Fine day for a festival
By Brandy Nance (Contact)
Originally published 01:46 p.m., May 12, 2008
Updated 01:46 p.m., May 12, 2008
It was a good day Sunday for Emporia’s 10th anniversary celebration of Cinco de Mayo in Las Casitas Park on South Avenue and the day marked some milestones for the celebration.
A large crowd turned out Sunday afternoon at the park. It was the first year the carnival was only a few blocks from Las Casitas Park. Sunday was full of festivities including the crowning of the 2008 Little King and Little Queen. The king was Austin Jacob Umana, 6 and Ayla Moreno, 7, was crowned the Little Queen. Amanda Rodriguez, who organizes the Little Queen and Little King event, said it is open to any child age 6 to 9 who wants to participate. Children have to sell tickets for $1 and the child with the most tickets wins. Rodriguez said 45 percent of the money goes back to the child. She said usually the children either use it for their education or for things they need.
Victor Rodriguez, who is one of the organizers of the Cinco de Mayo event, announced the formation of a new scholarship through Emporia State University Sunday afternoon — the Las Casitas Association Community Scholarship Fund. After 10 years of hard work, there is enough money to endow the scholarship. $10,000 is needed to endow a scholarship with ESU. The fund was set up on May 5 of this year — Cinco de Mayo. It is intended to help Hispanic students who desire a higher education, but is open to all students, Rodriguez said.
“This is hopefully to help our Hispanic youth to continue their education in Emporia,” he said.
To qualify, students must be graduates of a Lyon County high school. Anyone who wishes to donate to the fund can contact the ESU Foundation, Rodriguez said. Rodriguez said the hope is to give out funds for the scholarship soon.
Rodriguez said he was pleased with Sunday’s turnout. Saturday was more of a challenge with wind and rain.
“This is the biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Flint Hills,” he said.
Friday night the carnival was opened up to special education students who got to ride the carnival rides for free.
James Bordonaro, who’s running for Congress (First District) said some words during the event Sunday afternoon.
“This is not about politics today,” Bordonaro said. “Today we are here to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Cinco de Mayo in Emporia.”
Bordonaro said many people do not understand what Cinco de Mayo entails.
“Many people think it’s the Mexican Fourth of July. ...” he said.
He said the day marks a celebration of Mexican heritage and bravery. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army led by General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the French army in the Battle of Puebla.
“It was a tremendous victory,” Bordonaro said. “That’s why we are here. That’s why we celebrate Mexican heritage and Mexican pride.”
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