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San Antonio River Authority

Come on down to the SASPAMCO Showdown on March 19!

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San Antonio River Basin Paddling Race Series Event Flyer.

The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority), together with the San Antonio River Foundation, brings you the SASPAMCO Showdown Paddling Race & Festival. The event takes place on Saturday, March 19, at 1:00 pm at Helton Nature Park in Floresville, TX. Come enjoy live music, food trucks, a car show, Wilson County Trade Days, and other activities at one of Wilson County’s favorite parks.

This year, the River Authority and the San Antonio River Foundation launched the 2022 San Antonio River Basin Paddling Race Series. Experienced paddling racers from all over are invited to participate in 4 competitive paddling races throughout the year. These races will be held along multiple sections of the beautiful San Antonio River Basin, from the world-famous San Antonio River Walk to the historic community of Goliad. Each race covers a different distance and will provide new challenges to excite competitive paddle racers.

As the second race in our series, the SASPAMCO Showdown Paddling Race will provide competitors a wild race requiring navigation around downed trees, submerged brush, and other racers. Participants will face-off to see who can be the first to cross the finish line! Named in honor of a nearby historic Wilson County community, the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail is lined with tall trees and intriguing geologic features. The race will begin at the River Authority’s River Crossing Park and end at the River Authority’s John William Helton-San Antonio River Nature Park (Helton Park). The awards ceremony with prizes for the top three finishers in each category will be held following the race at 5:00 pm at Helton Park. Check out our webpage to learn more about the SASPAMCO Showdown Paddling Race and following races in the series.

Two people kayak down the San Antonio River Basin.

Paddling the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail in Wilson County, TX.

Held in tandem with the paddling race, the SASPAMCO Showdown festival will have live music all day by the Scott Crofts Band, Madelyn Victoria, and The Powell Brothers, a national touring act based out of Houston, Texas. We invite you to take a Hayride around the trails and learn about Helton Nature Park’s history and nature. Munch on your favorite festival treats while you enjoy listening to music and visit vendors from the Wilson County Trade Days. Activities for kids will also be available!

Three picture layout. From left to right: Scott Crofts Band with frontman holding electric guitar as he leans up against a tree; Middle: a young woman poses with her back to a chain link fence; Right: Two men sing back to back while holding electric guitars on stage.

 

The 2022 season of Wilson County Trade Days kick-off at the SASPAMCO Showdown, so make sure to check out the vendors and help support small local businesses. Don’t forget to see the car show presented by Push Rods, a non-profit organization, as you visit with vendors. The Trade Days are held every 3rd Saturday from March through December at Helton Nature Park.

So, come on down to the SASPAMCO Showdown on Saturday, March 19 at 1:00 pm!

 

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Alerts

Mission Reach Area Maintenance

February 12, 2026

*FEBRUARY 2026 UPDATE*

Acequia Park Trailhead will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density work. The closure area includes the section south of Theo Avenue and Probandt Street, extending south to Mission Road. Currently, work is taking place only on the west bank and working it’s way north of the trail. The east bank portion of the project has been completed. Ongoing work will take place from Monday mornings through late Thursday afternoons. We appreciate your patience as we complete this important work to maintain and improve the park area.

When: Beginning October 20, 2025 through Spring 2026
What: Crews will be performing stem-density removal and related vegetation maintenance along sections of the Mission Reach to help manage flood risk and protect surrounding infrastructure. Some trails or segments may be closed temporarily while work is underway.
Why: Removing excess stems that naturally establish along the river helps maintain stormwater conveyance, reduces flood risk, and protects public infrastructure while allowing grassland and native vegetation to recover and thrive.
What to expect:

  • Limited trail closures and intermittent work zones.
  • Crews and equipment working near the riverbanks during daytime hours.
  • Parking areas remain open, but visitors may see signage and temporary barriers.

Questions? Call the San Antonio River Authority at (210) 227-1373 or visit https://www.sariverauthority.org/services/river-health/ecosystems/.

Thank you for your patience while we keep the Mission Reach safe, clean, and enjoyable.

 

The Brackenridge Trail

February 10, 2026

Trail Lighting Notice – Brackenridge Park Trail

Due to an electrical issue, lighting is currently out along the north portion of the trail, from the Josephine Street inlet to just past Highway 281 within the Brackenridge Park Trail. Our team is actively working to correct the issue and expects repairs to be completed by the end of business tomorrow.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we work to restore lighting. Please use caution when traveling through this area, especially during evening hours.

Trail Closure Alert – Calder Alley, San Pedro Creek

September 12, 2025

Maintenance work will be done in Calder Alley starting Wednesday, September 18, 2025.

  • Trails will remain open during this work.
  • One bench at a time will be temporarily barricaded while improvements are completed.
  • There may be occasional contractor pickups in the area.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to maintain and improve San Pedro Creek for all to enjoy!

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

June 30, 2025

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

June 30, 2025

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

Goliad Paddling Trail Alert

June 30, 2025

NOTICE: HWY 59 Landing Site Closed

Due to TxDOT construction on the HWY 59 Bridge, the HWY 59 landing site is closed until further notice. However, the Goliad Paddling Trail remains open, and paddlers can still access the river at the Riverdale, Ferry Street, and Goliad State Park landings.

Please plan accordingly and check back for updates.

Current Conditions

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