Las Casitas Park will be a melting pot this weekend when the community gathers, a few days late, to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
The annual fiesta commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It is a holiday separate from Mexico’s Independence Day, Sept. 16.
Members of Las Casitas Association have organized the celebration, which also is sponsored by Budweiser, U.S. Cellular, the U.S. Army and Emporia State University. It is the 11th Cinco de Mayo festival held at Las Casitas Park, according to one of the organizers, Victor Rodriguez.
The celebration will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday, with vendors selling Mexican foods and merchandise, arts and crafts on display and games set up to entertain children. Live bands will perform from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. and disc jockey Sonido Perla Purepcha will play music for the dance.
On Sunday, the celebration will begin at noon in the park on West South Avenue.
At 2:30 p.m., a parade will start from Riverside School, going north on West Street and west on South Avenue to Las Casitas Park. A park blessing will follow the parade.
“Then right after that, we’ll have the fiesta program,” Rodriguez said.
The program will include crowning of the “Little King and Queen,” Roberto Peralta and Savannah Rangel. The program also will feature Zumba and karate demonstrations, and two dance troupes, Studio 2B Folkloric Dancers from Emporia High School and Club de Danza Folklorico San Miguel from Wichita.
Disc jockey Julio Tabares will provide music for a dance scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
The fiesta is open to the public.
“We want the whole family to come out,” Rodriguez said. “I say this every year. It’s not just for Mexicans. ... It’s open to everybody, all nationalities.”
paulkersey (anonymous) says...
**The annual fiesta commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army**
Wow, I bet that was a battle royale! (Rolls Eyes) It's a good thing everyone who has beaten the French doesn't celebrate, because nothing would ever get accomplished!
May 4, 2009 at 10:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
You know you don't have a lot to celebrate when...............
May 4, 2009 at 11:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawks422 (anonymous) says...
YY4U-Don't bother with people who don't want to celebrate the mexican heritage...they can bash a positive event all they want..but I'm sure they are uneducated rednecks with nothing else to do but waller in their own self-pity!!!
May 5, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I was just kidding around. You know what they say, "If you can't take a joke stay out of the kitchen".................... or something like that.
May 5, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
The real question is the ratio of American flags to Mexican flags. I am having a real issue with the blatant disrespect I have seen in recent years for the flag of this country. I'll wager there are next to none at this gathering.
May 5, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
Isn't this the place people keep complaining about no positive community events ever taking place? Some of you folks should push back from the computer, get dressed, and get out of the house and go spend some time there this weekend, you might just have a good time.
May 5, 2009 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
paulkersey (anonymous) says...
I wasn't really kidding, but I wasn't bashing the event, I was bashing the French Army. Ask yourself this, though...
Last year, why did Emporia celebrate St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo, but not the 4th of July? Another thing, why is Cinco de Mayo being sponsored by the US Army?
I'm sure its a great event, and I would like to check it out, but I will regrettably be out of town this weekend.
Again, I wasn't degrading the festival, I think its great whenever anything like this happens in Emporia, I was trying for a little levity and saying that defeating the French Army, to me, isn't necessarily a reason for a huge celebration. But then again, that's just me...
May 5, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
I do and I have, what bothers me is that for Mexican flag there should be an American flag with it, after all are they not Mexican-American citizens? I see no other ethnic groups doing this near to the extent that our Hispanic population does, its not racist, its not hatred, its just blantant diasapointment from lack of respect.
May 5, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawks422 (anonymous) says...
goodoleboy-if u wld ever take time out of your arrogance & show up at one of these mexican-american held events you would notice that both flags are represented & the national anthem is played! Paulkersey as for the 4th of july it appears no one has the will or want to in emporia to secure high profile sponsors like the cinco de mayo event...these events take hard work & planning & things don't get done by sitting behind a computer making unecssary remarks...maybe you should spearhead a 4th of july festival in emporia instead of wondering why none is being held!!!
May 5, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
"maybe you should spearhead a 4th of july festival in emporia instead of wondering why none is being held!!!"
Ok, you talked me into it...
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid...
;-)
Matt
May 5, 2009 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
Kudos for speaking your mind goodolboy...it's too bad however that so many see allegiance and patriotism to our country as arrogance or racism.
May 5, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawks422 (anonymous) says...
It's to bad when people of ethnicity do the same and it's considered disrespectful & a disappointment! Kudos to the organziers of the cinco de mayo event...I'm sure other organizers should follow the lead of the mexican-american event & they too could have a wonderful event for 4th of July!
May 5, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
"I'm sure other organizers should follow the lead of the mexican-american event & they too could have a wonderful event for 4th of July!"
Well, I sure am working on it!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid...
Matt
May 5, 2009 at 12:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Local_Hispanic (Vic Rodriguez) says...
Mr. Good ole boy I'll tell you what, I will personally give you an American flag that you can carry along with you when you come to the celebration. But there is always an American flag being displayed because we do follow laws. And that includes the flag ettiquette.
STANDARDS of RESPECT
The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:
The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
May 5, 2009 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Who exactly falls outside the category of "people of ethnicity"?
May 5, 2009 at 12:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Local_Hispanic (Vic Rodriguez) says...
Heres the rest since i'm limited on space
When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.
When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.
When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right.
..The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger.
..No other flag ever should be placed above it.
..The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.
When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
So you see "Good Ole Boy" we are not all uneducated disrespectful citizens. We did our homework since the beginning of this celebration. So if you would have come to a celebration within the last 10 years you could have witnessed that for youself. Lucky for you, you can come out this weekend to see. I had relatives who served our country in various wars, so why would I disrespect them with our countrys flag?
I know there were times that I've seen disrespect for the flag but it wasn't just Mexicans. Do you remember Woodstock? There were pics of "WHITE" people wearing the flag as garments or capes...Hmm
If you still have reservations about coming out, just remember that Emporias finest will be out there patroling so that you can feel even safer. Heck we'll even have white food there...LOL
May 5, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Like I stated, earlier, I have attended this event, and others here and out of town. I am speaking towards the general populace of this town, and if they knew half of what Local-Hispanic posted then I nor any other citizen would have a thing to complain about.
May 5, 2009 at 12:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
"Heck we'll even have white food there."
What exactly is "white food"?
May 5, 2009 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Local_Hispanic (Vic Rodriguez) says...
White food was meant as Hamburgers, hotdogs, funnel cakes etc. just in case someone didn't want or like Mexican food. I think there might even be someone there selling Chinese food.
May 5, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
I would also like to question just where I said anything about uneducated. I said nothing to that effect, those are your words not mine, apathy and disrespect do not have IQ's.
May 5, 2009 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sundancekid (anonymous) says...
Uh-oh! I didn't realize it was mandatory to fly the American flag at these heritage events? Oops! I guess I forgot to read manual instructing me how to be a proper American.
Someone ought to act fast and inform the event organizers of Octoberfest (those no-good Germans), St. Patrick's Day (lazy Irish), St. David's Day (ungrateful Welsh), Bastille Day (filthy French), Chinese New Year (lousy Chinese)...
May 5, 2009 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Who exactly falls outside the category of "people of ethnicity"?
No one ever answered this question.
May 5, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sundancekid (anonymous) says...
In this day and age, is it necessary or revelant? To suggest categorization is to imply lesser or greater values.
May 5, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawks422 (anonymous) says...
Local_Hispanic that was a well spelled out comment...however when your dealing with people who want to pop off & insinuate mexican-americans are someway unpatriotic just because they assume...it's doubtful any of these naysayers have attended the function or any other mexican-american event or else they wouldn't make such shameful accusiations. It's these type of people you wouldn't want there anyway!
May 5, 2009 at 1:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
So who is saying they have greater value here?
May 5, 2009 at 1:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
I'll drop by yet again with my camera, we'll see if what was said here holds true, barring rain I'll host some pics.
May 5, 2009 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sundancekid (anonymous) says...
seriouslyfolks - I've read your comments. By the way you communicate your thoughts, It is clearly evident that you see differences before you see similarities. You select to use words that carry negative or "lesser-value" connotations when describing those who are not WASP.
It's the way you've been conditioned.
May 5, 2009 at 2 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Yeah, I'm bad and you're good. I'll bet you sleep better tonight knowing that. You're welcome.
May 5, 2009 at 2:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sundancekid (anonymous) says...
No, actually I won't. It's sad.
May 5, 2009 at 2:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Why not? Are you OK?
May 5, 2009 at 2:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
http://www.alohadaze.com/2006/03/29/a...
That's not "assuming"... of course, we shouldn't let one bad apple ruin the bunch, but the way many Mexican-Americans demand amnesty for their illegal friends who are breaking the law, sure doesn't say much for their character.
That said, it is nice to have culture in Emporia and the Hispanic community should be proud of the grand celebrations they put together. But don't shove it down anyone's throat.
And furthermore, while I respect the culture, I don't see that in return. I doubt many other ethnicities would come to a "white" culture celebration. In fact, I'm pretty sure that would be picketed heavily.
May 5, 2009 at 2:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawks422 (anonymous) says...
Goodoleboy-why don't you show up with a mexican flag in one hand & american flag in the other keep the camera at home & stuff a taco in your mouth to keep your comments about how many flags there should be at this event. The organziers will be sure to present an American Flag & Mexican Flag as the official flags of the event...and if others choose to present flags other than the United States you or any other person has no right to tell them what to do..just becuase you think it's disrespectful! All the snide remarks that you & other people have made is just a jab at the mexican-american people!
May 5, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sundancekid (anonymous) says...
"And furthermore, while I respect the culture, I don't see that in return. I doubt many other ethnicities would come to a "white" culture celebration. In fact, I'm pretty sure that would be picketed heavily."
Perhaps they don't feel welcome? Could it be the white hats and robes?
May 5, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawks422 (anonymous) says...
Talk about charcter wasn't it the white race that opressed civil rights...the charcter that you present is shameful by the above mentioned remarks...& no one is shoving any celebrations down your throat..it's eazy your NOT INVITED!
May 5, 2009 at 2:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sundancekid (anonymous) says...
Kudos to hawks422.
Emporia has a rich history of celebrating heritage. It's sad that some see the Cinco de Mayo festival as anything more than that.
May 5, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
"Perhaps they don't feel welcome? Could it be the white hats and robes?"
Who's being racist and stereotypical now?
All I was saying is that respect for other's cultures is a 2 way street....just because someone from my ethnicity oppressed someone from another ethnicity years ago, doesn't mean you can disregard or disrespect me or my culture.
And hawks422, thanks for rescinding the invite. They need to change the title of the article...guess it isn't "for everyone!"
May 5, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nutsaboutools (anonymous) says...
I second YY4U's comment about the food. Great food, lots of fun, especially if you have kids (our Mexican brothers & sisters do know how to have a good time). We plan on attending after we close-up shop after the soccer tournament.
May 5, 2009 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Amazing how the only intent I have here is concern for my country's flag, nothing more, and I get words put in mouth as well as told to stuff a taco in it. And you wonder why people are bitter.........
May 5, 2009 at 3:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sundancekid (anonymous) says...
I took a glance out the window... and the flag was still there.
May 5, 2009 at 4:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Sundance
"Perhaps they don't feel welcome? Could it be the white hats and robes?"
This quote shows your true colors, what is that old saying, "takes one to know one"? I have not been one bit hateful nor racist, you in one sentence personified both. Congrats to you sir, your hypocrisy knows no bounds.
May 5, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sundancekid (anonymous) says...
goodoleboy - It's called sarcasm.
May 5, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
oui, oui, mon ami
May 5, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Wonder how well it would go over if we celebrated the defeat of Santa Anna every year, yeah... We can remember the Alamo but not celegrate it, that might offend some people that are now on our side... lol
May 5, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
"goodoleboy - It's called sarcasm."
So when you use its called sarcasm, when I use(and I did not) it is racism or hate, thanks for clearing that up for me. Love those double standards I do!
May 5, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sundancekid (anonymous) says...
I'm afraid I'll need to end this conversation with you, goodoleboy. You're being over-dramatic and unrealistic.
May 5, 2009 at 4:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Getting caught not practicing what you preach kinda smarts does it not? It's ok I would just drop it and save what little face I could too, its not like the writing is on the wall or anything, oh wait.....
May 5, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I have known event organizer Vick Rodriquez and his family allmost all of my life. He was born here, has lived here, made his living here, paid his taxes here, and raised his family here. The same can be said about many of the valuable American citizens af Hispanic decent that work to make this wonderful event possible.
It is a celebration of hispanic culture....just like St Patty's day for the Irish, Columbus day for the Italians, and on and on and on.Come out and join in....you might find you will have a good time...and I guaruntee, if you go with a positive attitude, you will be welcomed.
If however you don't believe you have anyting that you can learn.....then just stay home because you are probably right about that. You won't be missed....especially you gemini.
Oh...and if the "Americans" (read white) had got up off their lazy butts and put the work into a 4th of July celebration that many "Americans" (read hispanic) put into this one....they just might have had a party too.
May 5, 2009 at 6:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
gemini
Disregard and disrespect are also two way streets. I never cease to be amazed at the outrageously racist remarks that flow from your pen only to be followed by accussing everyone else of racism. Very much a case of the gemini"protest to much me thinks".....(Shakespeare).
May 5, 2009 at 6:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
".especially you gemini."
All I can do is laugh at that. Not only did you reinforce what I was trying to get across earlier (respect being a 2 way street), it is definitely the BEST way to get a person to NOT care about someone else's culture. Good job at spreading the wonderful word about the Hispanic culture. Way to open others eyes!
We have such friendly folk around here.
May 5, 2009 at 6:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
I have never said one thing that could even be slightly construed as racist. Just because I believe in American laws being upheld and American symbols being respected, it does not make me a racist. And if it does, I would sure like to know HOW. And I'm guessing so would alot of people.
And I have never called anyone such a thing either. I simply implied that sundancekid's comment was out of line, using "sarcasm" as he put it.
Put your glasses on and quit reading between the lines.
May 5, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
gemini....
Sometimes that's where you learn the most...reading between the lines.
May 5, 2009 at 7:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
Or in some cases, making up stuff that you THINK you see between the lines.
Have a nice evening, biscuitboy.
May 5, 2009 at 7:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
gemini.....
you are absolutly right about one thing....I should have never allowed my personal opinion about much that you have written to be connected to the Cinco de Mayo Festival. I do not speak for Victor or the Festival. I apologize to them...and to you....in that regard.
Other than that I stand behind everything else I said about the festival and the people that put it on.
As to weather or not you are a racist....I don't know. I don't know you....and all I know about you is what I have read on these boards. In fact, I didn't call you a racist. I was commenting on what you have written and how is sounds racist. A number of other posters here have at times expressed similiar opinions.
So to use an often used phrase....If something looks like a duck,,,,walks like a duck....and quacks like a duck....it's probably a duck. And that is reading between the lines.
If I am wrong about this I will apologize for it also. But for now I'm just calling it as I see it.
May 5, 2009 at 7:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcook66801 (anonymous) says...
Cinco de Mayo festival is one of the best things about Emporia. If you object to it, don't go. If you don't believe it honors America enough, don't go. It is not that you aren't welcome, it's just that I don't want to see it ruined for the rest of us.
For what it is worth, I know plenty of immigrant Mexicans who show far more respect for America, than many born and raised Emporians.
May 5, 2009 at 8:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
You want to see a really racist group............. ducks.
Or was it soup?
May 5, 2009 at 9:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
So, let me get this straight. If I do a little French bashing on here, I will get labeled as anti-Hispanic??? What if I want to mock the Canadians (you all know it's fun to do)? Does that make me anti-Semitic? Or maybe it's the ducks who become anti-Semites from me and I become anti-Egyptian if the Canadians I mock are French. I just want to know what the code is here.....I'm more than a little confused by this whole argument.
May 5, 2009 at 9:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
oh4theluvof...
Basically if you say or question anything about a "group" other than "whitey", you are racist. That is blatantly clear.
May 5, 2009 at 9:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
If you see a duck, don't say anything. Back away slowly. Keep your hands in plain sight and don't slurp you soup whatever you do. Godspeed everyone.
May 5, 2009 at 10:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Local_Hispanic (Vic Rodriguez) says...
Well...this is why we live in America. Because we have the freedom to speak our mind. We might not agree with certain topics, but we do like to enjoy parties or celebrations with food, music and fun.
All I know is that there is a party at Las Casitas Park this weekend and the community is invited. But more importantly it is also Mother's day.
Make sure to spend time with your mothers or reminisce back when she was around and cherish those moments....
You can also give your mom a break from cookimg and bring her over to the celebration, there will be plenty of food there.
Bottom line....come out and have fun! (weather permitting)
.
May 6, 2009 at 1:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
jcook66801, YY4U, local_hispanic.....
RIGHT ON BROTHERS......and now the secret is out....I'm actually just an old hippie.
seriouslyfolks....
Did you now that the unique ingredient in birds nest soup actually comes from birds nest?.....learned that watching the history channel.
May 6, 2009 at 5:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Yeah.....the same for oysters....who was the first guy that looked at one of those slimey things and said..."I bet that would be good to eat"?
May 6, 2009 at 5:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
May the weekend be rain-free.
And everyone get out to enjoy it.
Put all your differences aside.
Good food and good times at the "Little Houses"
What more could you want?
May 6, 2009 at 6:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
glarson (anonymous) says...
to a forum:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/...
May 6, 2009 at 7:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )