Marti Gras at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

We headed down to San Antonio for a little rest and relaxation. At Six Flags Fiesta Texas, they were doing something new this year - Marti Gras! I know, according to the calendar, Marti Gras should have been celebrated back in February. In New Orleans this year, there were parties and parades all during the beginning January 6, up until "Fat Tuesday" — February 28, this year. Because it is based on the movable Christian holiday of Easter, Fat Tuesday varies from year to year.

Six Flags, of course, did its own thing. This sign at the entrance gate says it all. This year is the 25 year that Six Flags has operated Fiesta Texas and, for this park, this aniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime big deal for the park. Marti Gras is just the harbinger of the anniversary celebration!

Surprisingly, there were few Marti Gras decorations. Almost all of them appeared in the Rockville section. Here is a shot in front of the "High School" showing the Marti Gras king and queen statues.

In the late afternoon, they scheduled a parade. For this, they went all out. We were told that all of the floats were borrowed from this year's Marti Gras celebration in New Orleans. Many of the staff dressed up in costumes and demonstrated skills not normally a part of their jobs at Six Flags &endash including juggling, stilt-walking, musical instruments and acrobatics.

Here comes the parade!!

Note the Six Flag touch just behind the banner at the beginning of the parade. Warner Brothers cartoon characters were scattered throughout the parade.

Here comes the first float...

Although there were people on the floats, they were not as crowded as in the pictures I saw from the Marti Gras in New Orleans. The people on the floats did throw beads into the crowd — lots of beads!

This float had more of a Carnival feel to it, with the "Day of the Dead" theme.

Now, for a more patriotic theme....

A few costumed characters...

Now, float with an assortment of themes...

Photo-bombed by Sylvester!

The Jester Queen....

And now, the Royal Barge...and Lola Bunny

Although Fiesta Texas did a great job with their Marti Gras celebration, they missed an opportunity. As New Orleans has Marti Gras, our neighbors to the south celebrate ¡Carnival!. Perhaps, next year they will add this to the Fiesta section. They could also add distinctive Marti Gras and Carnival foods to the menu temporarily (at an extra cost, of course)

In total, Six Flags Fiesta Texas did a great job! May next year be even better!

Wild Days at Sea World, San Antonio

Jack is Back! No, not that Jack - you've got the wrong season! It's Wild Days, so of course, the Jack is Jungle Jack Hanna!

Jack Hanna is the Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo in Columbus, Ohio. Every year, he travels around the country with several unusual species. Usually, he comes to Sea World the week after he stops by ‎Late Night with Jimmy Kimmel, whic was previously hosted by David Letterman.

Here he is, holding court in the Nautilus Amphitheater. He did two show there this afternoon. The disabled bald eagle, shown below, was one of the guests he brought with him this year. Due to an injury, this eagle is flightless and cannot be released into the wild.

In the evening, Sea World hosted a chicken-and-barbecue dinner for Jack and about five hundred paying guests. The guests had the opportunity to meet, talk with and take selfies with Jack. This is the third year we have attended.

Willy

Willy Nelson brought his music to the Bell County Expo! Center in Belton, Texas!!!

Both the stands and the floor of the arena were sold out. And best of all, the price was reasonable! Even the most expensive floor seats were under $50 each.

We had a great time!