The Hammond Civic Center was fiesta central Thursday evening, as it was time for the 12th annual Cinco De Mayo festival.
Donna Muta, the Special Events Coordinator for Hammond said she was excited about the evening’s festivities and happy the Civic Center could play host to such a special day.
Click here to see more photos from the event.
“We were expecting to have a little lighter crowd with the event falling on a weekday,” Muta told IIMM before the event kicked off. “But I’m pleased, we’re expecting over 500 (people).”
Festivities began at 5 pm with a flavorful dinner provided by Atlas Catering, with chips and salsa available at every table, and soft drinks provided by Pepsi. David Guevara of Romantico Duo entertained and was later joined by Gabriel Vasquez on guitar. The two beautifully serenaded the dinner crowd into the evening and got everyone into the spirit of the event.
Following the duo was Ballet Folkorico Yolotzin, of St Patricks Church in East Chicago. Margret Gomez, Director, took the stage to thank the city.
“We’d like to thank the city of Hammond and Mayor McDermott for inviting us back again, and we hope that you enjoy the show that the children bring to you this afternoon,” said Gomez.
The crowd certainly did enjoy the evening. The costumes were wonderful, and the children performed the traditional Mexican folk dances very well!
Up next to entertain was East Chicago native Erik Antonio. Erik is now a resident of Los Angeles, CA, and wowed the crowd with his singing and fan interaction.
Rounding out the evening was the band Together. The Chicago area 11-piece band had everyone dancing starting with a salsa dance number. The versatile band plays everything from R&B, to pop, big band and Latin rock.
In the end, the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta was a welcome day and a beautiful celebration of good times with great people.
