SAN ANTONIO — A Night in Old San Antonio is usually one of Fiesta's biggest events.
"Tonight we would have opening night, the friers would be heating up, the braziers would be starting the anticuchos, the bongo kabobs, the Mr. Chicken," said San Antonio Conservation Society President Patti Zaiontb
But on the day NIOSA normally kicks off, La Villita stands empty. The people are missing, yet the buildings remain - a solitary reminder that those buildings are what NIOSA is really about.
“San Antonio’s charm and it’s uniqueness are attributed very much to the efforts of the conservation society," Zaiontb said. "NIOSA plays a very big part of that.”
She said that NIOSA is the Conservation Society's major fundraiser for the year. On an average year, it brings in about a million dollars for historic preservation. Despite the setback, Zaiontb said she is confident about NIOSA in November.
“Any time you move an event that’s been on the same place and the same time for 72 years, you’re probably going to have an impact of some kind," Zaiontb said. "However: Fiesta is Fiesta, and the city of San Antonio along with the nation will be coming off of a very, very difficult time. And I think everybody is going to be ready to get out and stretch their legs and party.”
Though the party is on hold for now, Zaiontb wanted to share some words of encouragement with her volunteers who are waiting for NIOSA in the fall.
“Celebrate this week what will come in November," she said. "Because we’ll all be back in November and at least the weather might be a little bit cooler.”