On May 3rd, 2013, the first Annual Cinco de Mayo celebration took place in downtown Italy at it’s new pavilion. The weather could not have co-operated more as it was a warm evening. There was lots of good food, lots of good music and lots of contest winners which adds up to a great time and a successful event.

Manuela Martin (court clerk) was responsible for putting this whole event together. She said, “I am very excited about the response we have had. Lots of people have come out to have a good time. I appreciate every sponsor that donated prizes and all the vendors that set up booths with food and arts and crafts. I look forward to next year, it will be bigger and better than ever.”

Police Chief Diron Hill was the Master-of-Ceremonies and even being injured did not stop him from doing a great job. Now you might expect that the Chief got injured in the line of duty, keeping our wonderful little town of Italy safe, but much to the Chief’s chagrin this was not the case! Chief Hill could be seen hobbling around with a crutch and wearing a brace on his leg. When asked what happened the Chief sheepishly replied, “I got in a fight with my cat and I lost the war. I was chasing my cat and injured my foot in the process.”

The students from Stafford Elementary and Italy High School wrote essays about the meaning of Cinco de Mayo for a contest. Well, where would be a better place to announce the winners of this contest than at our celebration of Cinco de Mayo? The students did a wonderful job reading their essays to everyone.The winners were: Paola Mata (high school), Anthony Bryce Chambers (elementary), Daysi Estrado (elementary), LaJada Jackson (elementary) and Fabian Cortez (junior high). These students happily received money prizes from the city for their efforts.

Who made the best salsa? Well, there was a contest to determine that and all of the salsas were good of course but one stood out among the rest. There were three winners. Sid Del Lahoya won third place, Ken Kate won second place and Annette Hooser won the contest with her special salsa. When asked what was her secret recipe Annette said, “I don’t have a recipe, I make it different every time and every time it comes out different. I am very surprised and happy I won.”

Intermittently throughout the evening raffle ticket numbers were called out and winners received all kinds of prizes including gift cards to restaurants and hair care salons and much, much more.

There was even a ‘Grito’ contest which was a lot of fun. A ‘Grito’ is a loud shout, scream or a cry with a loud laugh at the end of it. And Liliana Rodriguez was the proud winner.

Lots of children were seen dancing to the music and a couple of adults were spotted dancing with their sweethearts.

All in all the Cinco de Mayo celebration was a success. Can’t wait for next year!