NEONOW FILE PHOTO
[quote style=”2″]Big Crowds Turn Out for Cinco de Mayo Celebration[/quote]
Hermiston couldn’t wait for May 5 to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, so it decided to throw the big fiesta a day early on Sunday.
A large crowd that grew larger as the day went on enjoyed a parade, music, dancing, food and beverages right in front of Hermiston City Hall. People of all ages, colors and backgrounds gathered along Second Street for the city-backed celebration. Even the weather cooperated, despite ominous clouds that always threatened, but never struck. Even Hermiston’s notorious wind behaved – nothing more than a gentle spring zephyr made its presence felt during the daylong party.
“The weather was a concern because it was raining early this morning,” he said. “But it looks pretty good now. It’s going to be a big day.”
The big day began with a parade down Second Street led by grand marshals and HAC members Virginia Garcia and George Anderson.
Clara Beas Fitzgerald, one of the day’s organizers and another member of the HAC, gave a short history lesson on the significance of Cinco de Mayo to the people of Mexico.
“This date is deep in our hearts because it is part of our heritage,” she said.
Hermiston Mayor Dave Drotzmann called Sunday’s celebration “a great day for Hermiston,” and said it represents the city’s embrace of cultural diversity.
“We live in a wonderful community and nation that recognizes diversity,” Drotzmann said. “We’re all one – and free under the red, white and blue flag.”
This year’s celebration was moved from the intersection of Main and Second Streets to the parking lot across from city hall with the stage set up along Second Street. Throughout the day, the parking lot was filled with people checking out the many vendors selling authentic Mexican food as well as cold beverages, cotton candy, shaved ice and treats of all kinds. Home Depot set up craft tables where children made wooden cars and boats.
Inez Santos, owner of the Tiki Hut, said business was booming during the warm afternoon.
“It’s been great,” she said. “Lots of people. I haven’t had a break in two hours.”
Hermiston Parks and Recreation Director Larry Fetter said the new location was working out well.
“You can stand well back and take it all in and not miss anything,” he said. “And I like that city hall serves as the backdrop with the American flag waving above everything.”
Grand Marshal Garcia said she was pleased with the turnout and the day’s events.
“I’m very glad everything is working out so well,” she said. “There’s a lot of people here and there will be more as the day goes on. And no rain – so far!”
Live bands played throughout the afternoon and folks were dancing in the street. Martin Villanueva of Hermiston’s Hispanic radio station, La Ley, served as master of ceremonies for what he called the “big fiesta.” He summed up the spirit of the day:
“We’re here to celebrate one community in Hermiston, Oregon,” he said to a cheering crowd.
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