Chattanooga Times Free Press - ChattanoogaNow
Music, margaritas, comedy and Running of the Chihuahuas among events celebrating Cinco de Mayo.
Music, margaritas, comedy and Chihuahua races BY BARRY COURTER
Brad Steiner, organizer of Running of the Chihuahuas and Hits 96 on-air personality, has one goal when planning the dog race, now in its 10th year.
“I try to create Disneyland. I want it to be goofier and goofier every year because the more fun we have, the more fun everyone else has.”
The Running of the Chihuahuas is one of several local events planned to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this weekend.
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration that commemorates the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza. However, in the United States, May 5 has become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture.
While the dog races — which will get underway at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, in First Tennessee Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd. — are the main attraction, there will be live music from Aaron Carter, Maggie Lindemann, Daniel Skye and Symon. Music will start at 3 p.m.
There will also be giveaways and prizes for Best Costume, Best Team and a coloring contest for kids.
“We will have the biggest giveaway we’ve ever had. We are giving away a European vacation with a trip to England to attend V-Fest with Jay-Z, Pink and a band we are supporting a lot, The Vamps,” Steiner said.
Other prizes will include tickets to Shaky Knees festival in Atlanta, a Go-Pro, Six Flags tickets and Chattanooga Football Club merchandise.
Race registration is open and available
at www.hits96.com on first-com, firstserved basis. There is no charge to attend the event or race.
Following is a roundup of other Cinco de Mayo celebrations planned around the city. Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354
COMEDY › What: “Imparables” featuring Adrian Uribe and Omar Chaparro › Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St. › When: 8p. m. Saturday, May 6; doors open 7 p. m. › Admissiion: $ 47, $67 and $87 plus fees. › For more information: 423-757-5580 “Imparaables, El Show” features two of
Mexico’s most popular comedians, Adrian Uribe and Omar Chaparro, in a two-hour comedy battle. The show will include their most popular characters, such as El Vitor, Carmelo, La Celostina, El Policia de Transito, El Rancherito Chilo, Yahairo and La Litenciada.
LATINO FAMILY FESTIVAL
› What: Cinco de Mayo Day › Where: Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. › When: 10 a. m.-3 p. m. Friday-Sunday, May 5-7 › Admission: Regular zoo admission of $9.95 adults, $6.95 children ages 3-12, $7.95 ages 65 and older › For more information: 423- 624- 8414
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Latino culture at a family festival sponsored by La Paz Chattanooga.
Bring your friends and family to enjoy Latin music along with animal-enrichment programs. Dora the Explorer will be on hand and children can participate in a Dora the Explorer scavenger hunt as they learn about the zoo’s South American animals.
MARGARITAS AND MUSIC
› What: Cinco de Mayo party › Where: El Meson restaurants, 248 Northgate Park and 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd. › When: 5 p. m. Friday, May 5 › Admission: Free admission to party site, food and drink for purchase › For more information: 423-710-1201 (Hixson) or 423- 894- 8726 (Hamilton Place)
Margaritas, live music, a taco trailer and more will set the party mood at El Meson’s Cinco de Mayo parking lot parties. The fun starts at 5 p.m. and ends when the last guest leaves. Must be 21 or older to attend.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
› What: Bachata on the Bluff
› Where: Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View › When: 4- 8 p. m. today, May 4 › Admission: $ 5 Throwback Thursday ticket › For more information: 423-267- 0968
It’s Throwback Thursday at Hunter Museum with $5 tickets. Anyone purchasing a ticket to view “Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art” will also enjoy a battle of local Latino bands. Musicians will compete in salsa, merengue and bachata musical styles when the show starts at 6 p. m. This event is also the kickoff to Hunter’s Bands on the Bluff series.
SUNSETS DE MAYO
› What: Gig City Sunsets de Mayo › Where: Edney Rooftop, 1100 Market St. › When: 7-10 p. m. Saturday, May 6 › Admission: $ 30 › For more information: eventbrite.com
Gig City’s party will have a Latin theme in recognition of Cinco de Mayo with wine imported from Argentina in partnership with Panoram Imports and catering from Ovalle’s.
There will be performances by indie soul artist/guitarist/singer D. L. Yancey, singer-songwriter Melyn Thompson and hip-hop MC Big Mike Mic, as well as spoken word from Velvet Poetry Productions.