Some San Antonio families fear an annual Fiesta tradition could be in jeopardy.
The families said they've spent decades camping out in Maverick Park during the week leading up to the Battle of Flowers parade. That way, they ensure they'll have a prime place for viewing the festivities.
"This park is filled with tents and families and kids running around, and this year it's empty," said Emily Fuentes, whose family chose the site, near Tenth and Broadway streets, more than a decade ago.
Fuentes and other park regulars said they were approached by Park Police Tuesday, and told to pull up stake and leave the park. But they said no one knows exactly why.
"We've done this for years and we've never had any problems, " said Juan Fernandez. "This is our way of watching the parade since we can't afford the bleachers."
Despite calls to San Antonio police, which oversees the park police; the city's Parks and Recreation Department and the Fiesta Commission, it's still not clear who ordered the eviction.
However, a spokeswoman for SAPD said overnight camping in city parks is allowed only one time in the year—during the Easter holiday weekend.
The families said they're devastated by the decision. But Fuentes said she plans to try to fight it through city hall.
Fernandez, meanwhile, said he'll abide by the law, but camp out during the day.
"This is tradition," he said. "This is something that we've done and we're doing it for the family, and we're not giving up."