8th Annual Cinco De Mayo Wraps Up

The 8th Annual Cinco De Mayo Community Celebration is one for the history books, A large crowd of hundreds of spectators filled the Seward County Activity Center for an afternoon of fun and entertainment and to watch the 2011 Cinco De Mayo Queen crowned. The afternoon began with a downtown parade with a record number of entries and saw throngs of people lining Kansas Avenue to kick off the festivities. Taking top honors in the float competition was Versus Signs, followed by West Middle School in second and Golden Plains Credit Union in third. The fun began at the Activity Center where several booths lined the area with information and prize give aways. Singing Sensation A.J. Martinez of Albuquerque New Mexico entertained the crowd with his own mix of spanish and rock music. Spectators were encouraged to enter, if they were brave enough, a jalapeno eating contest with 4 time defending champ David Torres again owning the afternoon as he consumed 15 large jalapenos in 2 minutes. The 2011 Cinco De Mayo Queen contest saw nine contestants vying for the title and the top prize and scholarship money. The second runner-up, and earning $250.00 in cash and $500.00 in scholarships was Genesis Luevano. First runner-up went to Zindy Carrillo. She walked away with $500.00 in cash and $500.00 in scholarships. The 2011 Cinco De Mayo queen, as crowned by the 2010 Queen, Erika Pacheco, was Natalia Baezo. With the crown she won $1000.00 in cash and $1000.00 in scholarships. All contestants also received $100.00 in Chamber Gift Certificates with the remaining 6 candidates also getting $250.00 in scholarships. The afternoon wrapped up with a puppet show courtesy of Just 4 U services, and more entertainment from A.J. Martinez.. Dean Aragon 2011 Cinco De Mayo chairman said the event raised over $30,000.00 most of which will go towards educational scholarships for the youth of the community