Thousands typically flock to the River Walk for one of Fiesta’s most beloved traditions. Organizers cancelled around 5:45 p.m., amid ongoing flooding threats.
SAN ANTONIO — One of Fiesta’s brightest traditions was scheduled to return Monday evening to the San Antonio River Walk, until gloomy conditions and flooding threats canceled it.
Organizers of the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, originally set to begin at 7 p.m. Monday, said the City of San Antonio pushed them to pull the plug.
“The City of San Antonio has issued a cancellation order, and we must respect the decision,” the Texas Cavaliers said on social media.
Just a couple hours earlier, the organization said it would happen “rain or shine,” adding lightning would be the only thing that forces them to reconsider. More than 250,000 spectators were expected to line the River Walk to celebrate 100 years since the founding of the Texas Cavaliers organization.
“The safety and wellbeing of our participants, guests, volunteers and the broader community remains our highest priority,” the group said.
The National Weather Service said a Flash Flood Warning previously expected to lift at 6 p.m. was extended to 9 p.m.
The Texas Cavaliers River Parade was also canceled due to the weather in 2001. Monday’s bad weather also forced the cancellation of evening festivities at Fiesta De Los Reyes at Market Square and Carnival outside the Alamodome.
“The city appreciates the cooperation of the Fiesta Commission, Consejos and Texas Cavaliers and understands the disappointment of our residents, but safety is a prime concern to avoid loss of life,” city officials said in a news release.
More than 45 colorful barges were set to float through downtown, each designed to celebrate the history, culture and spirit of Fiesta and San Antonio. The parade’s grand marshal is Leon McNeil, co-founder of City Kids Adventures, a nonprofit supporting inner-city youth.
The River Parade first launched in 1941 after Texas Cavaliers members were inspired by flower-covered boats in Mexico City’s floating gardens. That vision helped create what is now one of San Antonio’s signature Fiesta events.