Fiesta committee turns eyes toward Cinco De Mayo

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Committee thanks sponsors and vendors for making 100th Fiesta one to remember

BY CHUCK VANDENBERG
PCC EDITOR

FORT MADISON - With the 100th Mexican Fiesta in the books and everyone getting in a siesta after all the work, some are thinking that maybe a Cinco De Mayo event might be coming.

Jamie Mesecher, a member of the Fiesta committee, said there has been some talk, nothing official, but people are looking at the possibility of putting together an event.

He said if an event is organized it would probably be held the Saturday following May 5, which would be May 7, 2022 at the village shelter house.

2021 American Queen Marlee Weiler gets crowned Friday night at the 100th Mexican Fiesta coronation ceremonies. Photo by Chuck Vandenberg/PCC

"We'd do it right down there in the shelter house because that's where it needs to be," he said.

Mesecher said several city officials have approached him about possibly hosting the event to celebrate the Mexican and American cultures. The actual date commemorates the victory of the Mexican army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 under General Ignacio Zaragoza. Zaragoza would die shortly after the victory and the French would overwhelm the smaller Mexican forces at the second battle for Puebla.

The Mexican Fiesta held over the past weekend exceeded expectations even with some last minute cost increases, Mesecher said.

But he said the event wouldn't have happened if it weren't for volunteers, sponsors, and donors.

"Our sales were good and we were very happy with the carnival," he said. "I'm hearing the vendors were also very happy with sales and attendance. We did have a little bit of rain that might have scared people off on Friday."

He said the committee wanted to thank all the vendors, and the carnival company, and said the sponsors and volunteers are what made the event memorable.

"We really appreciate all they did and all the city did. Without those people this wouldn't continue. Hopefully, the 101st Mexican Fiesta will be bigger and better."

He said an appreciation day to honor those that sponsored and volunteered was in the works as well.

The 2021 Mexican Fiesta court for the 100th Anniversary of the event were crowned Friday night during the Fiesta in the Mexican Village on Avenue O. From left to right are Mexican Queen Ava Taylor, Mexican Princess Jacqueline Vincent, and American Queen Marlee Weiler. Photo by Chuck Vandenberg/PCC
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