Sun, heat real grand marshals of Battle of Flowers Parade

Temperatures reached close to 90 degrees

SAN ANTONIO – The hottest event of Fiesta took place on one of the hottest days.

As thousands lined the streets of San Antonio for the Battle of Flowers Parade, early clouds made way for sunshine along the downtown route. Temperatures were close to 90 degrees, and the people who were watching and waving did their best to keep cool.

Canopies and umbrellas provided islands of shade along the route for the people watching, and coolers abounded among the parade viewers.

"For our health," said Arthur Flores of his family's soda- and water-stocked cooler. "We wouldn't want to pass out."

The need for water went double for marchers, many of whom wore multiple layers as they marched or rode without the benefit of shade.

"It's really tiring with this heat," said Nayelir Rivas, a member of the Jefferson High School band who was walking with a water pack on her back. "We've got to stay hydrated."

Some of the really lucky ones got a little bit of mist.

"Yeah, it really helps them a lot, keeps the body cool," said one man who was spraying mist over a group of Taft High School cheerleaders. "They've been marching, walking around, keeping hydrated, but this will cool them off after a hard day of work."

For some, being in the parade was just so cool, they didn't worry about the heat.

"I'm not even thinking about that," said Miss Fiesta San Antonio Madi Moad-Hagemen. "I'm having way too much fun waving at the crowd. This is one of my favorite events."

Near the finish, one of the Alamo City Roller Girls said: "I feel amazing!"

"I mean, in my helmet, I'm kind of dying," said her teammate. "But you know what? It's Fiesta."

It would obviously take a few more degrees to melt the Fiesta enthusiasm for some.

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About the Author:

Garrett Brnger is a reporter with KSAT 12.