Cinco de Mayo returns with sun and fun at Solano College
Photo Credit: Sharman Bruni
The dance group Ballet Folklorico performs at the Cinco de Mayo event on campus.
Sharman Bruni, Editor-in-Chief
May 9, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, News, On campus
If the beautiful weather was a portent of the day ahead, the Cinco de Mayo festivities at Solano Community College certainly proved a success.
With colorful costumes and vibrant smiles, dancers from Napa Valley’s Ballet Folklorico brightened the event, the girls twirling their dresses and the boys tapping their heels to the Mexican folk music playing from the loudspeakers.
“It makes me proud as a student, it makes me proud of being a Mexican to be here celebrating Cinco de Mayo with you guys,” said student Jose Montes.
Other members of the student government were present, including Geff Freire, Davis Martinez and Daniel Schmitgal. Schmitgal sported a festive sombrero stood at the front of the campus shaking a sign for the event.
Employees from the Solano County Library came to promote their “What do you geek?” campaign, along with employees from the Cordelia Fire Department, BabyFirst, Consumer Choice Marketing, and other various booths were present at the event.
SCC Trustee A. Marie Young and President Rosemary Thurston from the SCC governing board were present at the event to show their support.
Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield) also surprised the audience with a visit.
“It’s a great privilege for me to share this day with all of you and to really pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions that the Mexican culture has made in California and to America,” Garamendi said.
Garamendi also made a point of relaying to the audience the importance of voting and participating in the political process.
“All of us here, wherever you happen to be, wherever you happen to live, must begin to participate in the electoral process,” Garamendi said.
He spoke of next year’s Cinco de Mayo festival as well.
“I understand it will be bigger, but not necessarily better next year, because it is terrific this year.”
“We look forward to having you here next year,” added Superintendent-President Jowel Laguerre.
