Cinco De Mayo Celebration fills Downtown Emporia

Spanish culture and heritage flowed through the streets of Downtown Emporia Saturday for the sixth annual Cinco De Mayo celebration.

The day of activities kicked off with the Cinco K run, a part of the Emporia Recreation Commission Super Series. Several runners lined up to take on the course including one individual who has become a familiar face at many local 5Ks, Asher Delmott

Delmott was the first to cross the finish line Saturday with a time of 17 minutes and 46 seconds. He says the course was challenging but still a lot of fun.

Following the run, residents had the chance to sample authentic foods, listen to live music and take in a variety of performances. Throughout the day prizes were given out for trivia questions and a few contests took place including a jalapeno eating competition.

The winner of the contest was Earl Hauffman who managed to finish 15 jalapenos. The Cinco De Mayo Celebration has been co-hosted the past six years by Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow (H.O.T.T) and Emporia Main Street.

H.O.T.T. Director Sally Sanchez says over the past six years the Cinco De Mayo Celebration has continuously grown, so much, in fact, they now need two blocks — the 600 and 700 blocks of Commercial Street — just to hold it. Sanchez adds the local Hispanic community has taken great pride in the celebration as it and many other events locally allow them the opportunity to celebrate and share their culture and heritage.

Following the exciting list of activities along Commercial Street, the celebration continued through the evening inside the Emporia Granada Theatre with Chips and Salsa. The event included salsa taught by Marvin Gaviria to songs performed by the band Frankie Negron Salsa at the G and food and margaritas provided by Casa Ramos. The band was sponsored and contacted by Casa Ramos as the owner is close friends with Gaviria. The lessons, food, and music made even those just watching smile.

Photos by Tagan Trahoon and Lance Moore/KVOE News

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