Food, fun and family.
From 9-year-old singer Jazmin Pulido to the dancers from Club One Fitness, the 21st annual Cinco de Mayo celebration enjoyed perfect weather in Great Bend.
The wind was down and the temperatures and spirits with up during Saturday’s celebration of Mexican culture at Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend.
Great Bend High School student Christina Jaquez was awarded the “Outstanding Hispanic Role Model,” award.
Andrea Montes was crowned 2014 Cinco de Mayo Queen. Princesses were Jazmin Barrera, Daniela Reyes, Adriana Gurrola and Fatima Valles.
The entertainment was diverse, starting with 9-year-old Jazmin Pulido, who sang “My Heart Will Go On,” by Celine Dion and “I Got to Go My Own Wy,” by Vanessa Hudgens. Pulido, a third-grader at Riley Elementary, is the daughter of Rosa and Ezequiel Pulido.
Jazmin sang with confidence, something she said she’s done she was 3 years old. Jazmin said she was nervous and shaking a little, but an appreciative audience helped her overcome her nerves.   
Other singers performing were Yahaira Martinez, Ramon Preciado, Jaunnesse Amendola and El Emperador.
Dancing was provided by Club One Fitness, the El Sol Folk Dance Club and the Six World Language Club
The Cinco de Mayo celebration kicked off with an 11 a.m. paradeat Brit Spaugh Park that proceded to the courthouse square.
The Cinco de Mayo Parade was joined by members of the Isis Shrine Temple, which held its spring convention in Great Bend Saturday.
Father Donald Bedore and Mario Aviles bdelivered the blessing and Great Bend Mayor Mike Allison kicked off the afternoon with an official proclamation.
The celebration continued at noon with Moises Tapia and Cristy Ingram sharing master of ceremony duties.
The fiesta in the square delivered Mexican entertainment, food and crafts.
Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for the Fifth of May. It commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.