• FEATURE •
Pasadena, Rose Bowl celebrating Cinco de Mayo
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By Andrew Crowley Pasadena Weekly Contributing Writer
ppropriately enough for an event that will include a 5K run and walk, the idea for Cinco de Mayo at the Rose Bowl began with a stroll around the historic venue that celebrates its centennial this year. About a year ago, Rose Bowl Stadium CEO/General Manager Darryl Dunn and Ramon Miramontes, an event co-executive producer, were taking a constitutional walk around the stadium when they discussed bringing back Pasadena’s Cinco de Mayo celebration, which had been on a more than decade-long break. Those events took place around Pasadena City Hall and around the Rose Bowl. “It used to be in the parking lots around the Rose Bowl and we thought it would be special to bring it inside the Rose Bowl,” Dunn said. This Sunday, May 1, the day kick off with the Darryl Dunn 5K Run and Walk, an event named in honor of Dunn who is set to retire on from his position on June 30, after 27 years. Registration for the 5K begins at 8 a.m. and the cost is $10 for those 18 and older, $5 for youth between the age of 10 and 17 and free for those under the age of 10. Metodo M Coaches Mariana Sanchez-Williams and Alessandra Rosaldo will host a meditation session at 10 a.m. followed by a workout at 10:30 a.m. Along with the 5K and the exercise, there will also be live music, food, a marketplace, youth karate and soccer tournaments, an art show as well as information and resources related to health and wellness, wealth building and prosperity. “It’s all designed really to be focused on families,” Dunn said. Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo was approached about being the event’s grand marshal and was quick to get on board. Alice Mijares Recendez is the co-grand marshal. Recendez’s mother, Jesucita Mijares, founded Mijares Restaurant in Pasadena in 1920. The mayor said it was important that he share the duties with another Pasadena resident and they go beyond the mayor’s office and city hall to fill that role. “There are so many families in Pasadena and individuals who have contributed so much to the richness of our city and we should recognize them,” Gordo said. “I was honored to be asked, but I was also very pleased that the committee accepted my request to share the honor with a member of a Pasadena family that has contributed so much,” Gordo said the event was part of the city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl’s commitment to making the Rose Bowl accessible to members of the community. It is also important because it reflects the cultural heritage of Pasadena. “As an American of Latino descent and resident of Pasadena, I believe it is important to highlight the cultures that contribute to Pasadena’s diversity and ultimately distinguish us from other communities,” Gordo said. “We’re a very accepting and embracing community and whether it’s this event celebrating Latino culture or the other events celebrating the numerous cultures that contribute to Pasadena, it’s important for all of us to celebrate together.” The mayor said he is looking to the event’s music, which will feature bands like La Sonora Dinamita. “I want to extend a personal invitation to all residents of Pasadena from all walks of life,” Gordo said. “This an opportunity for us to celebrate our cultures, our diversity but at the same time sharing in our common love for Pasadena, the Rose Bowl and the people of Pasadena.”
Cinco de Mayo at the Rose Bowl WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 1 WHERE: Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena COST: Admission and parking are free; registration required INFO: rosebowlstadium.com, eventbrite.com 8 PASADENA WEEKLY | 04.28.22
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