ROCHELLE — On Saturday, the Cinco de Mayo Rochelle festival was held in the downtown area. The event, presented by Rochelle's Hispanic Community Association, was free to enter and featured live music, dancing, children's activities, Ballet Folklorico, a petting zoo, craft vendors, food vendors, DJ Sanchez Mix and a Quince Pageant.

The event saw sunny skies before braving a brief storm in the afternoon. Event Organizer and Rochelle City Councilwoman Rosaelia Arteaga said she was encouraged by the amount of people that came out for the start of the event and those that braved the storm and spent time at the festival afterwards.

“Seeing people stick it out during the storm and come back after it cleared up was amazing,” Arteaga said. “After things cleared up, I watched everybody come back. The show went on. Watching the vendors and families continue even after the rain and having it be a success was exciting.”

Arteaga said the event saw a large number of food and craft vendors, which may require more space in future years. The festival featured music from Chicago and various information booths from community organizations. 

The event being free is one of Arteaga’s favorite aspects of it.

“We don't want to ever change the free admission aspect,” Arteaga said. “People can bring a picnic if they want to and come and enjoy everything. I like seeing all the happy faces, that's the most enjoyable part for me. I liked seeing all of the kids at the petting zoo. I just wanted to have a minute to look at everybody and have a snapshot. People are talking and eating and spending time with family and friends. Seeing people come out and enjoy it is fulfilling for me. Everyone comes together and has a good time.”

Arteaga said she spoke with a number of vendors that sold out during the Cinco de Mayo event, even with the storm. The event has been held in some form in Rochelle for over 10 years, and Cinco de Mayo events are starting to become more common in surrounding towns, she said. 

“It's exciting to have so much interest from vendors,” Arteaga said. “I've wanted it to grow. I want everyone to enjoy that experience and sell out of what they were selling. People want to come and with that we'll need more space and new ideas.”

The Cinco De Mayo Rochelle event takes “months of work” to put on, Arteaga said, including booking performers and working with vendors. Planning for next year’s Cinco de Mayo event is already underway and the organization’s La Fiesta Hispana event will take place in the fall on Sept. 14.

“I think Rochelle has always been inviting of different cultures and celebrations,” Arteaga said. “I think our Hispanic population feels comfortable and safe. I think people are feeling more confident in attending and being involved as vendors and in our business community and to be involved in other events. It's feeling welcomed and a part of the community. We want everybody involved and together.”