If San Antonio hosted its version of the Oscars, it probably wouldn’t be Fresh Air Friday. If you’re expecting Fresh Air Friday (March 3rd, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Main Plaza) to be a star-studded, Instagram worthy, free-$1,000 face cream-in-the-swag-bag kind of event, you’re better off not attending. But, if you’re looking for an event that allows you to dialogue with experts on regional air quality and sustainable transportation while enjoying live music and tasty treats, then Fresh Air Friday is for you.
Here are five reasons why you should attend Fresh Air Friday.
1. Meet exhibitors from area nonprofits, governmental agencies, and eco-conscious businesses
Learn about air quality and sustainable transportation in your community by speaking to the experts; over 20 transportation and environment-related nonprofit organizations, green businesses, and governmental agencies will staff tables and provide information on how they contribute to improved air quality. Meet representatives from organizations such as the Alamo Area Council of Governments, the Alamo Forest Partnership, Build San Antonio Green, CPS Energy, Earthwise Organic Pest Control, SAWS, and VIA. San Antonio B-Cycle will also be on-site giving a demonstration of their Main Plaza station!
2. Listen to Councilman Ron Nirenberg and Mayor Chris Riley speak
AACOG Air Improvement Resources (AIR) Executive Committee Chairman and District 8 Councilman, Ron Nirenberg, and Committee Vice-Chair, Mayor Chris Riley of Leon Valley, will be speaking on the theme of air quality and transportation. With one million more people expected to move to San Antonio by 2040, they’ll answer the question that’s on all of our minds – How can we protect our environment, expand our transportation infrastructure, and still support sustainable growth? Councilman Nirenberg will speak promptly at 11:30 AM, and Mayor Riley will follow shortly after.
3. Jam out to awesome live music
Enjoy live music from two up-and-coming local bands! Sioux & Fox is one of San Antonio’s rising stars in the indie music scene; they describe their music as “inspired by the diverse cultures of San Antonio.” Based in San Marcos, country band Shaker Hymns describes their music as a blend of “old school rock & roll with vintage country, backed by insightful lyrics.” Come see Sioux & Fox at 11:30 and Shaker Hymns at 12:15.
4. Sample delicious treats from food trucks on-site
Come to the Main Plaza and purchase a delicious lunch from one of the many food trucks available on-site. Try some “Kalua pork sliders with Hawaiian coleslaw” from Big Aloha, or dine on the “mini tacos al pastor with charro beans” from Mi Taquito Arandas, and bring your appetite for Big Mike’s BBQ brisket sandwich, slow cooked for 12-14 hours. Just don’t fall into a food coma before you meet our exhibitors.
5. Advocate for yourself, your family, and your community
In San Antonio, transportation and air quality are undeniably linked; more cars on the road means higher rates of air pollution. A 2016 study by the Alamo Area Council of Governments found that 81% of residents surveyed were concerned about air pollution in the San Antonio area. If you agree, then join us at Fresh Air Friday! Learn how local organizations and individuals are doing their part, then find out how you can help. It may be as simple as walking to lunch rather than driving, or carpooling rather than driving alone.
So, join the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) and the City of San Antonio’s Office of Sustainability at the tenth annual Fresh Air Friday on March 3rd, at the Main Plaza from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. We can’t promise that you’ll meet a celebrity, but VIA’s mascot, Primo, is scheduled to appear.
For more information, visit AACOG’s Facebook or website, or email us at commutesolutions@aacog.com.
