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A toast to Cinco de Mayo

If you want to raise a glass or take a spin on the dance floor this weekend, here are some options:

By SHARON KENNEDY WYNNE
Published May 3, 2007

Though the history doesn't get touted as much as the drink specials, Cinco de Mayo has the kind of revolutionary spirit Americans take a shine to.

It celebrates the victory of the underdogs against the powerful French occupants of Mexico. That likely helped spare the United States a fight with the French, which is a good thing, since our forces were preoccupied with the Civil War at the time.

So, if you want to raise a glass or take a spin on the dance floor in honor of those Mexican forces this weekend, here are some options:

FUN 'N SUN FESTIVAL: The ongoing festival's Cinco de Mayo celebration is co-sponsored by the Mexican Council of Tampa Bay. It will include Latin music and dancers from Mexico as well as carnival games and food for purchase, 1 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday at Coachman Park, Drew and Cleveland streets, downtown Clearwater. $6, ages 10 and younger admitted free. (727) 562-4801; www.myclearwater.com.

TUCSON'S GRILL & CANTINA: The Southwest-style restaurant will have Latin-style music starting at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday and a circus tent outside for a party. 13563 Icot Blvd., Clearwater. (727) 530-0637.

CINCO DE MAYO BENEFIT: Gallery 1906 in Tampa plays host to this benefit for the Centre for Women. The former cigar factory invites partygoers to put on shorts and dressy flip-flops for an evening of art, food, spirits and music, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $60 at (813) 251-8437, ext. 230. Gallery 1906 is at 1906 N Armenia Ave.

CASA TINA CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA: A street party in Dunedin on Saturday will have free salsa and merengue lessons, Latino costume contest, chihuahua beauty and a "macho man" contest and live music. The party runs from noon to 11 p.m. outdoors on Main Street and at Casa Tina, 369 Main St. (727) 734-9226.

SAFETY HARBOR CINCO DE MAYO: The Chamber of Commerce-sponsored affair will have Mexican food and cervezas and music by the Vodkanauts, 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Gazebo, 401 Main St., downtown. Free. (727) 726-2890.

CINCO DE MAYO AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK: A $5 barbecue party by the pool will have 97X (WSUN-FM 97.1) starting at 5 p.m. Saturday and the Seminole Hard Rock Calendar Girls until 8. Live music, $2 Corona beers, $2 Jose Cuervo tequila shots and $4 margaritas all day.

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS: Get a free sombrero or maracas at Saturday's game against the Oakland A's, 7:10 p.m. at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg. Tickets start at $8. Toll-free 1-888-326-7297; www.devilrays.com.

[Last modified May 2, 2007, 12:23:54]