Tag Archives: Cinco de Mayo

Woodland Mall to host Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Sunday, May 5

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Local Business, West Michigan, Woodland Mall, ,
(Courtesy, Woodland Mall)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



Woodland Mall will host its very first Cinco de Mayo Fiesta on Sunday, May 5 to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture.

In partnership with West Michigan’s Spanish radio station, La Poderosa, the celebration will feature live music, a Mexican dance performance and trivia with exclusive prizes at the mall’s outdoor plaza near On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. In addition, On the Border’s menu will feature food and beverage specials all day.



(Courtesy, Woodland Mall)



Cinco de Mayo is a widely celebrated holiday that memorializes Mexico’s victory over the French during the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

“We are looking forward to bringing the community together to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture at our first-ever Cinco de Mayo Fiesta,” said Marketing Manager Kennedy Vancalbergh. “The event will provide captivating music and dance performances, crafts for children, games and delicious food.”

A special performance by Mexico Mix Ballet Folklorico, a local Ballet Folklorico dance group, begins at 3 p.m. The group consists of 10 adults and 10 children who will perform traditional Mexican dances for the audience. Other activities include a booth where children can color maracas and a selfie-station to capture memorable moments with friends and loved ones, if weather permits.

The first 50 attendees will receive a gift bag filled with a Cinco de Mayo necklace, an assortment of Mexican candy and coupons to a variety of Woodland Mall stores.

Additional event information can be found at ShopWoodlandMall.com.

Cinco De Mayo Celebration Pays Tribute To Community Leaders

Area Education, Local Faces, , ,

Cinco 1It was a colorful, joyful celebration.  The perfect way to take part in Cinco de Mayo.  Hundreds gathered at the Grand Rapids Public Museum to honor the theme of hope, determination, inclusion and respect.

Cinco5

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not the celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day.   It celebrates the victory in the Battle of Puebla by the indigenous people against the powerful French army.

Among the many accomplishments symbolized by Cinco de Mayo observances, the Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez celebrates the determination of Mexicans as demonstrated in the Battle of Puebla.  Like the steadfast commitment of the Mexican soldiers, the Committee is determined to give students the gift of opportunity through education.  In doing so, the rich legacy, spirit and impact of the Battle of Puebla is forever a part of our lives throughout the year.

The 2015 Honorees this year were Michael Flanagan, Connie Dang and Chuy Morales.

Honoree 1 Mike Flanagan has been State Superintendent in Michigan for 10 years;and was a local and regional superintendent before that.   During his career in education leadership, Mike has been determined to make sure all kids in Michigan have a quality life and education–no matter their race, culture, or personal and economic circumstances.

Honoree 2Connie Dang serves as the director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Grand Valley State University.  In the community, she serves as board of trustee of the Historical Society of Michigan, member of the Unity Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez and a member of the West Michigan Advocates& Leaders for Police and Community Trust.

Chuy Morales, along with his wife Angie, embarked on a journey to provide a voice to many within the Hispanic Community.   Their determination and passion led to the formation of an internet radio station called, La Mejor.  This radio station has become a vital source of information for the Hispanic community providing program featuring education, health and sports.Honoree 3

The celebration also included music and dance by the Pearson family and the Cook Art Center, Mexican Folkloric Dance Class.   The event proved to be inspirational, entertaining, and informative.

 

 

The Mexican Folkloric Dance Class from the Cook Art Center entertain
The Mexican Folkloric Dance Class from the Cook Art Center entertain

Committee members worked hard to ensure success
Committee members worked hard to ensure success