The Mid-Columbia Hispanic community is celebrating Cinco de Mayo today with a parade and entertainment in Pasco. The events are tied to the first day of the Pasco Farmers Market, which opens at 8 a.m. in downtown on Fourth Avenue between Lewis and Columbia streets. We want to build awareness of our community and its uniqueness and build ties to other Latino and nonLatino communities. It stands as a nation's example of its ability to overcome overwhelming circumstances. The lesson of Cinco de Mayo can be applied to individuals, communities and anyone struggling with a problem, especially with the recent string of violent tragedies at schools, he said.
Safety is a theme in the parade.
The parade starts at 11 a.m. and is to end by 1 p.m. It has about 60 entries, from floats to elected officials to Pasco's Cinco de Mayo queen. Others are welcome to join. The grand marshal is Minerva Esparza, a Pasco School District home visitor. The route is from the Pasco School District's Booth building at Lewis and 13th, travels east on Lewis, north on Third, past City Hall and around Volunteer Park, then south on Fourth, turning west on Clark and ending at the Booth building.