“A Night In Old San Antonio^®” and the San Antonio Conservation

have been “Going Green” for many decades

Every year it adds more systems and policies

In the broad sense, the San Antonio Conservation Society—one of the oldest and most active community preservation groups in the United States—has advocated smart growth practices since its inception in 1924 when it began its relentless fight to preserve buildings and monuments in the San Antonio area.  Hundreds of buildings and homes have been saved (and kept from landfills) because of the Society’s support—be it financial, legal, advocacy or education.

“A Night In Old San Antonio^®” (NIOSA^®) is a four-night festival in the heart of downtown San Antonio that celebrates the city’s diverse cultural legacy for more than 80,000 revelers annually. Through the magic of 250-plus food, drink and atmosphere booths; more than 20 live musical acts; children’s games; decorations; souvenirs; and costumed volunteers, NIOSA brings the city’s heritage alive in 15 areas: Arneson Theatre (amphitheater built in 1941 into the natural curve of the city’s river bank), Chinatown, Clown Alley, French Quarter, Froggy Bottom (pays tribute to the cultural contributions of African-Americans), Frontier Town, Haymarket (celebrates the produce and livestock markets near San Fernando Cathedral during the city’s Spanish Colonial period), International Walkway (showcases different ethnic groups that developed San Antonio’s unique heritage), Irish Flat, Main Street USA, Mexican Market, Mission Trail (honors the early years of the city’s San Antonio Missions), Sauerkraut Bend, South of the Border (Northern Mexico influences), and Villa España (celebrates City’s Spanish and Canary Islanders heritage).

2013 NIOSA poster and medal honor the 65^th anniversary of “A Night In Old San Antonio”

"A Night In Old San Antonio^®" Chairman Kathy DeWaal, Society President Nancy Avellar and well-known artist Debra Benditz unveiled the 2013 NIOSA poster at a private reception on Thursday, March 7 in the gardens of Casa Villita for Society board members, NIOSA volunteers, special guests and Fiesta dignitaries.

Titled “Cornucopia of Culture,” the poster reflects the different cultures celebrated at a “A Night In Old San Antonio” for the past 65 years.  

Only 200 posters have been printed on canvas and gallery wrapped, so it is ready to hang without a frame and only 30 posters have been printed on museum quality paper. Both 12” x 16” vertical poster prints are numbered and signed by Debra and sell for $45. They are on sale now at the NIOSA office (at 227 S. Presa) weekdays from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on the NIOSA website at www.niosa.org. Posters may also be purchased at Sigoloff’s Frame and Art at 8222 Broadway.   Posters will be sold during NIOSA, if still available, on the front porch of the NIOSA office at 227 S. Presa; Debra will be at NIOSA to personally sign the posters while supplies last. Notecards and postcards with the NIOSA poster artwork can also be purchased at NIOSA in Frontier Town’s “Post Office.” 

Each April, La Villita National Historic District–the 18th century Spanish neighborhood set on the banks of the San Antonio River in the heart of downtown San Antonio–becomes the venue for the San Antonio Conservation Society’s “A Night In Old San Antonio®” (NIOSA®). NIOSA is a four-night event that celebrates San Antonio’s diverse cultural heritage with 15 ethnic areas spread over five acres that serve fabulous foods and drinks at more than 250 food, atmosphere and beverage booths and offers regional entertainment by 15 bands and dance troupes to over 80,000 revelers.

Beginning with efforts to preserve such unique features as the city's four Spanish Colonial Missions (now the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park), the San Antonio Conservation Society has been responsible for saving many of the historic attractions that now make San Antonio one of the top tourist destinations in Texas.

One of the most popular festivals held in La Villita is “A Night In Old San Antonio®” (NIOSA®)—a four-night festival sponsored by the San Antonio Conservation Society during San Antonio’s city-wide Fiesta celebration every April.  NIOSA involves more than 16,000 volunteers, 250 food and drink booths, and 80,000 revelers, and is considered to be one of the largest fundraisers for historic preservation in the country.

Tickets for “A Night In Old San Antonio” (NIOSA) are now available Online on the NIOSA website; on sale at select locations March 1