during the holidays, and to make plans for a designated driver or alternative transportation. Always remember to enjoy responsibly!

Ford Holiday River Parade 2014

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HE B Poland

Jingle Ya’ll the Way from H-E-B! Whether you’re serving up the season’s eatings, decking the halls or wrapping up your gift list, stop by your neighborhood H-E-B or H-E-B Plus! From a Texas style celebration with all the trimmings to gifts for all ages, no store does more to help you make the most of your holiday than H-E-B, where Here, Everything’s Better.

Rio San Antonio Cruises Netherland

Rio San Antonio Cruises offers a year-round unique experience of the San Antonio River with tours in environmentally friendly barges, captained by historically-savvy and entertaining drivers. We invite all of San Antonio to come back downtown, to your San Antonio River Walk.

Visit us at www.riosanantonio.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and “Ride the Rio! Happy Holidays!

El Rey Feo Puerto Rico

Rey Feo LXVII Jon Gary Herrera represents the Rey Feo Scholarship Inc. during Fiesta. The Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation helps Texas students obtain a higher education by granting scholarships to deserving individuals. Since 1947, more than $4 million has been raised and awarded to over 3,000 students involved in the program. Understanding that passion is the key to success and the foundation is devoted to helping students grow in their educational endeavors and community involvement. Rey Feo LXVII Jon Gary Herrera is a San Antonio native and along with his wife, Catherine, and three daughters are proud to call San Antonio home. He is the president and CEO of Allied Advertising.

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Police Officers Association

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Drury Plaza

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United States

Greece

The Police Officers Association is excited to introduce their community outreach program “Blue Cares” on tonight’s float. The Police Officers Association has always participated in community events and provided everything from food to clothing for families in need, especially at the holidays. You can volunteer your time or help donate to several worthy causes Blue Cares sponsors including the famous “Blue Santa” that has been delivery clothes and toys to families since 1976! Check out Blue Cares on Facebook and at their website, www.sapoa.org/bluecares.

The Drury Plaza River walk opened in 2007 in the historic Alamo National Bank building. This completely renovated 1929 historic landmark was brought back to its luster and prominence in the San Antonio skyline. The historic building has many unique features, like the heated rooftop pool with 2 Jacuzzis along with one of the best views of the city. The grand lobby with its original chandeliers, the ornate brass decor, the historic vaults still used today, the river walk access, and of course the many extras in free amenities that Drury is so well known for. At Drury the “Extras aren’t Extra”.

Ford Holiday River Parade 2014

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Brighton Center India

Brighton Center has been a part of building dreams for children with disabilities and their families in the San Antonio Community for more than 40 years! With a commitment to celebrating each child’s abilities and helping families restore hope for their child’s future, Brighton Center is at the fore front of childhood education and development in San Antonio. Representing Brighton tonight is the 2014 Queen of the Vine Natalie Pfeiffer as well as other Brighton supporters. Natalie raised $200,000 for the Brighton Center to win her 2014 crown and played a vital role in funding Brighton’s first expansion project and opening up a second child center for children with and without disabilities located in the Monte Vista area.

Fiesta® San Antonio Commission Brazil

Briscoe Museum Native America

Fiesta® San Antonio Commission is a nonprofit organization, created in 1959 to oversee and coordinate San Antonio’s largest city-wide celebrationFiesta San Antonio. Fiesta® is the “Party With a Purpose” with over 100 participating nonprofit organizations creating fundraising events. Over 3.5 million people attend Fiesta® creating an economic impact of $300 million to the City of San Antonio. The Fiesta Store® is open year-round and is your one-stop-shop for all of the official Fiesta merchandise. The Fiesta Commission recently unveiled the 2015 Fiesta poster and The Fiesta Store, located at 2611 Broadway, has all the poster merchandise available for sale.

You can shop in store or online at www.fiesta-sa.org.

The Briscoe Museum, named in honor of former Texas Governor, Dolph Briscoe, Jr. and his wife Janey, is located on the on the Historic River Walk. Its mission is to preserve and interpret this art, history, and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage.

Traders Village Spain

Traders Village San Antonio is a swap meet, treasure hunt, shopping complex, county fair, and festival attraction all rolled into one. Enjoy great events like Rio Festival, Dia de los Muertos, Rodeo Warm Up and great music. Trader’s Village will celebrate its 4th anniversary in January and recently expanded with more rides, food outlets and rental spaces.

Wyndham Vacations Hawaii

Wyndham Vacation Ownership is the world’s largest vacation ownership business. The resort company has five primary consumer brands- CLUB WYNDHAM, WorldMark by Wyndham, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific, Shell Vacations Club and Margaritaville Vacation Club® - more than 190 vacation ownership resorts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and the South Pacific, and more than 900,000 owners. Texas is home to three resorts: Wyndham La Cascada and River Side Suites both located in the downtown area of San Antonio as well as WorldMark New Braunfels.

Ford Holiday River Parade 2014

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Salvation Army Canada

The Salvation Army is a Christian organization “Doing The Most Good”.

Through partnerships in the community, The Salvation Army helps our neighbors move from crisis to stability by meeting human needs without discrimination. Annually the Salvation Army in San Antonio serves over 600,000 meals to the hungry, provides shelter to over 120,000 men, women and children; provides Christmas gifts to over 6,000 children and responses to local emergencies and disasters.

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Mad Dogs

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LULAC Council #2

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Great Britain

Mexico

Founded on the River Walk in 1996, Mad Dogs has its roots in the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong, where the restaurant served lavish helpings of British food, adult beverages and fun to visiting tourists and naval personnel. Mad Dogs has arguably the most beautiful waterside terrace on the River Walk & is Famous for its unique offering of yards, kilts, fish & chips & fun! On tonight’s barge we have the mascot Winston the Bulldog with characters from holiday movies including The Ice Queen, Buddy the Elf, and Elsa from “Frozen.”

Established in 1929, Council No. 2 started the Fiesta Queen’s Contest, Feria de las Flores. The contest now funds college scholarships (over $30,000) per year in partnership with the Alamo Community College District for the Parent-Child Scholarship Program. Applications for scholarships are available through the San Antonio College Women’s Empowerment Center. This year’s Queen Feria de las Flores is Gabrielle Hargrove, daughter of Mr. William Hargrove and Mrs. Jennifer Barbaro, wife of Dr. Salvador Barbaro III. Queen’s escorts are her brothers and sisters, Brooke Hargrove, Dillon Hargrove, Leilani Ray, Michelle Barbaro, and cousins Isabelle Pfirrmann and Blake Gabriel.

Ronald McDonald House Italy

Ronald McDonald House is a home away from home where families can stay while their children are being treated in nearby medical facilities. It provides a place where families in similar medical circumstances can interact and lend and receive mutual support. San Antonio is one of the few cities in the Country to have 3 Ronald McDonald Houses.

Macy’s Santa

This last float—featuring Santa himself—is brought to you by Macy’s.

Macy’s is celebrating the 2014 Believe Campaign, which encourages all to believe the magic of the holidays. Macy’s has partnered with the Make a Wish Foundation for this year’s campaign. For every letter to Santa dropped off in a Macy’s store, Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, up to $1 million dollars.

Ford Holiday River Parade 2014

2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS For more information on future events, visit www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com.

Like us on Facebook by searching San Antonio River Walk.

JANUARY

24th - BUD LIGHT Battle of the Bands -​A Battle of the Bands!

Four local San Antonio Bands battle for the title of “Official Band of the River Walk.”

FEBRUARY

14th - BUD LIGHT Mardi Gras River Parade & Festival A procession of decorated river barges will transform the San Antonio River Walk into a floating Bourbon Street. Krewes of costumed revelers & live entertainment will celebrate Mardi Gras San Antonio Style! Enjoy live music on Arneson Stage from 12pm to 7pm, and a festival of food, arts & crafts, activities and more at La Villita. Parade will take place 3pm-5pm.

MARCH

12th - MURPHY’S Pub Crawl - Participants will “crawl” on their own from bar to bar on the River Walk enjoying free cover, front of the line entry and food and drink specials all night!

14th -15th - MURPHY’S St. Patrick’s Day River Parade & Festival - A family-friendly festival of music, food and fun!

Floats release 110 pounds of environmentally friendly green dye into the San Antonio River. Enjoy live music on Arneson Stage, and a family-friendly festival of food, games, activities and more in La Villita from 1pm-6pm on Saturday and Sunday! Beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, enjoy a parade of decorated barges, commemorating St. Patrick.

APRIL

21st - 24th - FORD Mariachi Festival - Local middle school and high school Mariachi Bands perform on floating barges along the River Walk during FIESTA.

MAY

16th - America’s Armed Forces River Parade - Here’s to Our Heroes! A River Parade dedicated to the men and women of the Armed Forces.

AUGUST

8th - FORD Canoe Challenge - The Canoe Challenge is a competition that helps boy and girl scouts understand teamwork.

Over 100 canoe teams compete in the challenge of timed heats as parents, Scout Leaders, and fellow employees cheer their favorite teams to victory. The Canoe Challenge is the only time that the City allows any-one to canoe in the San Antonio River Walk.

SEPTEMBER

15th - 17th - BUD LIGHT’s The Taste - The Taste is an event that brings the local San Antonio crowd to Houston Street and the River Walk to sample culinary offerings from over 35 participating establishments over a three- day period.

OCTOBER

3rd - Lucky Duck Race & Concert - 20,000 Rubber Ducks will race down the San Antonio River! Only $5 to adopt a duck! The race will be preceded by a Concert.

31st - BUD LIGHT River Walk Halloween - The best Preparty in town starts at the Arneson River theater with live music, a costume contest, and adult beverages. Starting at 9:00, professionally decorated floats with costumed participants travel along the San Antonio River during this eerie Halloween celebration!

NOVEMBER

27th - FORD Holiday River Parade - For over 30 years, this spectacular one-hour parade along San Antonio’s River Walk has featured illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishlycostumed participants.

DECEMBER

4th -20th - FORD Holiday Boat Caroling -​ Joyous caroling fills the evening air along the San Antonio River Walk as more than 185 school, church, company, and civic choral groups ring in the holidays by singing traditional carols on cruising boats.

5th - 6th - FORD Caroling Nights with Santa - Bring your camera and take a FREE picture with Santa, while enjoying holiday music and caroling on the stage 1st Three Weekends - FORD Fiesta de las Luminarias Experience the Holiday serenity of the River Walk as you stroll along the lush banks of the San Antonio River guided by more than 6,000 Luminarias. This century’s old tradition begins at dusk Friday, Saturday & Sunday only.

Annual Arts & Crafts Shows January 16 - 18th February 13th - 15th March 13th - 15th April 24th - 26th May 22nd-25th

July 2nd - 5th September 4th - 7th October 10th - 12th December 11th - 13th

Interested in becoming a Sponsor of one of our great events? Contact Susan Niño at 210-227-4262 ext 106 to learn more about how you can get involved!

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www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Thank you for your support!

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Ford Holiday River Parade 2014

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www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com

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