SAN ANTONIO – For more than 40 years, Booby Trevino and his wife have been calling a spot along Broadway Street home during Fiesta.
- Couple claims Fiesta spot for 40 years
- Claim their spots days in advance
- Perfect location for Battle of Flowers
Trevino says they claim the site days in advance to get the perfect spot for the Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades. The couple has been doing so since 1976. This year, they are also celebrating Easter.
“We usually go to the park but this year [the grandchildren] wanted to be under the bridge so I came in on the 19 and started putting my little party together,” Trevino said.
The 58-year-old says it takes him about four days to build his campsite from the ground up. Though it’s a lot of work, he says he prefers to do the work alone.
“I have friends who want to help me but I rather do it myself because I know how I want it so it’s got to be perfect and it’s got to be safe,” he said.
Trevino predicts up to hundred friends, family and strangers will enjoy his campsite over the next week. To prepare he has set up a temporary kitchen, tent, tables and decorations.
“I can’t wait every year for Fiesta. My daughters, when I first brought them here they were babies, they don’t forget. Now I got my grandkids. I look forward to having a great party with them, with lots of memories,” Trevino said.
Trevino said there is always someone at the campsite to avoid outsiders from taking it over. Beyond that, he says he feels safe being outside and lucky the city allows him to stay for the week.
“I don’t need any sort of permit to be out here. It’s first come first served and I try to keep my area clean and leave it the same,” he said.
Trevino said his family is looking most forward to the Fiesta Flambeau on Saturday night. Then on Sunday, they will tear down their campsite and head home.