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- Mexican Independence parade gets cool reception from City Council
- SUNNYSIDE (6-30-98)---A local, two-day Fiestas Patrias to celebrate Mexico's Independence Day Sept. 13 and 14 received a cool reception from the City Council and audience last night.
David Silva, who heads up One-Stop Immigration made the request by letter along with Sunnyside Councilman Mike Aguirre.
- Aguirre excused himself from the meeting for the duration of the discussion, because of a conflict of interest.
The letter said "Some of the business owners in the Sunnyside downtown would like to hold a celebration honoring the 16th of September, the significant symbol of the Independence Day of Mexico, and other Latin American countries."
"We would like to specify that the 16th of September is equivalent to the 4th of July for the Latino Community. Having never had celebration for the day previously in our community...we have gathered..together to ask the Sunnyside City Council for its approval.
"We have tentative plans which include a parade, downtown entertainment and public market which shall prove to be a grand celebration with the theme of educating the public of Latino cultural backgrounds and history.
"We look forward to a positive response. This event shall be open to the public and all community members who choose to participate," Silva wrote.
- Plans for the two-day event include:
Saturday: a public address from guest speakers beginning at 11 a.m., folkloric dancers, MECHA youth speakers, hair show, kid dance groups, fashion show, entertainment and a Fiestas Patrias Pageant between 11 and 5 p.m., and a dance beginning at 8 p.m.
Sunday: Music beginning at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. parade, noon music, 1 p.m. speakers, 2 p.m. dancers, 3 p.m. music, and 4 p.m., more speakers.
- Merilee Robinson reminded the Council the city already celebrates El Cinco de Mayo, another Mexican holiday, which receives the support of the Uptown Sunnyside Assn. (USA). She noted the Fiestas Patrias parade on Sept. 14 would take place less than a week before Sunshine Days Sept. 18-20.
Robinson, who heads up the Sunshine Days committee, indicated a parade less than a week prior to Sunshine Days would detract from well established festivities.
"We've been doing Sunshine Days for 20 years," she said.
- Councilman Errol Brown noted the Sept. 13-14 dates are celebrations of Mexican Independence Day.
"I'm concerned about celebration of the Independence Day of a foreign country," he said. And it's probably a real conflict with our Sunshine Days. I don't think we should allow it," he said.
- Councilman Chad Werkhoven said "I want to echo what Errol says. "I would ask city staff to check the RCWs (Revised Code of Washington) to see where we are on this--are our hands tied?" he asked.
The Council made no firm decision on the matter a last night's workshop meeting.
In other matters, the Council voiced some items for the next regular meeting July 6. Items included:
- A resolution declaring Public Works Dept. surplus property.
- Discuss allowing a teen to set up a sign at the city's entrance.
- Appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
- Discussion of a Fire Dept. air compressor.
- Noise variances for Snipes Mountain Brewery July 17 and Aug. 22.
- Discussing several liquor licenses which will expire Aug. 31.
- Discuss approving an invoice not earlier approved
- David Silva's request for a parade permit for Sept. 14.