During the 1970s and early 80s, Cinco de Mayo celebrations were common annual events at Lemon Park, which celebrated the Mexican army’s victory over the invading French forces in the city of Puebla, Mexico, in 1862. In 1971, Maple Area residents formed the Mexican Cultural Events Council and began staging yearly celebrations. However, years later, the Council dissolved and the event ceased – until now, thanks to Tommy Maciel, Director of The Bridge Boxing Club (TBBC) and organizer of the event, along with several other Maple Area residents, including Suzy Hernandez, Ricky Quintero, and Peter Hernandez.  TBBC is a non-profit organization serving area youths in boxing, personal training and positive life skills. TBBC uses the Lemon Park Community Center as its training center. 

The “new” 1st Annual Cinco de Mayo Community Event was held on Sunday, May 4, at Lemon Park. Suzy Hernandez, the club’s Community Relations rep, stated, “We wanted to restart the Cinco de Mayo events at the park as a way of bringing the community together while raising funds for our boxing club with the intent of making this an annual event.”  There were several booths with vendors selling food, clothing, and jewelry.  Midnight Jazz Project and other performers provided live entertainment.  The Funkshion and Brown Pride Car Clubs presented a car show. 

For more information, TBBC is on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebridgeboxingclub/

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