(Seguin) — An iconic venue will be celebrating its golden anniversary this weekend, marking five decades of country, Tejano and community tradition right here in Seguin.
However, it didn’t take long for the El Fiesta Ballroom to reach a “sold out event” for this Saturday’s Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance featuring Grammy Award-winner Little Joe y La Familia, LA 45 and special guest Sunny Ozuna.
For Lydia Trevino, one of the operators of the hall, the return of Little Joe carries special meaning. That’s because he was among the headliners during the ballroom’s grand opening in 1976, helping set the tone for what would become a legendary run in Texas music history.
Following the death of her parents and founders Johnny “Mr. T” and Janie Trevino, Lydia says it’s been her mission, along with her sisters, to carry forward the vision that her parents first brought to life.
As the family now reflects on the 50 years of music and memories, Lydia says the early days of the El Fiesta Ballroom can only be described as electric not only for Seguin but the entire region.
“It was an exciting time for the city of Seguin and the surrounding communities to have a place that attracted many top entertainers and to showcase many local artists from Country to Tejano music. It also became the primary venue for Seguin, New Braunfels and San Marcos for anniversaries, weddings, quinceneras and senior high school graduations,” said Trevino.
Over the years, she says the El Fiesta Ballroom has carved out a reputation as both a launching pad and a home for major talent. Lydia says her father intentionally brought in nationally recognized performers while also keeping a radar out for new upcoming talent.
“From the very beginning my father wanted to bring (and was successful in bringing) country legends such as Tammy Wynette, Johnny Rodriguez and Clint Black. He also stayed in tuned to what was being heard on the radio such as Tower of Power and Malo. Of course, every single Tejano star has graced our stage from Little Joe performing for our grand opening. I remember the late great Selena first performing at 9 years old, and Emilio Navaira trying to cross over to country music. I could list so many artists from every decade for the last 50 years,” said Trevino.
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The ballroom’s story is inseparable from the legacy of Johnny “Mr. T” Trevino, who passed away in July 2021 after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
She says for more than 45 years, her parents operated the Interstate 10 venue, transforming it into “the place for” concerts and dances, bingos and even a restaurant, known to all as The Lunch Box.
“Six years ago, once again Little Joe was performing when my father surprised us with Rosita Ornelas (former KWED Radio personality and first female disc jockey to be inducted into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame) announcing that they were turning over the reins to my sister Cindy (Rangel) and myself. Before my parents passed away, they made me promise to stay in Seguin to help Cindy. The legacy they left is huge. They have touched so many lives and impacted so many careers. A day doesn’t go by when someone tells me I knew your parents and they were good people,” said Trevino.
Although the anniversary celebration is sold out. The event does have a few “standing room only” tickets for $25 each.
The event will be held from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. To purchase tickets, call 830-372-0161. The El Fiesta Ballroom is located at 735 E. I-H 10 in Seguin.