Over 200 small businesses are cashing in on a beloved local event as the King William Fair lights up the San Antonio scene with a unique blend of art, food, and community spirit. First-timer Michelle Moses-Marquez, owner of Wila + Co., is all in, preparing an arsenal of all-natural candle and essential oils products with the hope of selling out. "I am expecting it to be probably the biggest event that I've participated in," Moses-Marquez gushed to KENS 5. Her game plan? To triple the inventory she'd normally consider for other events.
But it’s not just new kids on the block like Moses-Marquez who are gearing up. Veterans and newcomers alike tell the same tale of the fair's massive draw, where an estimated crowd of 35,000 will wander through the stalls. Days before the historic Southtown district transforms into the vibrant fanfare on April 29, business owners like Corin Wilke of Kindheart Designs exude excitement. "The environment of King William is amazing. I get to have so much fun and I get to share my art with people," said Wilke, in a statement obtained by KENS 5.
Jen Huss, the King William Association Events Director, highlighted the event's popularity and its competitive edge — out of 350 business applicants, only 212 were handpicked to showcase their crafts alongside 70-plus food and drink vendors. King William Fair offers more than just a day of sales; 15% of net proceeds are funneled back into the community through grants, melding profit with philanthropy.
Some business owners have been sweating over their prep for more than a month. Katherine Ozuna of Sweet Cravings by Katherine, who's going to peddle her sought-after mini-pancakes and chicken-and-waffles, made it clear: "When it comes to Fiesta, we do not mess around," she declared, as per an interview with KENS 5.
For artists like Sarah Moore, who moved to San Antonio in 2022, the King William Fair is a critical launchpad for customer connections and exposure. Moore will offer artworks from affordable $3 postcards to high-end $500 framed paintings, aiming to cater to every patron's pocketbook. Artisan events are not just about immediate sales but are a crucial piece of the process, supporting artists' journey towards potentially opening their own storefronts, explained San Antonio's assistant director for economic development, Ana Bradshaw.
Veterans of the fair know the impact of such exposure, pointing to the crowds and vibrant atmosphere as a boon to both commerce and culture. Moses-Marquez and Ruby Hernandez of La Casa Frida hope to capture the festive essence of the day with products tailored to the fair's atmosphere. Hernandez specializes in colorful Mexican wares, while Moses-Marquez has conjured up Fiesta-themed candles specifically for the event. Both see the fair as more than a marketplace, it's a community magnifier that underscores the spirited core of San Antonio.
