As Fiesta San Antonio kicks into full swing, a warning goes out to those planning to join in the festivities: keep your eyes peeled for parking lot scams. Michelle Bononcini learned this the hard way last year when she paid $30 for a spot at a downtown lot, only to discover later that she had been duped by a fake attendant. "We saw a parking lot, saw an attendant out with a sign that said '$30', and we were like, ‘perfect, this is just a couple blocks from where our seats were at’," Bononcini recounted to FOX San Antonio. Despite her diligence as an employee of the Better Business Bureau, the scam slipped past her defenses in the excitement of the day.
The troubling incident came complete with an $80 violation ticket upon her return, although the fee was later dropped after Bononcini contested it. Her experience is an unfortunate reminder that amidst the community celebration, there are those looking to prey on the distracted and jubilant. She urges everyone to use city parking and to double-check that the receipt matches the street they're parked on, "Make sure that you're using the QR codes. Make sure you plan your route before," Bononcini told FOX San Antonio.
City officials are also advocating for smart parking strategies during the lively 10-day event, according to Express News. Recommended garages with reasonable proximity to Fiesta activities include the St. Mary's Garage at 205 E. Travis St. and the City Tower Garage at 117 W. Commerce St. Though event rates will spike, these garages remain a safe bet in contrast to parking lot scams and the hassle of street closures due to festivities and ongoing construction.
Travelers should also note that Downtown Tuesday free parking is off the table during Fiesta, though the City Tower Garage will continue to offer free parking on Sunday from 7 a.m. to midnight. Road closures are clearly something to look out for, with a number of streets being off-limits during key events such as the Fiesta de los Reyes and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. Traffic updates, parking details, and road closures can all be found on the city's website, ensuring Fiesta attendees have all the necessary information to steer clear of transportation and parking pitfalls.
