OPELIKA, AL — Opelika’s own Spirit of the South marching band takes the national stage tonight when Opelika High School joins more than 200 entries in the 78th Annual Fiesta Flambeau Parade in downtown San Antonio, Texas — the largest illuminated night parade in America.
The Spirit of the South is listed as entry No. 102 in the official parade lineup, marching in Division D of the spectacular procession that draws more than 750,000 spectators along a 3.1-mile route through the heart of San Antonio.
How to Watch
For those who can’t be in San Antonio tonight, the parade will be broadcast live on KSAT 12 and livestreamed at KSAT.com, KSAT Plus, and YouTube. Coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. CT, with the vanguard stepping off at 7:15 p.m. and the main parade rolling at 7:45 p.m. The parade is expected to run until approximately 11:00 p.m.
About the Parade
This year’s Fiesta Flambeau theme is “Adventures in Toyland,” celebrating the boundless imagination, joy, and nostalgia that toys have brought into people’s lives — from classic dolls and tin soldiers to building blocks and today’s digital-era favorites. SeaWorld’s Shamu and Crew are serving as grand marshals.
The parade route begins at North Main Street near San Antonio College and winds through Lexington Avenue, North St. Mary’s Street, Brooklyn Avenue, Avenue E, Houston Street, Alamo Plaza, and Commerce Street before ending near West Martin Street and North Santa Rosa. An estimated 1.5 million additional viewers tune in via television and streaming each year.
A Proud Tradition
The Spirit of the South marching band averages around 200 members each year, including wind and percussion instrumentalists along with majorettes, color guard, and the “Showstoppers” kickline. Under the direction of Will Waggoner, the program has continued a tradition of excellence that has taken Opelika’s band across the Southeast and the nation.
Tonight’s appearance adds to a storied list of high-profile performances. The Spirit of the South has twice marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City — in 1989 and again in 1994 — and has traveled to Orlando, Philadelphia, and Chicago over the years.
Congratulations to the students, staff, and band families of the Opelika High School Spirit of the South. Opelika will be cheering you on tonight!
