Cino de Mayo festivities draw kid-friendly crowd

Dozens of partiers gathered at Mesalands Community College Tuesday evening for its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration.

The celebration marks the Mexican army's defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

For some local revelers it was time to try out a mechanical bull or enter the sports challenge. For others who were looking for something a little more relaxed, they visited with friends and family  over grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, or took a gingerly turn around the cakewalk.

It seemed the girls, whether they were 6 or sixteen, like butterflies. Many had their faces painted with a colorful lepidoptera, or some variation thereof. Face paintings were brushed on  courtesy of Mesalands’ art department.

Many of the men gathered at the makeshift rink where horse rides were being offered, while others congregated at the college’s farrier demonstration.

Young or old, all seemed to be having a good time.