Fiesta, Family & Philanthropy: Miss Fiesta 2025 & Chef Bohanan Celebrate Tradition and Community Impact
By Jules Aldaz
Photography by Bethany Castro & Nick Blevins
Miss Fiesta 2025 Kylie Rodriguez and Chef Mark Bohanan check out Fiesta medals
If there’s one thing that defines San Antonio, it’s Fiesta — a vibrant, joyous celebration rooted in history, culture, and community. This year, two standout figures are bringing that spirit to life in a special way: renowned chef and restaurateur Mark Bohanan and Miss Fiesta 2025, Kylie Rodriguez.
For both, Fiesta is more than parades and parties; it’s about tradition, family, and creating lasting opportunities for the next generation.
A Crown, A Dream & A Purpose
For Kylie Rodriguez, Fiesta is part of her DNA.
“Fiesta has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Kylie shared. “I grew up volunteering at Oyster Bake with my family. I always looked up to Fiesta royalty, praying they’d show us their shoes — never realizing one day I’d be in that position.”
Her path to the crown was humble and heartfelt; one encouraged by her mom, an open heart, and a city that cheered her on.
“On January 29th, when they called my name as Miss Fiesta, everything froze. It’s been a whirlwind, but so worth it,” Kylie said with a smile.
Today, she represents more than 100 nonprofit organizations connected to Fiesta, inspiring young women and honoring the culture that shaped her. But her mission goes deeper: education. A proud pre-med student at UTSA preparing for the MCAT, Kylie is dedicated to academic excellence, not only for herself, but for others. She spends time tutoring students, encouraging them to dream big.
“Education is something I care deeply about,” she said. “It opens doors. It creates opportunities. I want young people in San Antonio to know no dream is too big.”
This year’s Fiesta theme, Fiesta for All, is something Kylie lives every day.
“Whether you attend every year or only occasionally, Fiesta has something for everyone,” she said. “It’s about history, culture, and family.”
Chef Mark Bohanan and Miss Fiesta Kylie Rodriguez
From Small Town Roots to Big City Impact
For Chef Mark Bohanan, Fiesta also started with family and small-town roots.
“When you grow up in Jourdanton, the biggest events were the Poteet Strawberry Festival or Jourdanton Days,” he recalled. “Coming to Fiesta felt like freedom, fun — something bigger than yourself.”
Years later, Bohanan evolved from Fiesta fan to Fiesta benefactor. His love for community led to a new partnership between The Fiesta San Antonio Foundation and his restaurant, Bohanan’s Prime Steak & Seafood, sponsoring the Foundation’s first-ever official Fiesta medal.
“Supporting scholarships and education has always been close to my heart,” Bohanan shared. “Once we were in a position to give back, we knew we wanted to focus on helping young people.”
Scholarships, Opportunity & the Next Generation
The Fiesta San Antonio Foundation does more than celebrate royalty — it invests in the future. Kylie knows firsthand how impactful that support can be.
“Applying to medical school is expensive — just taking the MCAT can cost thousands,” she explained. “Receiving this scholarship is life-changing. It allows me to concentrate on my studies without worrying about how I’ll afford it.”
Alongside Kylie, the four other Miss Fiesta finalists also received scholarships, supporting careers in nursing, law, education, and more.
Bohanan too understands how meaningful that is.
“When you’re trying to build a life and an education, even small financial obstacles can feel huge,” he said. “These scholarships remove some of that burden.”
“It’s not about how big you are. It’s about how much good you can do.”
Chef Mark Bohanan wears the new Fiesta San Antonio Foundation medal, top, and the new Bohanan’s Fiesta medal, bottom.
A Night to Remember: Got Medal Fundraiser
To continue supporting the Foundation’s mission, Bohanan’s will host the Got Medal Fundraiser on April 8th.
For $75, guests will enjoy an evening of food, fellowship, and philanthropy — with 100% of proceeds benefiting The Fiesta San Antonio Foundation’s Miss Fiesta Scholarship Fund.
The night will feature the debut of the official Fiesta medal, commemorating the Diamond Jubilee: 75 years of Miss Fiesta tradition. Kylie’s medal design includes a diamond in honor of this milestone. Guests will also enjoy the signature cocktail of the night, the Flor de Fiesta, with proceeds from each drink going back to the scholarship fund.
Honoring Tradition, Building the Future
For Kylie, wearing the Miss Fiesta crown isn’t just about parades and appearances (although she’s excited to “show her shoes” from the Battle of Flowers float). It’s about creating meaningful change.
“We’re commemorating 75 years of Miss Fiesta, but we’re also building something bigger — more scholarships, more opportunities, more community involvement,” she said.
Chef Bohanan agrees.
“What makes Fiesta so special is how it brings people together — families, friends, people who’ve been here for generations, and visitors discovering it for the first time,” he said. “When small efforts come together, you create something meaningful. That’s what Fiesta has always been about.”
So whether you’re a die-hard parade-goer or new to the festivities, this year’s message is clear: Fiesta is for all. Thanks to people like Kylie Rodriguez and Chef Mark Bohanan, it’s also paving the way for a brighter future. ■
How You Can Support
Got Medal Party at Bohanan’s
Date: April 8, 2025
Location: Bohanan’s Prime Steak & Seafood
Tickets: $75 per person (includes exclusive medal, specialty cocktails & heavy hors d’oeuvres)
Proceeds: 100% benefits The Fiesta San Antonio Foundation’s Miss Fiesta Scholarship Fund
More Information: form.jotform.com/250437809222152
Support The Fiesta San Antonio Foundation
Miss Fiesta San Antonio is supported through sponsorships and donations managed by The Fiesta San Antonio Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. These funds provide scholarship assistance and support community projects and programs.
To become a sponsor or make a tax-deductible contribution, contact Suzi Otis-Garrett, Director of Sponsorships & Marketing:
Email: suzi@fiestasanantonio.org
Phone: (210) 227-5191 ext. 108
