City of San Antonio encourages Fiesta San Antonio attendees to enjoy a green, fit and friendly celebration

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Apr 10, 2014, 04:49 ET

SAN ANTONIO, April 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fiesta San Antonio, the annual citywide celebration commemorating the history and culture of San Antonio, kicks off today and will welcome locals and visitors from all over who attend the annual event to enjoy the many festivities. Mayor Julián Castro and the City of San Antonio continue to encourage Fiesta-goers to think "green" by recycling, making healthier choices, and by enjoying parades designated as smoke-free areas.

"Fiesta is one of the iconic events that makes San Antonio unique. In just a few short years, we've dramatically increased recycling and healthier food options, while maintaining the festive atmosphere that residents and visitors alike have come to expect," said Mayor Castro.

Fiesta San Antonio is an annual tradition, more than 100 years old, honoring the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Today, as one of San Antonio's signature events, Fiesta San Antonio features 100 events that boast music, food, sports, pageantry, military and patriotic observances, exhibits, and parades.

To remain physically active while enjoying the Fiesta festivities, residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize the city's bike share program, San Antonio B-cycle, to travel throughout downtown for various Fiesta events, including those that promote physical fitness. Information is available at www.sanantonio.bcycle.com.

"Fiesta is a time to celebrate and also a time to recreate and enjoy the resources available that help promote physical fitness, such as utilizing the downtown bike share program to travel to and from Fiesta events," said San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Sculley. "Promoting a safe and healthy Fiesta experience to residents and visitors to our community remains a top priority for the City of San Antonio."

As a means to create a healthier Fiesta experience, a smoking ban along Fiesta routes was initiated three years ago. The smoking ban prohibits smoking in areas with public right-of-ways along streets, sidewalks, and the San Antonio River during three Fiesta parades: Texas Cavaliers' River Parade, Fiesta Battle of Flowers Parade, and Fiesta Flambeau Parade. Private properties are excluded from the ban. However, voluntary compliance is encouraged.

"The City of San Antonio works hard each year so that everyone can enjoy a safe and healthy environment, and this is a tradition we are proud to continue," said San Antonio District 1 Councilman Diego Bernal.

In addition to enjoying a healthier Fiesta atmosphere, attendees are encouraged to think "green" by placing plastic bottles and aluminum cans in recycling bins at major Fiesta events and parades. Volunteers from the City of San Antonio will distribute yellow mesh recycling bags during the Fiesta Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades to collect recyclables. Recycling and garbage containers stationed at most street intersections along parade routes for attendees will be available to conveniently dispose of items.

For more information, visit www.fiesta-sa.org or www.sanantonio.gov.

SOURCE City of San Antonio