For several weeks in April, the city of San Antonio, Texas, holds its annual Fiesta celebration. Fiesta means fun, food, music, multiple events, and libations - okay, a party – but a long, colorful party steeped in Texas history! A central part of the festivities is making and collecting Fiesta medals.
In 2018, the Alamo Chapter of the APA (ACAPA) created our first ever Fiesta medal as a “thank you” gift for early renewal of 
their membership dues and, in 2019, we continued our new tradition with our 2nd annual Fiesta medal.
In conjunction with our custom fiesta medal, the ACAPA held its 2nd annual Fiesta Fandango in downtown San Antonio on April 25th. Sponsored by Ultimate Software, ACAPA members and guests attended the free event held at Mexican Manhattan Restaurant on the San Antonio Riverwalk. The weather was beautiful, the food was excellent, and we even enjoyed unplanned entertainment from the city’s Fiesta events – river barges with Folklorico dancers, mariachis, and more. We were also joined by APA’s Chapter Relations staff members, Liz Herrera and Julianna Hunt.
A large value of the local chapter is the opportunity to network. Our monthly meetings provide us with core education, but because they take place during the workday, members typically must rush from their jobs and back, leaving little time to chat. We’ve discovered that one way to add fun and encourage networking is to have additional events that give our members the opportunity to interact. As an additional benefit, these activities help us generate interest in volunteering for chapter committees and serving on the board. These events have allowed our members to get to know each other and enjoy a wonderful San Antonio tradition.
Valery Noakes, CPP is President of the Alamo Chapter of the APA.
Does your chapter celebrate local festivities? Share in the comments below!
