MONROE - Both Monroe and Darlington will celebrate Cinco de Mayo this weekend. Both events are in their second year.
But while one event expects to draw about 100 people, the other can realistically expect thousands to attend.
Monroe Main Street Director Barb Nelson said she expects around 100 people for Sunday's festival, about the same amount as last year.
Nelson said Alderman Jan Lefevre's comments questioning the event's timing, in light of the growing national debate on illegal immigration and the ensuing public discussion, has brought more attention to the festival.
"If people weren't interested in the celebration when they heard about it, they probably ignored it," Nelson said. "But when you read it in the newspaper, in print, you pay attention."
Monroe's celebration is from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday on the downtown Square. It will include music by "The New Song," games and prizes for kids and a food stand provided by the Monroe Noon Optimists.
Darlington's festival also is in its second year. It lasts from 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturday at the city's festival grounds.
Suzi Osterday, the festival's program director, said the Chamber and Main Street have been nominated for a state ward for "New Special Event" by the Wisconsin Main Street program.
"We did this to bridge the gap between the Hispanic and Anglo communities," Osterday said. "It's better than we ever could have hoped for."
Osterday said last year, 2,000 people came to the celebration. She expects as many this year.
Last year, 13 food stands served Mexican and Irish food. This year, 18 stands will serve Mexican, Puerto Rican, American and Irish food.
Also new this year is an authentic Mariachi band, "Juvenile del sur," which will play from 4 to 7 p.m. The Darlington Elementary/Middle School Spanish Children's Choir also will perform at 11:30 a.m.
Other events at the festival include arts and crafts, soccer and basketball tournaments, a children's fashion show featuring traditional dress, a traditional Latin dance performance, children's games, inflatable rides and salsa tasting.
Osterday is enthused that this year will be better than last. She said the controversy over the festival in Monroe "is sad."
"We're happy so many local people came to enjoy our festival," Osterday said. "One of the Hispanic vendors said, 'I think they like us.'"
"Hispanics have made us a better community and given our kids a more culturally-rich experience."
There is free admission to both festivals.
But while one event expects to draw about 100 people, the other can realistically expect thousands to attend.
Monroe Main Street Director Barb Nelson said she expects around 100 people for Sunday's festival, about the same amount as last year.
Nelson said Alderman Jan Lefevre's comments questioning the event's timing, in light of the growing national debate on illegal immigration and the ensuing public discussion, has brought more attention to the festival.
"If people weren't interested in the celebration when they heard about it, they probably ignored it," Nelson said. "But when you read it in the newspaper, in print, you pay attention."
Monroe's celebration is from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday on the downtown Square. It will include music by "The New Song," games and prizes for kids and a food stand provided by the Monroe Noon Optimists.
Darlington's festival also is in its second year. It lasts from 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturday at the city's festival grounds.
Suzi Osterday, the festival's program director, said the Chamber and Main Street have been nominated for a state ward for "New Special Event" by the Wisconsin Main Street program.
"We did this to bridge the gap between the Hispanic and Anglo communities," Osterday said. "It's better than we ever could have hoped for."
Osterday said last year, 2,000 people came to the celebration. She expects as many this year.
Last year, 13 food stands served Mexican and Irish food. This year, 18 stands will serve Mexican, Puerto Rican, American and Irish food.
Also new this year is an authentic Mariachi band, "Juvenile del sur," which will play from 4 to 7 p.m. The Darlington Elementary/Middle School Spanish Children's Choir also will perform at 11:30 a.m.
Other events at the festival include arts and crafts, soccer and basketball tournaments, a children's fashion show featuring traditional dress, a traditional Latin dance performance, children's games, inflatable rides and salsa tasting.
Osterday is enthused that this year will be better than last. She said the controversy over the festival in Monroe "is sad."
"We're happy so many local people came to enjoy our festival," Osterday said. "One of the Hispanic vendors said, 'I think they like us.'"
"Hispanics have made us a better community and given our kids a more culturally-rich experience."
There is free admission to both festivals.