The second annual Fiesta en la Plaza drew a large crowd on the downtown Centennial Plaza in Sandy on Aug. 27.

With temperatures soaring into the mid-80s, the fish fountain converted into a way to stay cool for children splashing in the bronze structure, while the serious business of having fun was materializing on the
plaza.

Fiesta goers sauntered through the plaza enjoying authentic Latin and North
American cuisine and cool drinks while children showed off their face paintings
or enjoyed themselves in the Bouncy Castle.

Upbeat music contributed to more than a few feet tapping and spontaneous
dancing broke out on the plaza bricks.

Sandy City Councilor and festival committee member Olga Gerberg said more
people in the community are getting involved and showing interest in this
event.

“My nephew came from Los Mochis Sinaloa, which is on the west coast near
the Sea of Cortez in Mexico especially to see this event,” Gerberg said. “It’s an
opportunity for him to learn about North American culture too and see how
beautiful it is.”

Carol Cohen, events coordinator for the City of Sandy and booth organizer for
the fiesta was impressed by the turnout and the support from vendors.
“The entertainment here is wonderful,” Cohen said. “There are a lot more
vendors here than last year’s event. These days, more people are staying
close to home and going to events in town. Why go to Portland when you can
have entertainment here with such great music, fresh produce from the
market vendors and fun for the kids?”

La Danza de Los Viejitos, a traditional Mexican dance known as the Dance of
the Old Men, provided plenty of amusement.

The brightly colored costumed and masked dancers showed off their skills,
clattering their shoes on the plaza bricks as they humorously leaned on canes
and clutched their backs in the manner of old men.

Fiesta musicians included Michael Baker, The Honey Cuts, Geraldo Calderon
and Dina & Rumberos Del Caribe. Local square dancers The Country Cut Ups
showed off their talents, and local vendors provided food, arts and crafts and
an abundance of fresh produce.

“If you missed this year’s event, come back next year and come celebrate
with us” Gerberg said.

“Vengan a celebra con nosotros!”