Downtown Adrian will bustle this weekend with Cinco de Mayo and Dog Days
Editor's Note: All outdoor activities for the May 3 First Fridays are being postponed to June 7 because of the forecasted rain and thunderstorms on Friday, according to the Adrian First Fridays committee. The Pawsport also be moved to June. Downtown Adrian businesses will still be open May 3 with specials and activities for people to check out.
ADRIAN — There will be plenty of merriment and excitement this weekend in Adrian as people head downtown for the Lenawee Humane Society’s “Walk N’ Wag at Dog Days” on Friday at the May 3 First Fridays and Cinco de Mayo festivities on Saturday.
Here’s what to know about each event:
Chico’s Cinco de Mayo Festival moving to fairgrounds
While all the fun, dancing and celebrations of the annual Cinco de Mayo Festival in Adrian are expected, there's a new location for this year’s fiesta.
From 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday, people can party at the Lenawee County Fair and Events Grounds, 602 N. Dean St. This year’s celebration is mostly being held in the Merchants Building.
Now in its second year of being recognized as Chico’s Cinco de Mayo — renamed in memory of longtime community advocate and festival founder Chico Martinez — proceeds from the event will benefit a scholarship in Martinez’s name.
There is a suggested $10 donation fee toward the scholarship, which will be awarded to a qualified Lenawee County graduate in 2025.
Martinez, 56, an activist and community leader, died Nov. 8, 2022, at his home from complications of lung cancer. He was born Oct. 1, 1966, and has been remembered as “someone who went above and beyond in everything he was involved with in the Adrian community,” according to his obituary.
More: Adrian's Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival renamed in memory of Chico Martinez
Parade lineup starts at noon at the corner of West Maumee Street and Greenly Street. The parade steps off at 1 p.m. before traversing along Maumee Street and ending at the Merchants Building. This year’s parade grand marshal is Lazaro “Larry” Alaniz, a United States Army Vietnam era veteran from 1970-73 and a member of Clinton American Legion Post 176. Alaniz has called Lenawee County his home for more than 70 years.
Entertainment will include three live bands — Los Hermanons, JR Aldaco and the Midwest Allstars, and La Nueva Onda — and two dance troupes.
Championship International Wrestling, which will stage a new feature at Cinco de Mayo, "Cinco de Mayo Mania," begins at 3 p.m. and is open to viewing by all attendees.
And of course, people can expect a good variety of food options, including Pal Guerrero’s Southwest Texas Best BBQ and The Coffee Grind Coffee Truck. Vendors and crafters will also attend.
Chico’s Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival is organized by several people and volunteers, but its current board members consist of Bobbi DeLaCruz, chairperson; Teresa Martinez, Chico’s wife, vice chairperson; Monica Gallardo Cosme, secretary; and Bobbi Alaniz Falling Rain, treasurer.
Dog Days is moving to May
One of the first noticeable changes to Adrian’s spring and summer lineup of outdoor First Fridays events will be "Walk N' Wag at Dog Days."
The event, normally held in August, is being repositioned to May as part of the First Fridays’ committee effort to “bring the best possible family-oriented events to downtown Adrian.”
This year’s new lineup of outdoor programming — May through October — has more family-friendly events that will appeal to many community members, Adrian Main Street/Downtown Development Authority previously said.
“We will continue to bring in a variety of food trucks and musical acts that will make this a summer to remember,” Downtown Adrian wrote in a social media announcement.
The event will run 5-8 p.m. Friday with highlights like an annual pet parade, pet contests, activities for kids, games and raffles, food and music.
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Families are encouraged to attend and bring their favorite canine friend with them. Dogs are encouraged to dress in superhero apparel.
“We hope that May's climate will be better suited for your pets, and we hope the weather will allow us to enjoy the evening downtown. This will be a celebration of our cherished canine companions and the loving community that surrounds them,” an announcement from The Wagley Group said.
— Contact reporter Brad Heineman at bheineman@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: twitter.com/LenaweeHeineman.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Downtown Adrian will bustle this weekend with Cinco de Mayo and Dog Days
