Mexican Fiesta gearing up for next weekend

FORT MADISON - The court for the 2026 Mexican Fiesta pageants was released this week, and this year there will be a Fiesta King crowned in addition to the Junior Princess,  Princess, and Queen candidates.
This year's event begins Thursday, Sept 17 and runs through Sept. 19 with crowning of the court beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday night.
Junior Princess Candidates include:
• Ellen Wilson, Age 5, Kindergarten, Parents: Adam Wilson, Cheyanne Smutzer, Interests: Playing outdoors, music, coloring and dancing in La Fiesta Dance Troupe!
• Melleana Virgil, Age 6, 1st grade, Parents: Romello Virgil, Ana Noon, Interests; K-Pop, Pokemon, Fishing
• Dreyleigh Mendonca, Age 8, 3rd grade, Parents: Aubrey Fox, Aubrey Mendonca, Interests: Dancing in the La Fiesta Dance Troupe, playing Fortnite, squishy toys playing outside and being the best big sister she can be!
Princess Candidate
•Rashay Jarrell, Age 12, 7th grade, Guardian:Jon and Cheyane Smutzer, Interests: Band,softball,La Fiesta Dance Troupe and hanging out with friends.
Queen Candidates
• Audrey Cecile Brownlee, Age: 15, Grade 10, Mother: Robyn Beach, Interests/Hobbies: Art, Dance, Choir, Needlework, Key Club, Art Club, Choir, Peer Tutoring, Science Olympiad Team, La Fiesta Dance Troupe, Catholic Mass Server, Illini West Honor.
• Kenna James, Age: 16, Grade 11, Parent: Becky James, Interests:Dance,music,singing.
King Candidate
• Jose Gastelum, age 16, 11th grade, Parent: Maria Gastelum, Hobbies and interests: History, football, soccer and Band.
Thursday night will feature vendors, the carnival, and a street dance with music by Blu Zillion.
Friday features food and vendors, the Grand Entrance at 6 p.m.;  a street dance with Crooked Cactus at 8 p.m.; and music by El Grito starting at 11 p.m.
Saturday's events feature a 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. with registration at 7 a.m.; a bike helmet giveaway and parade at 11 a.m.; Carnival and vendors begin at noon: eating contests begin at 2 p.m.; Grand Entrance at 6 p.m.; street dance with Crooked Cactus at 8 p.m.; and music by El Grito starting at 11 p.m.