The Arts Council of Brownwood hosted its fifth Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown Brownwood on Friday night, and it was successful beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.

According to event Chair Travis Curry, between 5,000 and 7,000 persons attended the celebration.  Nearly 70 vendors participated, providing food, beverages, craft merchandise, souvenirs, art, clothing, games, music, dancing, and displays of classic cars and motorcycles.  The Lyric Theatre hosted two performing groups:  a mariachi band and Indian dancers.

“Everybody was very excited,” according to Curry.  “It was a very family oriented event.  They loved it.  Even the Police officers said the crowd was so nice, they didn’t have any issues.  People were just so glad to be out and about and visit with their friends.”  Many people compared it to the Brownwood Reunion from several years ago.

The celebration lasted from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., followed by a street dance until 11:30 p.m.  Curry said most all of the food vendors ran out of food, including some of the permanent food and beverages establishments like Teddy’s Brewhaus, Pioneer Tap House, CJ’s Lounge,  10 Mile Productions, and Tres Leches. 

Curry said this was the most successful Cinco de Mayo event so far, and the Arts Council is already planning next year’s event.  “We have had non-stop calls this weekend from people wanting to go ahead and book for next year.”

With the proceeds from the event, the Arts Council donates to such things as the Brownwood Art Association, children’s events like the children’s summer theater program at the Lyric, and to other non-profit art related programs.

(Photos courtesy of Scott Coers Photo and Video)