When the Quintanilla family reached out to bands they wanted to perform at an event celebrating the life of Selena Quintanilla-Perez, they knew exactly who to call — those they call family.

Chris Perez, A.B. Quintanilla y Los Kumbia Kings Allstarz, Los Palominos and Little Joe y La Familia among others, accepted immediately, Abraham Quintanilla said.

“Everyone knows everybody because they performed with Selena or at the same venues, ” Quintanilla said. “It was easy for me to invite them. They’re family.”

In addition to Grammy award-winning artists, local and regional acts also will perform at the first Fiesta de la Flor, presented by the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau on Friday and Saturday at North Bayfront Park.

Quintanilla-Perez was fatally shot on March 31, 1995. She would have been 44 years old Thursday. Fiesta de la Flor will honor the life and legacy of the slain Tejano singer.

"Being around the fans is almost like being around family. We talk, laugh and cry together. It’s going to be a good thing because we all know why we’re there."

- Chris Perez

Chris Perez, who played guitar in Selena y Los Dinos, and married Quintanilla-Perez in 1992, said he’s excited to be around people who have helped move her influence forward.

“From the beginning, it’s been one surprise after another the way they’ve shown love and support for me and her legacy,” Perez said. “It’s beyond any expectation I had.”

Perez said fans can expect a few surprises and special songs during his performance Saturday.

“Being around them (fans) is almost like being around family,” Perez said. “We talk, laugh and cry together. It’s going to be a good thing because we all know why we’re there.”

Festival Info

"For many people it will be their first time here, and it’s our chance to showcase what is best about our city — our people and our culture."

- Ashley Simper, Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau

In between musical acts, attendees can shop for souvenirs and get autographs at El Mercado, grab a bite from food trucks at La Plaza and take children to play in the El Parque fun zone. Night activities include a screening of the 1997 film “Selena” and fireworks.

Ashley Simper, director of communications for the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau, said they’re estimating about 50,000 people will attend the two-day event.

Online ticket sales ended this week, but Simper said some will be available to purchase at the gate while they last, Simper said.

“This is a significant event for Corpus Christi where it’s commanding world-wide attention,” Simper said. “For many people it will be their first time here, and it’s our chance to showcase what is best about our city — our people and our culture.”

Simper said she’s received calls from people across the country who plan to travel to attend Fiesta de la Flor. Because of increased interest, Simper suggests visitors take advantage of free park and ride services to the event from the Nueces County Courthouse and City Hall.

Regional Transportation Authority buses will pick up passengers from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday and 9:30 a.m. to midnight Saturday.

Simper said Fiesta de la Flor would not be possible without the Quintanilla family’s endorsement.

“Celebrating Selena’s life is the goal, and the heart of what Fiesta de la Flor is about,” Simper said. “It wouldn’t have reached what it has without their ideas and blessing.”

If You Go

When: Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday

Where: North Bayfront Park

Cost: $5/adults a day; $2/children ages 5-12; free/younger than 5 (Saturday is SOLD OUT)

Information: www.fiestadelaflor.com or facebook.com/fiestadelaflorcc