Cinco de Mayo bigger in 2024 after Pasco takes over for troubled downtown group
This weekend’s Cinco de Mayo event is expected to bigger than last year despite organizers having less than half the amount of time to plan the signature Pasco event.
Highlights include more than 80 vendors, compared to 60 last year, a special ‘dancing’ charro horse event following Saturday morning’s parade, a street dance for adults 21 and older, a breakdance competition and a car show.
Up to 10,000 people are expected to join in the downtown Pasco festivities Saturday and Sunday.
Vince Guerrero, recreation specialist for Pasco, organizes the city’s special events. He described planning for this year’s Cinco de Mayo as “hectic.”
“We were told about Cinco de Mayo in January or February,” he said. “Typically, when we plan large events, we want a year’s worth of planning. Having only a few months was quite stressful.”
The Downtown Pasco Development Authority (DPDA) had organized the event for about 10 years but was officially dissolved by city council this month after serious financial and management troubles.
The city assumed responsibility for its programs and services that also include the Fiery Foods festival, Pasco Farmers Market and the Pasco Specialty Kitchen.
Alexandrea Contreras, the city’s recreation marketing specialist, told the Herald that securing last-minute sponsors for Cinco de Mayo was a challenge.
“They say you should get sponsors six months to one year in advance because a lot of people have already promised sponsorship dollars to other places,” she said. “It started out slow, but luckily at the end, we were able to get more sponsors.”
The event is funded by the city’s special events budget. Sponsorship money allows the city to provide additional services and activities throughout the weekend.
Director of Parks and Recreation Jesse Rice said working with the Pasco School District and other community partners helped move the event forward.
“Staff is accomplished at planning large events,” he said. “This is our first two-day event. We did that so the community would have one similar experience the whole weekend.”
“Our department’s goal is to provide opportunities for the community. We want those to be affordable, accessible and inclusive,” Rice said.
“I’m hoping that we are able to attract a large number of people for the entertainment, the Kids Zone, boxing, breakdance competition, car show and more.”
Superior Court Judge Norma Rodriguez is the grand marshal for this year’s parade.
Community members are invited to register the day of online to join the breakdancing or to be featured in the car show.
By the numbers
80+ vendors
30+ parade participants
$28,000+ in sponsorship money
Schedule
Saturday, May 4
10 a.m. Parade begins at Volunteer Park, followed by charro horse performance
11 a.m. Festival begins at Peanuts Park at the farmers market pavilion
2-6 p.m. Boxing exhibition
8 p.m. Street dance (21 and over only)
Sunday, May 5
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Car show
12-4 p.m. Breakdance competition
Learn more at the City of Pasco Cinco de Mayo Celebration webpage.
“I can’t say there haven’t been hiccups, but it’s all a learning process. Once our processes are in place, the next event is much easier,” Guerrero said.
The city will be responsible for future Cinco de Mayo events, as well as the Pasco Farmers Market, which opens for the season on Saturday, May 11.
Planning is also underway for the Fiery Foods festival in September.
