What's Happening in San Antonio, TX…

The name of the well-known HemisFair Park has been changed and shortened, simply to Hemisfair, by a vote of the San Antonio City Council.

Andres Andujar, CEO of newly named Hemisfair, says the change will help the organization with its marketing efforts by making identifying the organization a simpler process. Now, the park name itself matches that of the organization remodeling it.

In 1968, San Antonio hosted the World's Fair, which was known as HemisFair '68. That fair ran for seven months, from April 6 to October 6, and attracted approximately six million visitors. HemisFair featured pavilions sponsored by more than 30 nations, and helped shape the city of San Antonio.

After the fair closed, the city was faced with the problem of what to do with the property and buildings. In the end, it was decided to revamp the fairgrounds, which were located in the city's downtown, into an urban park occupying the same location. The most recent attempt at renovation, which has already garnered some $40m raised via bonds, is finally starting. The first phase of the remodel is known as the Yanagauana Garden, is located at the park's southwest corner, and is slated to open this October.

As phases of the park open, city officials could work with banner printing companies to create streamers to hang outside, celebrating the new sections.