The OptiMystics Citizens Action Network hosted the 3rd Annual Cinco de Mayo Street Festival, in historic downtown Monte Vista. We shut down the 100 and 200 blocks of Adams Street, plus 2nd Avenue from Adams Street to the alley ways both east and west, for the day. Local craft vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, plus local organizations were on hand all day. Nearly 60 vendors came out, a new record for our event! Lots of exciting things took place throughout the festival including a live DJ, a bounce house, dancers, kids crafts/activities, face painting, great food & drink and more. And we wrapped up the evening with a belly dancing performance by the The Novel Nomads, followed by live music from Moonshadow Marauders and Mariachi San Luis!
Click on the audio player to listen to the podcast about this year’s Cinco de Mayo.
Click on the audio player to listen to the radio interview on 95.3 KYDN-Country. Thank you Bob Richards!
Click here to read this year’s article in the Monte Vista Journal. Thank You Valley Publishing!
Click Here to see our 2022 Cinco de Mayo event. Click Here to see our 2021 Cinco de Mayo event.
What Is Cinco de Mayo?
“Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day…is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.” (*1) Click her for additional information on Cinco de Mayo, the Battle of Puebla, and more.
The Car Show:
The OptiMystics deeply appreciate Wayne’s Print Shop, home of Widowmaker Apparel for sponsoring the Car Show portion of this year’s event. That’s Wayne’s Print Shop, your LOCAL screen printing & embroidery professionals.
Thank You Wayne!
Back by popular demand, People’s Choice determined the winners again this year. Tickets were available for a small donation, so attendees could vote for their favorite vehicles. First, second & third place vehicles received a plaque, plus a cash prize.
Lynn Bogle of Rocky Mountain Memorabilia provided the plaques again this year. Thank you Lyn, they look great as always!
We had a police escorted drive through to Home Lake Veteran’s Center at 2:00PM. The local Veterans loved watching the cars driving around the center.
Music:
We thank the LOR Foundation (Monte Vista, CO) for being the exclusive sponsor for all of the musical entertainment this year. Hats Off to Ivette Attencio, our local Community Officer & the LOR Foundation for their sponsorship.
Local DJ Pete Garcia returned once again this year to provide music throughout the day. Pete did a wonderful job and we saw people dancing in the streets.
The OptiMystics were thrilled to have live music to wrap up our Cinco de Mayo Street Festival this year. First, the Moonshadow Marauders took the stage and serenaded everyone. Then to finish out the evening, Mariachi San Luis filled the streets with music.
To learn more about The LOR Foundation and what they’re all about, listen to their first in a series of upcoming podcasts.
Event Security:
The OptiMystics exten a big thank you to H&R Block of Alamosa & Monte Vista for sponsoring the security for this year’s event. First Response K-9 & Security Services was on hand throughout Cinco de Mayo. H&R Block, tax filing made easy. Thank You Tara McCarroll!
Local Businesses:
Many of our local businesses offered specials throughout the day. When you come back to Monte Vista, please stop by these awesome places and support local!
Rain Brews, 104 Adams St offered specials on their homemade tacos, margaritas & import beer all day long.
FaeMoon Wolf Designs, 122 Adams St, offered in-store specials on rocks, gems & minerals throughout the day.
The Mystic Valley Art Council had their Community Art Space open at 122 Adams Street. Their first outdoor 3rd Friday Art Walk will be on May 19th.
Local artist Jennifer Graves put on demonstrations of her unique artistic creations at Pareidolia Gallery, 125 Adams Street.
Yours & Mine Variety Store, also known as DaisyGrace Boutique, 129 Adams St had in-store sale specials during the day.
Quincy’s Steak & Spirits, 138 Adams St, will be offered Margarita specials from 4PM until they closed.
The Vali 3 Theater, 139 Adams St, was open and offered popcorn & concessions for sale.
In addition to their weekly & monthly discounts, Rainbow’s End Thrift Store, 154 Adams St, offered a super sale on many items.
Southern Colorado Computer Services, 157 Adams St. had various in-store specials during the day.
Get Inked Tattoo Studio, 212 Adams St, celebrated her first year anniversary and offered flash tattoo specials throughout the day.
Stars & Strikes Bowling Alley offered party favors, drink specials, a taco bar and more throughout the day.
Other Information:
The City of Monte Vista and SLV GO! had a joint booth in the center of Adams Street. Both organizations are a part of the Recreational Economy for Rural Communities steering committee. Check out this amazing video to see what this dynamic group is all about and what they’re working on for our town.
Hall’s Way Escape Room Adventures was on hand again this year. They premiered a brand new escape room adventure!
White Shell Mountain Ranch was on scene with their baby goats. Kids loved it.
The San Luis Valley Amateur Radio Association had a booth set up and operated a Special Event Station, K0SLV. They promoted our Cinco de Mayo event and talked to other ham radio operators about it, around the world.
Widowmaker Apparel had a special Cinco de Mayo shirt available for purchase. They donated 100% of proceeds (not just the profit) to the Bill Metz Monte Vista Student Council and raised over $1,000!
The Novel Nomads dancers put on a performance in the entertainment area, before the live music started.
Smokey The Bear made a couple appearances in the afternoon. Lots of kids stopped and got their picture taken with this iconic bear.
And Monte The Cowboy took his place at the north end entrance to the festival. Thanks to the City of Monte Vista for bringing Monte out for another celebration.
Beer & Food Vendors Included:
Craft & Other Vendors Included:
Jubilation
DZ Treasures
Robin’s Stained Glass & Handmade Crafts
Linda’s Chili Connection
BZ Mom Boutique
JR Sweets
The Missing Piece Design Store
Mountain Bear Wooden Creations
The Wrecked Grill
Jo’s Joyous Beauty Secrets
Ivette’s Crafts, Jewelry & Beauty
Gigi’s Bling
Ride N’ High Customs
Event Sponsors:
We Love Our Sponsors! The OptiMystics are deeply indebted to and very thankful for all of our wonderful sponsors. It is through their acts of generosity and support, that make events like this possible in the first place.
Any time you happen to run into any of our valued sponsors, please thank them too. Local businesses & organizations supporting local events…it just doesn’t get any better!
The LOR Foundation (Monte Vista)
Official Music Sponsor
Wayne’s Print Shop (home of Widowmaker Apparel)
Official Car Show Sponsor
H&R Block (Alamosa & Monte Vista)
Official Security Sponsor
Join our Facebook Group to stay up to date on all of our plans, meetings, efforts and more.
Pictures courtesy of The OptiMystics CAN and/or Pixabay (use governed by Pixabay License). Logos are property of the appropriate business/organization and used by permission.
(*1). The History Channel (A&E Entertainment). https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo.