The San Antonio Riverwalk will sparkle and shine as the Texas Cavaliers’ River Parade kicks off at 7 p.m. April 21 with this year’s theme of “Rio Holiday,” which highlights holidays celebrated all over the world, including Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Texas Independence, Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Muertos, and, of course, Fiesta.

“Spectators will enjoy seeing their favorite holiday represented on beautifully decorated floats,” said Tom Green, Texas Cavaliers’ River Parade Marshal, during a press conference March 4 at the Westin Riverwalk hotel. “Everyone has his or her favorite holiday because each one holds special memories for them, so we thought this would be a wonderful theme for this year’s parade.” 

During the press conference, Green unveiled the Texas Cavaliers’ River Parade medal. It features images of the Tower of the Americas, Rosita’s Bridge and a pair of mariachis on a river barge with fireworks shooting in the background. The Honorary Grand Marshal is San Antonian Louise Locker, aka “Elf Louise.”

The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas (CBCST) will be this year’s charitable honoree. The CBCST is the only free-standing organization of its kind in the San Antonio and South Texas region that is solely focused on the grief support needs of children, teens and young adults who suffered the death of a loved one. 

Among the 250,000 spectators are more than 2,000 special guests of the Cavaliers, including children from area children’s organizations, special needs individuals and soldiers recuperating in area hospitals. Parade proceeds are distributed to other community non-profits that support local children through gifts from the Texas Cavaliers’ Charitable Foundation, which will distribute $300,000 this year, bringing the total to more than $1.5 million the Foundation has given. 

In addition to the thousands of people expected to line the banks of the San Antonio River, thousands more will view live coverage of the parade on FOX KABB-TV’s sister station My35.  

The Texas Cavaliers is a local men’s civic and patriotic organization of community and business leaders whose activities include the support of area children’s charities through the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation. Approximately 300 men from the ranks of the Texas Cavaliers provide the equipment and logistical support it takes to stage the annual parade. From transportation and preparation of the barges, to placing seats along the river, to ticket sales and guest relations, the Cavaliers donate their time and resources toward their mission of supporting children’s charities. 

Leading this year’s production are Parade Marshal Tom Green, Vice Marshal Steve Dutton and Operations Officer Dee Miller.

For ticket information, call 22-RIVER (227-4837) or visit the Texas Cavaliers Web site at www.texascavaliers.org. River Parade medals and other merchandise are also available to purchase on the Web site.