MUSCATINE, Iowa — Strong winds Saturday evening wafted the smell of Mexican food through the air along West Second Street. Dozens of people gathered and ate beans, rice, tamales and other favorites that were being served at the second annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.

The party, held between Chestnut and Pine streets, was co-sponsored by Mami’s Authentic Mexican Food restaurant and Muscatine’s Cultural Celebration Committee. Local businesses HNI, Monsanto and Allsteel donated money for the event.

The purpose of the event is to add more flavor to the diversity that Muscatine people take pride in, said committee president Becky Garcia.

The event began at 4 p.m. with Hispanic music played by a DJ. Children played games and contests for prizes and two bicycles were given away in a raffle drawing. The bass of Tejano music bumped through the street and inclined some youngsters to dance about.

Beverages were served and the band, Groupo Relidad, played outside until 10 p.m., before chilly temperatures forced them inside.

The cool temperatures may have kept some attendees away, but by 7:30 p.m., more people began to gather around the picnic tables and food vendors.

“You can’t fool Mother Nature, but I knew the music would bring them out,” Garcia said. She added that last year there were more people in attendance, and the weather was much nicer than Saturday, when temperatures dipped down into the low 40s.

Next year she expects an even better turnout because organizers are planning more events, including American music.

Sisters Isabella Gonzales, 1, and Arieana Gonzales, 8, thought the pony rides were great and the food was fabulous.

Many others were there for the food as well. El Allende Mexican restaurant was among the vendors. It served the traditional menu items and had all the trimmings, such as pico de gallo, sour cream and vegetables.

Many in the crowd were sharing fresh fruit and eating Elotes, a popular street cart food in Mexico consisting of corn on the cob which can be coated with a combination of mayonnaise, butter, cheese, sour cream, lemon juice and pepper or chili powder.

Mercedes Becerra, 5, enjoyed the Hula-Hoop contest and the big jug of bubbles she won for participating.

“The Hula Hoop was the best so far,” she said as the sun began to settle over the horizon.

On Sunday, Elsa De La Paz, owner of Mami’s Mexican restaurant, said she was satisfied with the turnout, considering the weather didn’t cooperate.

“I do think the weather kept people away. We learned a lot again this year and it’s only going to get better,” she added.

In the future, organizers are considering charging admission and using that money to start a scholarship fund for local students.

“We want it to be a fun family event and we want to give back to the community,” De La Paz said.

Reporter contact information

Melissa Regennitter: 563-262-0526

or mregennitter@muscatinejournal.com