Daniel C.
Yelp
I remember many years back I had a friend who lived on Guenther Street, who invited me to the King William Fair and parade. Back then it was free. It seemed like some alternative to the Fiesta, which at that point had become a bit stale and redundant. There were a few vendors, all artists with food and drink dispersed evenly. I still think of the parade that was half satire the other half, a jab at some of the residents there. The impression of college students wearing a costume of Sandra Cisnero's Purple House, at that time a big headache for the neighborhood association, is still etched in my mind. But now it has grown and morphed like one of the big, crazy hats you might see there.
And yet of all of the Fiesta Events, it seems like the most mature(seemingly)of the lot. It is an amalgamation of the Oyster Bake and NIOSA. The last big event before Fiesta puts away its party hat for the year. That's what draws everybody to it in all honesty.
I have noticed in recent years that it has become more family oriented and pet friendly. For example there is a section of the fair dedicated to children with rides and entertainment geared towards them. As I alluded to patrons walk their pooches with bright outfits, some as colorful as their owners; a pet sporting a Guayabera shirt.
Throughout the streets there is ample opportunity to see the city's most beautiful historic homes. This is also an occasion where ladies and gentlemen come dressed to the nines. Women wearing mile-high wedge shoes.(I don't get that!) Men dressed in full Don Johnson mode ala Miami Vice fashions. In addition the smells and scents can be quite intoxicating, grills cooking fish to be made into tacos. Batter being whipped that will eventually become funnel cakes. The famous chicken on the stick, with jalapeño resides here. The King William Fair is definitely not for the diet conscious.
As you weave your way through the huge crowds, every nook and corner is cohabited by drink, food or art. On the art front you will find booths from local and national artists. I saw huge paintings of cats, Dia De Los Muertos prints, purses, jewelry, candles, t-shirts, fancy mirrors, folk art etc. It is almost like where 1st Friday had left off before the fun was sucked away from it. Pieces ranged from inexpensive to Sotheby's prices. And certainly not to be outdone food and drink options have grown exponentially over the years as well.
This year I saw a more local presence of items in full force. Such eateries as the Cove, Alamo Street Cafe, Stout's Pizza and Luke were selling their unique cuisines, unheard of in years past. There even seemed to be a greater sharing of wealth, as far as drink options were concerned, some vendors sold wines and craft beers. The Blue Star, Firestone Walker and local brewery Busted Sandal had brews on tap.
One criticism of the King William Fair is that everything here is overpriced. And I agree to some extent. However, you have to factor in the cost vendors must put in to make it all happen each year. Divide, multiply, subtract supplies and the high price to actually rent a booth and it all adds up. Most of the revenue generated at this event goes to preserve this historic area and also to various charities throughout the city.
Another critique is that it is overcrowded, again I do agree. But I think it reflects how Fiestas' popularity intensifies with each year. Locals and the growing trend of tourists who attend events, like the King William Fair should not be discounted. In each case it is best to factor in what your budget is, as far as how much you will spend, to include time and act accordingly.
Yes, it is 10 dollars to get in. Yes, you will have to inevitably pay for parking somewhere. But even some investments, which in reality all Fiesta events truly are, are paid back in good memories with friends and family.
ps A band did a cover of The Smiths, "There is a light that never goes out," to me, well worth the admission to get in.
