No one hosts a more festive festival than the Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow.
Hundreds of people, representing all cultures from the surrounding area, crowded Las Casitas Park when the main portion of the Fiesta began on Sunday, following a parade out West South Avenue.
Caballeros showed off their horses northeast of the park while children scrambled up a climbing tower operated by the local National Guard unit.
A mariachi band from Wichita, featuring two trumpets, three guitars and a soloist, strolled festival grounds, stopping to play its lively music for groups seated on bleachers and at picnic tables.
Folkloricos dance groups from Emporia and Emporia High School entertained in front of the stage, after a program that included speeches by City Manager Mark Zimmerman and pledges of allegiance to both the U.S. and Mexican flags.
Owin Rios was master of ceremonies for the program, and translated English and Spanish speakers for the audience.
An abundance of food was available from in-town and out-of-town vendors, and several booths had been set up to sell pinatitas, ponchos, quarts of pure Mexican vanilla, jewelry, purses and other unique items not always available in Emporia.