Sisters to celebrate Cinco de Mayo

It is Cinco de Mayo time again for Sisters Country.

The Sisters Hispanic Coalition will host the annual celebration-fundraiser to highlight Mexican culture and tradition, on Thursday, May 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. at FivePine Conference Center.

The evening will include a scrumptious Mexican buffet prepared by local Hispanic women, folkloric dancing and lively music, a mystery wall of wine, a raffle for a FivePine stay and a silent auction.

Some of the auction items include a rooftop condo in Zihuatenejo, golf games at Black Butte Ranch and Aspen Lakes, restaurant meals, jewelry, art, pottery, Sisters Folk Festival tickets and much more, thanks to local businesses and donors.

Funds raised by this event support Hispanic families in educational scholarships for preschool and college, translation needs, outreach efforts to help folks participate as integral members of the community, and volunteer tutoring in English. The coalition offers childcare while parents study English.

Historically, Cinco de Mayo, the Fifth of May, is not Independence Day (nor even a federal holiday in Mexico). However it has become a traditional celebration of the Mexican culture in many countries around the world, and even now in parts of Mexico, much like the St. Patrick's Day events in March.

The original 1862 event involved a battle in the state of Puebla, Mexico, in which the Mexican Army defeated French forces with twice the number of soldiers. Although the French later recaptured the region, Maxmilian I ruled Mexico for only three years before the people of Mexico finally gained their independence.

The Battle of Puebla aided the ultimate defeat of the French, because it provided a morale boost, uniting the country.

Tickets usually sell out for this event; order online from SPRD at http://www.sisters

recreation.com, or call Wendy Birnbaum at 541-647-4710, or Roger Detweiler at 541-617-5336. Adults are $20 and children 12 and under are $10. The Hispanic Coalition is a community partner of the Sisters Park & Recreation District, and new members are welcome.