Cinco de Mayo Takes Center Stage

Cinco de Mayo festivities will be held at a few locations in Ventura County. Here’s a rundown:

The county’s largest celebration, sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Ventura County, will be held Saturday and Sunday at Oxnard’s Plaza Park, 5th and B streets.

Commencing each day at 10 a.m., two stages will abound with folklorico dance troupes, mariachis and other musicians from Mexico, Texas and local talent. About 100,000 celebrants are expected to attend the free festival, organizers said. The revelry will continue to 10 p.m. both days.

Authentic foods from various regions of Mexico will be offered, as well as arts and crafts displays and a children’s activity area with games and a carnival.

Spanish television and radio stations will broadcast continuous live entertainment from Mexico, Texas and California.

For more information, call 486-0266.

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The Moorpark Civic Center will present a number of activities throughout Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., family fun includes pony rides, face painting, bilingual entertainment, pinatas, crafts and a performances by Teatro de los Puppets. Admission is free; some activities are 25 or 50 cents.

A Mexican cuisine dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. includes a mariachi band performance. Tickets are $6. A dance from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. is $10. “Senorita Cinco De Mayo” judging will be 5:30 to 6 p.m. and crowning will be held at the dance.

The center is at 799 Moorpark Ave. For more information, call 529-6864.

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Casa del Mexicano in Santa Paula will host a two-day festival at its community center, 218 South 11 St. Festivities, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, include mariachi bands, singers, folklorico dancers, food booths, speeches and children’s activities. No charge.

Proceeds from a Saturday dance, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., will benefit the Santa Paula Memorial Hospital. Admission is $8 men, $5 women. More dancing and live Mexican music is scheduled from 8 p.m. to midnight Sunday. Admission is $5. For more information, call 525-9987.