Another Fiesta Season in the History Books....

Well, we survived another year with the Boy Scouts and their annual fundraiser setting up for the Battle of Flowers and the Fiesta Flambeau Parades which are HUGE events for all those in and around San Antonio.

"Every April, downtown San Antonio becomes the site of a citywide celebration – the Battle of Flowers® Parade.Since 1891, the women volunteer members of the Battle of Flowers® Association have produced a parade to honor the fallen heroes of the Alamo and to commemorate the victory at the battle of San Jacinto." Source Credit

"We are the "People's Parade", and for a very good reason. It is enjoyed by more than 600,000 people along its route, as well as another 1.5 million watching its televised live commercial-free broadcast on KLRN - the OFFICIAL TV Station of Fiesta." Source Credit

 Each year the troop contracts with the city to sell, and maintain a section for the 2 largest parades of the year.  We set up and take down approximately 1000 chairs complete with risers for the public to sit and watch the parades. Not only do we set up all the chairs and risers but we also have to chain each section down to prevent our equipment from walking off.  Proceeds from the sale of the seats covers the expense of summer camp and cover other troop costs throughout the year.

This year the parade season was quite different in many ways. 

 

The weather was wonderful!

       

We had several new scouts and their family members join us.

L to R: Kelsey from the Jones family and Ms. Sharon from the Heusinger family.

And we received multiple compliments from the public! Click here to read what was said. The day began with a pep talk from Mr. Kruegar: Mr. Michelson listening to the "pep" talk. After the talk was complete the work began. First thing the agenda was setting up the cooking/food station.   Next on the agenda was the risers!  And finally it was time for the chairs and the famous Chain Gang! Mikey was a very quick learner for the Chain Gang! After sharing her knowledge  of the instructions with newest  member Mikey, Old Pro Chain  Gang Girl Megan got to work quick! And finally it was time to rest!  Mrs. Loader held her annual craft class under the canopy. Some chose to watch the parade and saw thing such  as these cool cars shown above and they even saw a huge tiger below:  But it was really cool to see another Boy Scout troop  marching the American flag through the parade.  It was just as cool to see a Girl Scout Troop marching the Texas flag through the parade!    Discussions were held about who would prepare the food.  The ladies were kind enough to step in and prepare the fixins!  While Mr. Kruegar took a nap. He says that's what a retired scout master  is entitled to do! ____________________________________________ Many people were clearly having fun! Mr. and Mrs. Loader L to R: Luke, Mr. Patterson and Cole Mr. and Mrs Kruegar Mr. and Mrs. Jones Jr. Left: Ashley Loader Right: Janet Jones Mr. Mike Loader _________________________________________                                 The Night Parade Everyone agreed that the BBQ was the definite ROSE of the weekend!  Of course the weekend wouldn't be an official Troop 345 Parade weekend without Mrs. Kruegar's famous Monster Cookies!  No matter how great the food may have been ultimately tear down does come around! And.... ...then... it was done.  Until next year.  For more pictures of this event  please click here.