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JULY 1998

Fiestas Patrias: will we boogie Sept. 13-14?
SUNNYSIDE (7-21-98 )--The city council didn't decide for certain last night whether Sunnysiders will celebrate Fiestas Patrias, Mexican Independence Day, Sept. 13 and 14.

Councilmen decided to let city staff iron out differences with supporters in proposed scheduling, then bring the issue up for a future vote.

Acting City Mgr. Mark Kunkler said the city staff at this point has three problems with the two-day proposed festivities.

The street fair, to take place between 9 a.m. and noon both days, would require organizers to pay fees, and require reserve officers for security.

The public dance is proposed to last between 8 p.m. and midnight Saturday, Sept. 12. The council recently shut down a very popular Chamber of Commerce dance and beer garden at 9 p.m.--dusk. It probably would want to do the same with FP.

And the Sunday Fiestas Patrias parade, slated to start at 11 a.m. Sept. 13, might conflict with church services.

Supporters, led by David Silva, director of One Stop Immigration Services, said they were willing to change proposed scheduling of celebration elements. The parade, for example, could start at 1 p.m.

"This is a festivity for all people to have a good time," Silva said. "We have El Cinco de Mayo that celebrates Mexican independence from France in 1862. Fiestas Patrias celebrates independence from Spain in 1810. Just like the Fourth of July celebrates U.S. independence from England," he said.

Linda Marquez, who works with Silva, said the event isn't a political statement by local Mexicans. "This is a business proposal. It will help local businesses. It's not a celebration for non-whites only," she said.

At least two councilmen don't relish the idea of celebrating a foreign country's independance day in the streets of Sunnyside.

Errol Brown asked Fiestas Patrias supporters if they would consider merging Fiestas Patarias with Sunshine Days just a few days later. He said more police officers otherwise would be needed; there are scheduling and overtime problems.

Marquez apparently didn't approve of that idea. She pointed to a list of local business persons who, she said, had not been asked to participate in Sunshine Days, headed up by Merilee Robinson. Marquez said those on the list have all "specified approval of the ...Fiestas Patrias celebration.

On the list, according to FP organizers, are Linda Egley of Egley's; Rodger Rivera, Fashion Corner; David Jones, Rent-A-Center; Song, Sunnyside Indoor Mart; Lupita Ayvar, Salon de Belleza; Audel, Audel's Music; Jesus and Irma Robledo, Modas Apatzingan; Jose Rodriguez, Plaza del Sol; Pam Meyers, Safari; Jose Mora, El Conquistador, Angela of Refleciones de Mexico; Hipolito Mendez, Aztlan; Paul of Paul's Barber Shop, and Harley Berger, MidValley Mall.

And, Marquez indicated, a separate event just draws more business to Sunnyside.

Councilman Chad Werkhoven said he believed the council should approve celebrations which bring the city's racial groups together, not those that divide them further.

"Cultural diversity is great. But the celebration of the independence of Mexico will simply make the gap wider," he said. "It's offensive to some in the community. It's not going to help the problem (of racial division)."

But that having been said, Werkhoven also said he is a firm believer in fundamental U.S. laws. "I believe in the Constitution, so I won't stand in your way," Werkhoven told Fiestas Patrias organizers.

Harvey Berger told the council that, having lived in Sunnyside three years, he isn't aware the town has a racial problem. "I don't think this (celebration) would hurt a thing," he said.

Councilman Don Vlieger agreed. "Let it go on. Move the parade to 1 p.m. Refer it back to staff," Vlieger said.

Jim Bunch seemed turned off at those remarks. Bunch said "I'm one hundred percent opposed to having Mexicans, Africans, and Indians telling us what's wrong with this country. We can tell ourselves what's wrong. I'm not knockin' Mexicans. But we have too many poor and not enough taxpayers," he said. Now we're talking about Mexicans marchin' here. I'm against it," he said.

Will we all get together and boogie at Fiestas Patrias Sept. 13 and 14? Stay tuned.