Longmont’s Cinco de Mayo celebration at Roosevelt Park has long been one of the largest community festivals in the area.
The annual event has seven sponsors and boasts more than 120 local vendors, attracting an estimated 10,000 people according to Meca Delgado, vendor coordinator for the event. It is also the state’s largest ‘substance-free’ Cinco de Mayo event.
Delgado has been coordinating merchants and vendor set-up for the event for the last 16 years.
“We’ve been holding this at Roosevelt Park on the Saturday before Cinco de Mayo for the last 21 years,” she said.
Delgado said it is about welcoming everyone in the community and “creating a sense of unity among all our residents.”
There were plenty of free activities for kids, from mask-making to bounce houses and climbing structures.
Kimberlee McKee, executive director of the Longmont Downtown Development Authority, partnered with artist Joanna Gittings, hosting a painting table for kids.
“It’s been busy all day,” McKee said. “We’ve seen a lot of kids making art, and some adults are showing their creative sides, too.”
Gittings displayed her works at the booth and said she most enjoyed the engagement with people walking by.
“It’s a great way for me to connect with other creatives who may be looking for a place to start,” she said.
McKee said her goal was to connect more with the Longmont community and to hear about different needs in the area from a diverse group of people.
“I just want everyone to know that they are welcome downtown, and we want to know how we can make our community more vibrant and enjoyable for everyone,” McKee said.
Johana Rico performed a traditional Mexican dance with her instructor early in the afternoon, and stayed at the festival to grab something to eat with her family.
“I danced when I was younger and now I am just getting back to it,” she said. “I hope someday to have a whole group to dance with. I’m working on putting that together.”
There were many live performances throughout the day. The event also featured a car show and break dance competition, axe throwing and photo booths.
“We worked really hard to make this a day families would enjoy and to connect people while helping our small businesses flourish,” Delgado said.
