On Saturday, May 3, Northeast Park in Kewanee will come alive with the sights, sounds and flavors of Mexican heritage as the Kewanee Commission on Human Relations hosts a Cinco de Mayo Festival.
Designed as a family-friendly and community-driven event, the festival offers free admission and aims to foster cultural appreciation while commemorating the Battle of Puebla.
A key highlight of the festival will be the Children’s Entrepreneurs Market, where young vendors between the ages of 8-17 will showcase and sell their goods. Additionally, attendees can look forward to craft activities hosted by the Key Clubs of Kewanee and Wethersfield high schools, face painting and a mobile reptile petting zoo.
“All food vendors will have something different to offer, as we made sure there was no overlap between vendor menus,” said Adriana Landeros, one of the event organizers. “Furthermore, we are looking into having obstacle course jumpers, a piñata giveaway as well and an area designated for picture taking.”
In order to make that all happen, festival organizers are seeking support from the community. Individuals can support the Kewanee Cinco De Mayo Festival by becoming a sponsor of the event or making a donation. Those interested in contributing can reach out via email at kewaneecincodemayo@gmail.com.
Another fundraising effort in the works is a Cinco de Mayo T-shirt sale in collaboration with Breedlove’s, expected to launch by the end of the month.
A Ceviche Fundraiser is also being held on Friday, April 18 at the Daily Fix parking lot from 5-8 p.m. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the festival. Tosti-Ceviche Aguachile is being sold for $15. For pre-orders, call or text 773-542-8389.
Vendor applications for the festival remain open, with a $40 registration fee for adult vendors and free registration for children entrepreneurs. The deadline to register is April 18. More details can be found on the festival’s Facebook page: Kewanee Cinco De Mayo Festival or by email.
As a fun incentive leading up to the event, the festival is also hosting a $40 gas card giveaway. To enter, participants must like the festival’s Facebook page, tag three friends in a post, and share it. The drawing is scheduled for Saturday, April 19.
“We would like to take the opportunity to thank the few sponsors we currently have, DJ Torres, Daily Fix Nutrition, TimeOut, Andrew Gray Photography, Kinsella LLC, SK Contreras and Mi Rancho. Their support is greatly appreciated,” said Landeros.
