by Blake Herzog
Cinco de Mayo, a commemoration of the May 5, 1862 victory of a Mexican citizen militia over French troops, is increasingly at the center of events in Pinal County.
Eloy festivities on May 5
Andrew Rodriguez, executive director of the Eloy Chamber of Commerce, says the organization launched its celebrations three years ago, and “we get people from surrounding cities because I think we’re pretty much the only place that has Cinco de Mayo on the actual Cinco de Mayo.”
About 1,000 people attended last year’s event, and Rodriguez is hoping to see 1,500 show up this time. The party will run from 3 to 7 p.m. May 5 at Main Street Park, 601 N. Main St. It will feature a food truck rally, local vendors, entertainment from mariachis, dancers and other groups, plus lowriders driving Main Street.
Rodriguez says it will be a family-oriented event, so people will be able to stop by after school or work to enjoy the prime of the party. Admission will be free. More info: www.facebook.com/EloyChamber
CG church hosting fundraiser
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Casa Grande is reviving its Cinco de Mayo celebration this year as a fundraiser for the church’s restoration fund, after the church was severely damaged in a fire last October.
The church’s business manager, Martha Meraz, says the Cinco de Mayo Parish Party “is our first one in a long, long time,” and will be held May 2 from 5-11 p.m. in the parish parking lot at 201 N. Picacho St.
This will also be a free, family-oriented event with mariachis, folklórico dancers and live music from a variety of bands. A children’s area and a carnival are being planned, and the first Cinco de Mayo Reina (Queen) Contest, open to girls in grades 8 through 12 from the St. Anthony’s community. St. Anthony’s merchandise including T-shirts and cups will be for sale.
The celebration will be a re-emergence of sorts, Meraz says, although the church has continued to hold services since the tragedy.
“Having this, we thought it would be nice to have the community come together,” Meraz says. “After the fire everything slowed down a little bit, but we’re starting back up so it’s nice to have the community come out and participate and have a good time as well.”
More info: www.stanthonycg.org
