MONTE VISTA — The OptiMystics Citizens Action Network is again bringing to Monte Vista one of the spiciest events in the Valley. The Monte Vista Cinco de Mayo Street Festival will be held on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The OptiMystics have decided to help the local Monte Vista Emergency Food Bank with the event. All proceeds above the cost of executing the event will be donated to the food bank this year.

OptiMystics President Adam Lock is ecstatic about the event.

"It just makes sense, this is the day where people can come out, have a great time, enjoy the live music and all the festivities. We are excited to offer this huge event once again to the town. We are hoping to draw an even bigger crowd this year than last year, and we are definitely ready for it,” he said.

In the past the street festival has drawn 1,500 to 2,000 people. OptiMystics Vice President Mark Renshaw said that the idea of thousands of people coming to an event like this is both amazing and fulfilling.

"To think that in only 4 years, the Cinco De Mayo Street Festival has grown this much. I hope we can continue to grow every year and put on a street festival everyone can really enjoy," he said.

This year, just like years prior, there is a great lineup of events. There will be hip-shaking music provided by DJ Pete Garcia until 3 p.m. From 3 to 6 p.m., UZ Band of Taos, N.M., will be playing live. This award-winning band is known for their variation in music and is sure to keep the crowd swaying to the music until the end of the festival.

There will be a car show hosted by the Stars and Strikes Bowling Alley. People's choice will once again determine who wins best of show and other awards that will be given out. Rocky Mountain Memorabilia is donating plaques for the car show. There will also be a cruise to the Veterans Community Living Center at Homelake for the residents there. The drive will take place at 2 p.m.

Cornhole can be played from 1 to 6 p.m. on Adams Street. The game is being brought to everyone by the Monte Vista Recreation Department.

There will also be live demonstrations by the Novel Nomad belly dancers at 5 p.m., for all to enjoy, and the Monte Vista Youth Mini Cheerleaders are scheduled to perform at 1 p.m.

New this year is a canine costume contest. People are encouraged to dress up their canines in Cinco de Mayo apparel. There will be prizes given in three separate weight categories. The contest takes place in front of Muddy Paws on Adams Street at 11 a.m. All entry fees for the event will also be donated to the Monte Vista Ambulance Service.

Aso new this year, is the chihuahua and small breed dog races. The races will begin at 12 p.m. on Second Avenue, in front of the Pivot Public House, which is also hosting the event. There will be prizes for the winner. All entry fees will be donated to Conour Animal Shelter.

There will also be cultural talks about Cinco de Mayo at the Vali 3 Theater at 2 p.m.

Vendors will be set up all over the designated areas for the event, which will be from the 100 block of Adams Street down Second Avenue and east of Adams to Jefferson Street. An event map will be available on the OptiMystics website.

The OptiMystics announced that all the food vendor spots were taken. Craft vendors are still welcome to register on the website.

Some local businesses will also be getting into the spirit by offering local discounts and fun, the day of the event.

Lock is grateful for the support from the community.

"I am ecstatic that so many local businesses and groups have stepped up this year to assist with putting this event on for the community,” he said. “This not only defrays some of the cost for the event but gets so many other entities and people involved in this special event. This is a day to celebrate culture, community, and most importantly unity

“Special thanks to the LOR Foundation, and all of the other businesses, supporters, and people who have stepped up to help and be such a big part of this amazing event. Everyone is deeply appreciated. What this all means is that in the end, we can donate even more to help support our local Monte Vista Emergency Food Bank."