When did King William Fair originate? (San Antonio, Anton: sale, school, organic)

[wehotex]

Was it originally a fair for alternative people? (I am gay) In 2006, when I first went, I was told that it was a great place to hang out, and it was. This year,I notice that it was LOT more crowded and expensive$ with fewer vendors. There were still gay ppl there, but somewhat overrun and outnumbered by the rest of SA. I don't think that I will go again. I heard several passersby comment that it was "as crowded as NIOSA".

[BenjaminNicholas]

History of the King William Fair | King William Fair: San Antonio, TX

To my knowledge, while KW has it's fair share of GLBT residents, it was never started for them or by them. Like First Friday (and now First Thursday), KW Fair was a block party that grew into something totally different over time.

I drove past some of the fair this year: Much too crowded now. Not unique anymore and just 'another' Fiesta event IMO. Far too many drunk folks milling about for my taste and a lot of stupid behavior because of it. Pretty much the same way I feel about First Friday.



BN

[perticusrex]

I enjoyed KW this year. We went early and skipped the parade so we could check out all the vendors. There was some really nice art, jewelery makers, and organic stuff. By noon it was super packed and thankfully we had our fill by that time. I do agree that it has gotten much more expensive, but it was still fun and not as rowdy as NIOSA gets sometimes.

[LindaGrace]

One huge reason the KWF is attractive to San Antonio's gay population is the parade - the KWF parade welcomes the Cornyation participants in full regalia!

I went to KWF every Fiesta from 1998 until last year. I had to miss this year because I am in the throes of finals week in my doc program and need the time to study. I agree with others, though, that it's losing it's uniqueness as it becomes more and more mainstream and more and more over-crowded.

[wehotex]

Originally Posted by LindaGrace

One huge reason the KWF is attractive to San Antonio's gay population is the parade - the KWF parade welcomes the Cornyation participants in full regalia!

I went to KWF every Fiesta from 1998 until last year. I had to miss this year because I am in the throes of finals week in my doc program and need the time to study. I agree with others, though, that it's losing it's uniqueness as it becomes more and more mainstream and more and more over-crowded.

I didn't know about that since I've never gotten there that early. Good Luck with your studies.

[LindaGrace]

Oh wehotex. You've GOT to get there early for the parade! Try it next year! This year Casbeer's at the Church had their patio chairs on sale for $5 for the parade and I'm planning on doing that next year, if I can. The parade is wonderful! I've gotten my favorite Fiesta medals from the Cornyation groups in the parade. Such fun!

And thank you - I am quite bitter about missing out on so much Fiesta fun this year. Stupid school. Hoping next year will be timed better!

[traficdogn]

Originally Posted by wehotex

I didn't know about that since I've never gotten there that early. Good Luck with your studies.

Yes I noticed it was crowded when I was leaving.

The crowd was wayyy different after the parade than the early morning crowd.

[dvlpr]

My rule for KW Parade/Fair: in by 9am, out by 1pm.

[perticusrex]

KW didnt start till 10am this year.

[LindaGrace]

But to get a good vantage point for the parade, it's good to get there an hour before it starts (in my experience).