Last Updated on January 30, 2024
This piece is contributed by Albert Carmona, the Special Events Coordinator at the San Antonio River Foundation. The San Antonio River Foundation is a non-profit organization created to collaborate closely with the San Antonio River Authority.
Fiesta San Antonio is back in full swing after last year’s Fiesta season was shortened due to the pandemic. Both the citizens of San Antonio and visitors are in for a treat as over 100 Fiesta events hosted by local non-profit organizations will grace our city during this year’s 11-day celebration.
The San Antonio River Foundation and their partner, the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority), will host the official kayaking event of Fiesta San Antonio —the Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta. This year’s Flotilla takes place on Saturday, April 2nd, at Padre Park from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Kayakers enjoy the obstacle course at the Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta – Photo Credit: Airborne Aerial Photography
The Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta is a community-centric event designed to bring awareness to the recreational opportunities on and along the San Antonio River. The event will be held at Padre Park on San Antonio’s southside, along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk, to encourage health, wellness, and environmental stewardship. The Mission Reach is the 9-mile section of the larger River Walk, which is nearly 15-miles of linear park running through the heart of the community. Just along the Mission Reach, there are over 16 miles of trails following the river for pedestrians and bicyclists to enjoy, plus a paddling trail for canoeing and kayaking.
Updates to the 2022 Flotilla Fiesta
With Padre Park playing host to this year’s event, attendees will find the Fiesta spirit stronger than ever at our new location. Attendees are invited to enjoy music from DJ Rikko, purchase beautiful Fiesta medals from the San Antonio River Foundation, and enjoy delicious food from local food trucks. They will also be able to participate in paddling the San Antonio River. Paddlers will have the opportunity to either register online during a $10 presale promotion in March or pay $20 at check-in the day of the event. With equipment supplied by Mission Kayak, participants can either challenge their skills on an obstacle course or enjoy a leisurely paddle.
Proceeds from paddling the San Antonio River will benefit the river itself as registration revenue will go to the San Antonio River Foundation. This will help assist the non-profits’s mission to bring awareness to the San Antonio River and the critical habitat it supports.
The Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta – Photo Credit: Airborne Aerial Photography
In addition to our new location, the format of this year’s event moves away from a Fiesta Mercado with artisans and Fiesta ware and instead highlights community partners. These organizations work with the San Antonio River Foundation and the River Authority to provide free educational and recreational opportunities throughout the year. We invite you to visit them and learn more about how their work strengthens our community.
To learn more about the Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta, please visit the event website at www.sariverfound.org/ Flotilla. We hope to see you on the river!
