One highlight of the day will be selecting five to 10 mothers of the year, explained Ofelia Escobedo, president of Barrio Carlsbad Association and a Festejando committee member for 11 years. Most are older. They've been in the community forever but have never been honored or recognized. Winners are awarded a proclamation and given flowers by the mayor and city council. Councilwoman Julie Nygaard has been in office since Festejando was established.
Mothers work hard.
Their contributions are all very valuable. For most kids participating, however, Festejando simply puts moms in the spotlight for a change. Madrecitas will run from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Holiday Park in Carlsbad. Entertainment will include the Mariachis del Sol, Jefferson Elementary School Drill Team, artist Joseph Bennett, the Carlsbad Strolling Strings, and singing and dancing by kids at Headstart and the Helen Allman Youth Center. Food booths sponsored by the Mexican American Association will raise scholarship money for Latinos.