BY JOHN SHANK
Publisher

ROCHELLE — Three local organizations are coming together in May to provide area residents with an expanded Cinco de Mayo celebration this year in Rochelle.
Adriana Milan, representing the local League of Latin American Citizens, and who also works for the City of Rochelle, addressed the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District board on Monday night to ask for permission to hold the annual event at Cooper and Atwood parks on Saturday, May 4.
The event was previously held in downtown Rochelle, but attendance has grown in recent years and LULAC wants to offer more entertainment and activities for the entire family to enjoy, including kids vs. adults soccer games, music, food and more.
“Attendance to the Cinco de Mayo celebration has grown with many people coming in from out of town to join us, so we want to add some new activities this year and we need more space,” Milan explained. “We think Cooper and Atwood parks give us the space we need and we encourage the entire community to come for family fun.”
Milan said the one-day festival will kick off immediately after the Cinco K run, which is set for 1 p.m. on May 4.

“The celebration in the parks will run from 2 to 10 p.m. and we will be holding many of the past activities, including chalk mural painting on the bike path, a piñata-making contest, a salsa-making contest, traditional music and dancing along with several band and DJ performances on the band shell and soccer exhibitions with children playing against local police and firemen,” she added.

Food and drink
Milan said that several popular vendors will be offering a variety of food items throughout the day, and alcoholic umbrella drinks will also be served in a sectioned off area for attendees 21 and over.
The park board gave approval for the celebration to be held at the two parks, but did have questions about public use of the parks during the celebration and also insurance liability regarding the serving of alcohol.
“My first question is can the general public still use the parks during this festival and is there a waiver that would free the park district from any liability related to alcohol?” asked park board commissioner Bud Norcross.
“Oh, yes, the public can still come down to use the parks. This isn’t a private event, and everyone is welcome,” Milan responded. “And we are not selling beer, but rather will have some sweet fruit type mixer drinks,” Milan responded. “Private vendors with licenses, permits and insurance will handle the sale of the alcoholic drinks and they will only be consumed in a designated area for 21 and over guests.”

Park board attorney Paul Chadwick said he will double check the legalities, but seemed certain the district could be waived from liability in this case. Following further discussion, the board approved granting use of the parks for the celebration in a 7-0 vote.
Milan said that parking for the event would be handled similar to the annual Fourth of July activities at the two parks with cars parking down the 10th Avenue in addition to using the park districts lots and possibly adjacent church parking lots.
“We think this is going to be a nice event and Cooper and Atwood parks offer the perfect venue for what we have planned,” Milan stated. “We hope to see the entire community come out for the fun on May 4.”