Hispanic Chamber has high hopes for Cinco de Mayo

YAKIMA, Wash. -- The Yakima Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announced its plans Tuesday for what it's hoping will be its biggest Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Grande yet, set for May 2-3 in downtown Yakima.

The optimism is thanks in part to a new partnership with Bustos Media, which owns Ke Buena, a network of popular regional Mexican music radio stations that target listeners ages 18-49.

"I think we're really growing and gaining recognition by the radio stations and everyone," said Luz Bazan Gutierrez, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce secretary.

"We have the ability to bring people downtown," she added.

Last year's fiesta drew about 5,000 people, but organizers are expecting between 8,000 to 10,000 this year, primarily because of the promise of a couple big name, yet still top-secret, musical performers.

Already booked for Yakima's celebration are about 10 local and regional bands, all with track records of drawing large crowds, said Nestor De La Torre, director of promotions and a DJ for Ke Buena, which in the past has partnered with Sunnyside's Cinco de Mayo event, billed as the largest in the state.

Those bands on the bill include Grupo Fugaz, Banda Perla Azteca de Fabian Martinez, Banda Centenario, Mestizo Musical and Nestor y sus Amigos.

The big name performers should be announced in the next couple of weeks, added De La Torre.

In addition to the music, the eighth annual event will also feature Mexican folk dancing as well as German and Native American dancers, the Ms. Cinco de Mayo contest, dancing horses, a car show, karaoke contest, food vendors, beer garden, a parade and arts and crafts booths.

Currently there are about 25 vendors who plan to attend. Those interested in having a booth at the event -- organizers are looking for all kinds, not just food -- are welcome to attend an informational meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. today at Ramirez Childcare, 305 W. Lincoln Ave., or call 509-453-2050.

The Fiesta Grande is also expected to live up to its name by expanding in physical size. Not only will South Third Street between the Capitol Theatre and the Millennium Arts Plaza and Chestnut Street in front of the Speakeasy be closed, so will a portion of South Second Street, where there'll be pony rides, a three-on-three soccer area and kids' activities. In the parking lot bordered by those streets, there'll be the popular car show, which has helped the festival grow, said Gutierrez.

Admission to all of this is free.

"I think we all need to come out and celebrate getting through the winter," vendor committee chair Yolanda Martinez said in reference to the tough economic times. "We're all going to make it. We need to come out and celebrate."

Not to be confused with Mexico's independence day, which is Sept. 16, Cinco de Mayo marks the victory of a ragtag Mexican army over the French at the Battle of Puebla. The date is now celebrated as a symbol of Mexican-American unity and pride in the U.S.

All of that is illustrated in the poster for this year's fiesta, designed by 23-year-old Eliel Cruz of Yakima. His colorful oil pastel painting was the selected submission in the event's third annual poster design contest. Entries had to be original artwork created for this event. Cruz, who works at the Center for Latino Farmers, will sign copies of the poster at the fiesta.

For more information on Yakima's Cinco De Mayo Fiesta Grande, call the Yakima Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 509-453-2050, or visit www.yakimahispanicchamber.com.

* Kim Nowacki can be reached at 577-7680 or knowacki@yakimaherald.com.