[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 22, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING FIESTA'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LAMAR SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 22, 2016

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I want to recognize the more 
than 75,000 individuals who donate their time and talents to organizing 
Fiesta San Antonio. Fiesta San Antonio started in 1891 as a one-parade 
event, and it has evolved into one of the nation's premier festivals 
with an economic impact of more than $284 million dollars for the Alamo 
City. The 125th anniversary of Fiesta will take place this year in a 
10-day celebration from April 14 through 24; the festival commemorates 
the Battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto and the birth of multiethnic 
heritage of the Alamo City. The area non-profit organizations that 
stage more than 100 Fiesta events held throughout the city include 
churches, schools, arts groups, health organizations, athletic 
associations, and many others; local units of the United States Army, 
Navy, Air Force, and Marines offer their support to many of these 
gatherings while also presenting events of their own.
  Fiesta San Antonio has become a popular attraction for visitors from 
far and wide, and more than three million party-goers enjoy Fiesta San 
Antonio from across the state, nation and world each year. Fiesta is 
the Party With A Purpose as the funds raised by official Fiesta events 
provide services to San Antonio citizens throughout the year. An 
undertaking of this magnitude depends on the efforts of many 
volunteers. Deserving of special recognition are the officers and staff 
of the Fiesta San Antonio Commission, including president Vonzetta 
Hickman, president-elect Erwin DeLuna, senior vice president Bill 
Mitchell, vice president Byron LeFlore, Jr., vice president Virginia 
Van Cleave, treasurer Marcie Ince, secretary Joe Ramirez, presidential 
appointee Marsha Hendler, immediate past president Fernando Reyes, and 
executive director Amy Shaw.
  Fiesta San Antonio brings together people from all walks of life to 
join in a spirited celebration of the city's rich history, culture, and 
traditions. In appreciation of all they have done, Mr. Speaker, I ask 
my colleagues join me in thanking them for their efforts.

                          ____________________