Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) dates back to 1936, became an official Fiesta event in 1948 and is the key fundraiser for the San Antonio Conservation Society. This 4-night tradition in La Villita is powered by thousands of volunteers—yet its mission remains the same: preserving the history and heritage of San Antonio.

Among NIOSA’s most iconic bites is the Cowboy Klopse—a favorite with a story all its own. Created in 1975 by Ruth Ficke who put a Texas twist on a German meatball by dipping it in a cheesy, jalapeño-laced batter and frying it to a golden-brown perfection! Cowboy Klopse can only be found once a year in Frontier Town, one of the many themed areas within NIOSA.

But the real story isn’t the recipe—it’s the people behind it. In 1976, the Cowboy Klopse recipe was entrusted to Richard and Joy Slavin, starting a family tradition of NIOSA service that now spans 3 generations. Together with their children—Deborah, Rick, Kim, and Allison—the Slavins became a fixture of NIOSA, showing up year after year alongside friends and family as volunteers. Late nights and countless Fiesta memories turned a simple food booth into something more: a legacy. 

That legacy continued into the early 2000s, when Allison and David “Smitty” Schmidt stepped into leadership as booth chairmen, carrying forward the same dedication and spirit. In 2022 their daughter Jessica Schmidt took on an even greater role as booth co-chair, while also serving as co–vice chairman of Frontier Town. 

NIOSA isn’t just about the food or the music—it’s about families like this one. It’s about traditions passed down, friendships built, and a shared commitment to something bigger than any single event. From one family, to two meatballs, to three generations of volunteers… That’s what turns NIOSA into more than a celebration for preservation, but also a legacy of service. 

THANK YOU to the Slavin – Schmidt family for 50 years of service to our community’s heritage and history! Be sure to stop by the Cowboy Klopse booth in Frontier Town this year at NIOSA!

Click here for more info on 2026 Fiesta info and events!