Family event kicks off Saturday, May … 6

MOSES LAKE — A mariachi band isn't exactly something one sees in Moses Lake very often.

Which is exactly why Pedro Ayala wanted one for this year's Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Moses Lake restaurateur Ayala is coordinating the festivities with the support of a long list of businesses, for a family event in downtown Moses Lake that actually comes a day later than the fifth of May.

"A lot of people have to work Friday night, and it will be really difficult for us trying to close the street Friday afternoon," Ayala said. "We don't want to cause any problems for the public. We want to bring entertainment, we don't want to have traffic jams or something like that."

Ayala said that the end of Ash Street will be closed Saturday for the family event, which will include about 10 business information booths, dancers and a jalapeno-eating contest. Live bands will perform next to the lake, and food will be served. Moses Lake Mayor Ron Covey will open the ceremony, and Stephanie Rios will sing the national anthem.

"We want to bring some live music so people can feel what the Mexican culture is all about," Ayala said, noting he was in charge of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Cinco De Mayo celebration last year. "It's really important that we got a lot of support from other businesses in town. They give us their support to sponsor the music."

The 11-piece band will perform from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.

Ayala said the holiday, originally intended to commemorate the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, has become very Americanized. But that's not a bad thing, he thinks.

"It's something to celebrate the Hispanic culture," he said. "It's a good thing, because we're in America, and it's really nice that other cultures appreciate our culture. They get involved with our customs. I really like the idea of it."

Ayala stressed the importance of the effort of all the businesses and volunteers supporting the event, adding that one band and the disc jockey will be donating their time.

"This is more like a community event," he said. "We want to invite everyone to this celebration. It will be fun."

For more information, call Ayala at (509)855-6669.