The Coconino sun., 1919-09-26
NEVIS OF COTTONWOOD

tional colors and miniature picture of the father of Mexico - Hidalgo - much in evidence.
 They stopped at the Bungalow Pa vilion.
 Crowds quickly gathered at the sound of the music, and after sev- eral selections by the band, the first part of the program was given. The chairman of the Colonia Mexicano, l.. M. Tello, introduced the first speaker of the evening, Senor David Lopez of Clarkdale, who enthusiastically spoke of the early heroes of the sister re- publics - Mexico and the United States. He was followed by a selec- tion by the band. Then there was an address by Manuel Estrada, also of Clarkdale, who dwelt upon the sym bols and colors of the flags of the two nations and the recognition of the United States as teacher and leader among nations, and he mentioned in his remarks the fact that Mexico now wished to hold the friendship of all nations. After another selection by the band, Reyes Carnillo gave a brief outline of the acts of the citizens of Mexico prior to the obtaining their independence from Spain. Following another selection by the band, Canto Nuenez gave an able address on the life and ability of the first Mexican president, Hildalgo.
 At the conclusion of the platform speaking, the pergola of the Bunga- low was illumined by an extra burst of light as the time honored "Grierto" was observed in the singing of the Mexican national hymn and the Amer ican national hymn to the accompani- ment of special stringed orchestra. As this was proceeding, salute of seven shots was given at intervals of three minutes each.
 As the last sweet strains of singing died away the chairman arose and in cordial invitation to all nations to en- ter the spacious hall and dance free as the guests of the Colonia Mexicana closed the evenings program. In the brief space of few minutes the hall was crowded to standing room, and a five-piece stringed orchestra fur nished the music while the dancers fingered on until 1:30 the next morn- ing. ........ ...
 At sunrise the morning of the 16th, the natives were aroused from their slumbers by loud detonations which, upon investigation proved to be the salute of 21 guns at three-minute in- tervals given in honor of the 109th anniversary of Mexican independence. This was followed by a band concert at various points along the Cotton wood main street which lasted for over an hour.
 At 3:30 juvenile sports were in dulged in the Bungalow for over an hour, in which several lucky boys won a dollar each in a cracker eating con- test, pie-eating contest, and a shoe race and other similar sports. The crowd then melted away until after the lunch hour, when at the instance of the Reveille bugle call a procession was formed in which the standard bearers lead and were followed by the band and a beautifully decorated auto representing the United States, and holding the distinction of Liberty" was Senorta Aurora Cota. This was followed by another equally beautiful car representing Mexico, in which the principal figure was Senorita Lolita Nuenez, attired in the Mexican colors. Third in the parade was the skillfully decorated car representing Spain, with Senorita Elvira Gallegos in beau tiful Spanish costume. Other cars, nicely decorated, followed. The pro- cession wound around through the streets of Cottonwood and thence to Verde and returned to the Bungalow.
 At S:30 there were several short speeches by prominent members of the Mexican Colony, who were all very enthusiastic and brief in their addresses. The speaking was fol- lowed by the singing of the American and Mexican national hymns to the of the orchestra under the able direction of Sonora Maria Tello. Several partook in the pro- gram; of those may be mentioned Senorita Ysabel Nuenez, Angela Nuenez, Conception Fernandez, and Lolita Nuenez who sang the Mexican national hymn; then "The Star-Span- gled Banner" was beautifully rendered by Senorita Aurora Cota, Mary Mora and Sonora Maria Tello.
 The program terminated in a grand free ball for all nations. which lasted until the small hours of the morning. Just before the ball was over. Lolita Nuenez and Sonora Maria. Tello gave an exhibition of some of the Mexican dances which are very pretty indeed.
 The Mexican people are to De con- graduated upon the manner in which they carried on their celebration. Quiet orderly and purely patriotic free from disagreeable features-and the carrying out of the program to- gether with the artistic decorations made the pageant credit to Cotton wood and many larger places.
 Senor Tello, Senor Acuna, Senora McGimsey, Sonora Tello, and Band Leader Jose Gonzales all deserve credit for the parts they played to make the evening success. It was success. and that day there were ..&