After rain shut down the Fiesta Carnival for two days, organizers rolled out deep discounts Thursday on rides and food to bring crowds back.
SAN ANTONIO — After days of rain washed out Fiesta fun, the Fiesta Carnival is trying to make a comeback — with deep discounts aimed at bringing crowds back before the celebration wraps up Sunday.
The carnival, run by Wade Shows near the Alamodome, was forced to shut down Monday and Tuesday because of persistent rain. Organizers said they expected some rain during Fiesta, but not for it to linger as long as it did.
“It’s the first time we’ve experienced that length of time and that much,” said Kevin Bosley, general manager of Wade Shows. “A sprinkle here and there is always prone to happen.”
Bosley called it “an exceptional year of weather.”
“Yesterday was our first day back in action,” he said Thursday.
To recover, organizers rolled out major promotions Thursday only, including $15 wristbands for unlimited rides. Bosley said the last time the wristbands were that affordable was about 25 years ago.
Vendors also offered $3 food items across the carnival, hoping the lower prices would help draw people back after the weather delays.
“We’re hoping it’s the biggest thing since water,” Bosley said of the promotion. “I think it’s the best deal across the board that Fiesta has ever seen.”
The deals appeared to be a welcome surprise for families.
“We were randomly just going to come because we always come,” said Diana Garcia, who attended the carnival with her husband and three daughters. “So then when we saw the prices, we were like, even better!”
The Garcia family said the carnival is an annual tradition.
“We come every year,” Garcia said. “They love the rides!”
The lower prices also helped attract first-time Fiesta Carnival visitors, including Sone Villa and Leia Lopez.
“This is actually our first time because we’re not from here originally,” said Lopez, who hails from New Mexico.
Food was at the top of their list.
“I wanted to come for the food! I’m really hungry today!” Villa said.
Their Fiesta food picks included chicken on a stick and margaritas.
For Noah Gutierrez, he expressed excitement with the weather finally cooperating.
“I’m excited to go to the Carnival because it was raining,” said Noah Gutierrez.
He already had his ride list ready.
“There’s a slide over there, a big ol’ slide that I’m excited for!” said Noah’s twin, Gerald.
Then came the bigger plan.
“There’s a loopy loop thingy, a roller coaster, I might go on that!” Gerald added.
Bosley said there are also a couple of new rides this year, along with the return of a fan favorite.
“We got the Kraken back again, which is crazy,” he said.
But behind the rides, food and Fiesta energy, organizers and vendors are facing a harder reality.
Rain shut down the carnival for two days and forced the cancellation of a special event scheduled for Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event was expected to welcome about 5,000 children with special needs and their families to enjoy the carnival for free.
For vendors at Fiesta events, weather is always part of the gamble. A rainy stretch can mean fewer customers, lost sales and a tougher path to breaking even.
While organizers said it is hard to know exactly how much money was lost in two days, there is one silver lining: The closures happened on a Monday and Tuesday instead of a Friday or Saturday. Still, they said, the loss hurts.
Many vendors are now hoping the Thursday discounts and stronger crowds will help them recover before the carnival closes Sunday.
Bosley said the goal is for people to leave happier than when they arrived.
The Fiesta Carnival runs through Sunday.