HERMISTON'S BIG FIESTA

0
2015
Cinco de Mayo Preview
Dancers entertain the crowd during last year's Cinco de Mayo celebration in Hermiston. Organizers are expecting a huge turnout on Sunday.
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.

Cinco de Mayo 2014 3
Several thousand people took in the day’s festivities.
Just prior to the start of the day’s festivities, Eddie de la Cruz, event organizer and chairman of the Hermiston Hispanic Advisory Committee (HAC), looked up at the skies to make sure Mother Nature wasn’t going to rain on the parade.

“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.

Cinco de Mayo 2014 4
Mariachi Los Temerosos had the crowd dancing in the street during Sunday’s Cinco de Mayo celebration.
The date marks the unlikely victory of an under-sized Mexican Army over the French Army that had invaded Mexico. On May 5, 1862, despite having twice the number of troops and superior weaponry, the French Army was defeated by the Mexicans who had only rakes, hoes and machetes.

“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.

Cinco de Mayo 2014 2
There was something for every age during Sunday’s events. Home Depot had craft tables set up for kids to build their own race cars and boats.
Nate Rivera of Hermiston was enjoying lunch with his family. He said he recommended the Rio Express Mexican Grill – one of the many food vendors on site.

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.

More Stories from Northeast Oregon Now:

City Dedicates New Trail for Everyone

Hermiston School District Announces Administrative Changes

Crime Drops in First Quarter of 2014

Program Helps Youngsters Prepare for Kindergarten