MONTE VISTA – The day was near perfect, with plenty of sun and a refreshing breeze, for the Cinco de Mayo celebration on Saturday, May 3, in Monte Vista.  

There were food trucks galore seen up and down the streets, with many delicious forms of Mexican food, tasty barbecue, sausages, and even Hawaiian food, to choose from, along with a funnel cake truck, and just about every tasty treat you could think of, was being sold by one or more vendors, as the Cinco De Mayo Celebration kicked into full swing and began lighting up the town for the day.  

Two of the organizers for the event, Sandra Marquez, and Terry Carroll, were seen walking up and down the streets smiling, enjoying the crowds, and happily taking part in every aspect of the celebration.  

There was so much to see for the celebration that it took at least an hour to walk from one side of the town to the other to check out all the mini events taking place during the celebration. Co-organizer Jaqueline Mascarenas, and Joseph Garcia, were at the Stars and Strikes bowling Alley managing the car show. The bowling alley was all decked out with beautiful classic cars, of all colors, makes, and models. There were also lowrider bikes on display, along with a live DJ, Petey Garcia aka “Miracle Boy,” spinning some spicy tunes, and keeping everyone swaying as they walked around to check out all the classic cars and bikes. 

Right next to The Pivot house, many showpiece motorcycles were also parked outside.  

A large stage was set up just up the road, cattycorner to Rainbows End and Southern Colorado Computer Services, where saucy music could be heard. Various artists took to the stage during the day including Kevin Hernandez, Courtney Espinoza, and of course a live DJ, G Styles, keeping everything fresh in between performances.  

The mini Del Norte Cheerleading squad also held a performance at the event, along with other colorful groups including the dancing group Semillas De La Tierra who really brought in the savory flavor of Cinco De Mayo, with their swirling Mexican dresses, and their rhythmic Mexican dancing. 

Up and down Adams Street vendors of all types could be seen selling their wares. Many downtown businesses were also running specials. There were booths where many nonprofits were set up along with the LOR Foundation, all giving away information, and even offering games and prizes for kids and adults alike. There was also a booth set up especially for face painting.  

According to Organizer Marquez, The Church Project also brought over some members from the Salida Circus. Children could be seen walking around with clowns, and there was even a live snake for people to enjoy.  

6-year-old Olivia Pacheco was walking around with her face painted and was excited about being able to hold the snake. When asked if she enjoyed the celebration she stated, “I see a lot of people I know. I had fun getting my face painted, and I like the snake, it feels silky and smooth.”  

According to many people who have been to previous Cinco De Mayo events, it was estimated that at least 2000 people or more attended the event for the day, making it one of the biggest events ever held for Cinco De Mayo.  

Organizers Marquez and Carroll were very pleased with the way everything turned out. Carroll and Marquez both agreed that the people seemed to really enjoy themselves, they felt everything went well, and they felt the entertainment was well received.  

Caroll stated that setup was supposed to begin around 10 a.m. but there were many people who showed up at 8:30 a.m. to set up. “It started out fast and furious,” she stated with a chuckle, “and it didn’t stop.”  

Marquez stated that it was nice that there were enough vendors, food trucks, and car show enthusiasts that the entertainment wrapped around from Adams near the bowling alley and made people want to walk around that way.  

Carroll stated that it was nice that no matter where you went, there was something different to look at and experience at the event. “We had all these dancers including “Los Vecinos Bailadores, the Semillas De La Tierra, and co-organizer Kevin Hernandez did a really good job keeping people on stage for performances in between, along with G Styles, and singer Courtney Espinoza. There were people dancing in the crowd it was so nice.”  

Marquez stated that they appreciated everyone who got involved in the event, including students from the High School, “The Future Farmers of America,” who helped set up and tear down everything. 

Marquez stated it was wonderful, and community involvement was what really made it happen. “It was the community, and everyone that got involved with everything. We couldn’t have asked for more, it really takes a village, and I think it all flowed nicely. The spirit of Cinco de Mayo was really here this year.”  

Carroll said that although they could have used more volunteers, it mostly did flow. “The comments were really good. People had a good time. Everybody seemed to be selling stuff and buying stuff and participating. We enjoyed it, and everyone seemed to enjoy it too. With just 7 weeks that we had to plan this, it went as well as it could. We are very happy with the way it turned out.”  

Both Caroll and Marquez stated that they are not sure if they will organize the event next year, but it is something for them to think about, and if they do, they mentioned starting a lot earlier so that they might have more time to organize the event.  

Carroll and Marquez wish to thank their board and co-organizers, including Jaqueline Mascarenas, Kevin Hernandez, Pete and Joe Garcia, Adobe De Oro, ECCS, The LOR Foundation, Elizabeth Hunt, Sarah Heredia, along with Rob and Unita Vance, GiGi Dennis, The Monte Vista PD, and everyone else who contributed, helped, and was involved, including all the vendors, sponsors, all the food trucks, and everyone who attended.