HispanicBusiness

With Cinco de Mayo falling on a weekend this year, there are plenty of festivities happening around Tulsa.

The 5 de Mayo Festival organized by the Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be one of the largest events, with 10,000 people expected to attend. The three-day event at the Imperio Event Center, 21st Street and 140th East Avenue, will be a celebration of the Hispanic cultures in the Tulsa area.

"There will be pony rides for the children and carnival rides. We are having lots of family-oriented entertainment and folkloric bands with traditional dancers," said Ed Martinez, chairman of the board for the Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Restaurants and local "taqueros" -- or taco vendors -- will compete for the title of Best Taco in Tulsa, he said. A panel of judges will pick the winner, but they will be seeking input from festivalgoers who buy tacos. The winner will be announced at 8 p.m.

"What is really cool about this Cinco de Mayo celebration is that we are having it on the eastside, which is where the center of gravity is for our businesses," Martinez said. "And we think we will see more people as a result."

Entrance to the event is free, Martinez said, thanks to the chamber's sponsorship and the about 40 Hispanic business owners who "kicked in their time and talent."

The events will also offer Tulsans an opportunity to see what some of the eastside Hispanic businesses have to offer. Roundup of some Cinco de Mayo events: 5 de Mayo Festival at the Imperio Event Center, 14007 E. 21st St., from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Abuelo's, 10909 E. 71st St., is celebrating Thursday through Saturday with beer specials and margaritas made to resemble the Mexican flag. Live entertainment is scheduled 4-9 p.m. Saturday.

Taco Bueno locations will be offering free 5-ounce wild berry smoothies all day Saturday.

Casa Laredo 403 S. Cheyenne Ave., has live music and salsa dancing from 2:30 p.m. to midnight.