SAN ANTONIO – A big change may be in store for Fiesta this year.
An admission fee is being considered for Fiesta de los Reyes, a popular event at Market Square that has traditionally been free.
News 4 I-Team reporter Jaie Avila has just confirmed it’s the result of security that was added after a deadly shooting at the event two years ago.
It wouldn’t be a huge fee. Just five dollars. And it will only be charged some afternoons and in the evening. It’s intended to offset security costs put in place after the shooting.
Friday, April 17, after 6 p.m.Saturday and Sunday after 1 p.m.Monday through Thursday after 6 p.m.Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after 1 p.m.
Fiesta de los Reyes runs April 17-26.
Back in April 20-24 two young men opened fire after getting into an argument. One of the men died in that shootout and several people were wounded. The other gunman was shot dead by police.
RELATED | San Antonio Police release bodycam footage of shooting at Market Square
As a result, Market Square was fenced in during last year’s event and visitors had to go through gates where they are scanned by security.
A person speaking on behalf of the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, which hosts the event, tells us the proposed five dollar fee would help pay for those security measures. Another source tells us attendance was down at last year’s Fiesta de los Reyes and the event actually lost money.
Some of the proceeds from that event go toward scholarships.
Since the organization has a contract with the city to use Market Square, city council will have to vote on whether to charge the $5 fee. In an email Friday afternoon, the city confirmed the council will consider an amendment to the agreement on April 9th.
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The city emphasized the fee would only be charged for people over 13 years of age and only during designated hours.