City's Cinco de Mayo Festival Celebrates Mexican Culture and History

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2007

For additional information, contact:
Melissa Britton, Latino Outreach Coordinator, City of Bloomington, 349-3860
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-3569

Bloomington, IN - Mayor Mark Kruzan announced today that the City of Bloomington in collaboration with El Centro Comunal Latino is offering yet another opportunity to experience our diverse Bloomington community: the Cinco de Mayo celebration of Mexican culture and history. Take part in the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta on Saturday, May 5, 2007, beginning at noon at Third Street Park and lasting until 6 p.m.

Cinco de Mayo originally celebrated the Mexican army's victory over France during French occupation in 1862. Bloomington commemorates the occasion by inviting its residents to take part in the City's first Cinco de Mayo festivities and learn more about this historic day.

Live music by local artists and authentic Mexican dishes, including the Olive Market's famous tamales, will be available for everyone to enjoy. Local agencies and businesses will provide information to the public on social services, summer recreational opportunities and English as a Second Language (ESL)/Educational programs. Children can join in the fun with balloon twisting and face painting. Bloomington High School South Spanish Club and the Family Resource Center will have fun activities for the kids and games with prizes.

This event is co-sponsored by the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department and El Centro Comunal Latino. For more information, e-mail Tim Gonzalez at [tgonzalez@elcentrocomunal.org|mailto:tgonzalez@elcentrocomunal.org] and 339-5561 ext. 27 or Melissa Britton at [brittonm@bloomington.in.gov|mailto:brittonm@bloomington.in.gov] and 349-3860.