El Cinco De Mayo Inc. hosts 38th annual fiesta

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., (KRDO) -- For the first time in two years, El Cinco De Mayo Inc. can host its free celebration and fundraiser.

The festival, while celebrating Cinco de Mayo, also serves as a fundraiser to help first-generation and minority high students attend college.

This year, the 38th fiesta will take place at Harrison High School on Sunday, May 1 from 10 am to 5 pm.

Due to the pandemic, organizers had to adjust the event. This year, the festival will be in full swing, even offering a car show.

"Man when you see 'em driving down the street, we just get so excited like 'oooh' somebody busted out their ride, you know they are bringing it out," said Gaspar Martinez, event organizer.

Stephen Akers and his car club, citywide, have supported the celebration for the last two decades.

Akers told KRDO he loves bringing out these flashy rides for entertainment.

"We always give back, born and raised here, native of Colorado springs, been doing this show for years and years and our club we like to support, always enjoy giving back to the community," said Stephen Akers, with Citywide Car Club.

In the last 38 years, the organization has raised more than $300,000, which goes towards local students.

"If we can provide $1,000 in scholarships to students, sometimes that makes a difference between going to school and not going to school, $1,000 doesn't seem like much but when you are a student it could make a world of difference," said Carmen Abeyta, the event organizer for over a decade.

The fiesta will feature a culture of Mexican dance, Folklorico, a plethora of food options, and showstopper rides.

The group is hoping to raise thousands of dollars to pay for 17 scholarships for students in the Springs. 

If you would like to apply for a scholarship, head to their website.