For several years now, Cinco de Mayo has been one of the largest celebrated events in the Emporia community and this weekend was no different.
The annual celebration, hosted in cooperation between Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow and Emporia Main Street, played host to over 50 vendors and hundreds of residents in the 600 and 700 blocks of Commercial Street Saturday. Katy Peraza of HOTT spoke with KVOE News about the event’s growth and stated not only has it more than doubled in size, but it has also grown into an event that is attended by all members of the community regardless of their ethnic background.
She says welcoming others and creating a sense of unity for all is “what being Hispanic and Latino is all about.”
Emporia Main Street Community Development Coordinator Jessica Buchholz says when it comes to the Cinco de Mayo celebration, they could not have asked for a better partner than HOTT.
Once again, the Cinco de Mayo festivities included several live performances and the awarding of HOTT scholarships to Emporia High seniors. This year, 15 students each received $500 scholarships thanks to the fundraising efforts of last year’s Cinco de Mayo queen and princess candidates who raised over $6,000.
Peraza tells KVOE News this year’s group of royalty candidates doubled that amount raising over $12,000 which will be used for future scholarships.
Click here for a YouTube short of Emporia’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
