It's also about celebrating differences, says the organizer for the Tommytown area event.
By ANNE BROACHE
Published May 4, 2004
TOMMYTOWN - Revelers will parade down Lock Street and gather for games and picnics during Wednesday's annual celebration of Cinco de Mayo, recognizing a historic Mexican victory over the French.
But for organizer Margarita Romo, the day means more than an excuse for a neighborhood party. She said she would like people from all over, regardless of ethnic background, to come out for the cultural event.
"It's about people being all different but respecting each others' differences," Romo said. "And if we can't do that, then what can we do?"
Romo is director of Farmworkers Self-Help, a social service agency that helps migrant workers living in the largely Hispanic Tommytown area. Located just north of Dade City, it is probably the county's most economically depressed community, Romo said.
"We've always tried to bring about hope and encouragement to the folks who live on Lock Street," said Romo, who has organized the event for more years than she can remember.
This year, she said, Tommytown residents have another reason to celebrate.
Using a $13-million loan the county received from the Housing and Urban Development Department, the neighborhood will soon get a slew of needed public improvements - new street lights and sewage systems, to start.
"It's kind of like a new day for us," Romo said. "We're going to begin to see things we've been begging for for years."
The Cinco de Mayo festivities are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday with a small parade on Lock Street, which will remain closed until about 8 p.m. City and county commissioners, fire and law enforcement officials, and area children have been invited to participate. A $25 Winn-Dixie gift certificate will be given to whoever adorns his or her parade vehicle with the best Mexican decorations.
A similar contest will be in place for houses along the parade route, except with higher stakes. The house decorated with the best Mexican flair will fetch its owner a $50 gift certificate for groceries.
Resurrection Park, the 31/2 acres owned by Farmworkers Self-Help, will host traditional games for the children. Winners will receive practical prizes for their families, such as fans, irons, diapers and baskets of groceries or housewares.
Per tradition, a Cinco de Mayo queen also will be crowned - based not on beauty but on the amount of money she has collected during the past few months. The queen will donate her earnings to whatever piece of Farmworkers Self-Help she wishes. Last year's winner contributed to the organization's free clinic, Romo said.
Although no vendors are scheduled to sell food this year, Romo said she encouraged families to pack picnics. As in previous years, free hot dogs and sodas will be available for the children. They will also walk away with goody bags, packed by area churches with items ranging from toothbrushes to toys.
Romo said she wants to make the event as family-friendly as possible.
"I think all the farmers should let the farmworkers have a day off, with pay," she said with a chuckle.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Cinco de Mayo celebration, featuring a parade and games
COST: Free
WHEN: 4 p.m. Wednesday
WHERE: Lock Street in the Tommytown area, just north of
