On Saturday, the 108th Chanute Mexican Fiesta Royalty were named during the Queen’s Dance at Central Park Pavilion.
Attendees enjoyed performances by the Bailadores de Chanute, a dance group dedicated to traditional Mexican dances.
Bailadores organizer Joni Jesseph said that this was her second year of working with this group. She said prior to the COVID pandemic, the community had a different Mexican dance group.
“We’re trying to get more involved,” Jesseph said.
Jesseph runs the group with her daughter, Keara Lopez.
“We’re open to the public,” Jesseph said. “You don’t have to be of Mexican descent to join.”
Bailadores de Chanute dance to traditional folk tunes, as well as contemporary songs.
“We just try to pick some traditional ones,” Jesseph said. “‘Boom Boom’ is kind of a fun one; audiences seem to like it.”
Jesseph said that she was proud of the dancers.
“They worked really hard to pull it off tonight,” Jesseph said.
Brenda Alonzo, a Queen’s Dance organizer, said she was glad to see the dancers.
“We’re so happy the local group can dance here tonight; they are doing a wonderful job,” Brenda said.
Jesseph said that three members of the dance troop were also in the running for royalty this year: Adan Coronado, Yareli Medrano, and Alex Ogle. Other candidates are Trayson Colter, Kamila Coronado-Morris, and Xochiti Vargas Cervantes.
The royalty were named as follows: Little Prince, Adan Coronado; Little King, Trayson Colter; Little Queen, Kamila Coronado-Morris; Princess, Yareli Medrano; Queen, Xochiti Vargas Cervantes; and King, Alex Ogle.
“These young people and their families worked hard all summer with fundraising, we couldn’t be more proud and grateful for them all,” Another organizer, John Alonzo, said.
Alex Ogle said participating in the running was a good experience.
“Today was really fun. I am glad I got to participate, and I hope we do this more often in the future,” Medrano said.
Vargas Cervantes said this process built and recalled many fond memories for her.
“It was a lot of work, but I got to spend a lot of good memories with my family. It was a great way to spend time with my family,” Vargas Cervantes said. “It’s very much a childhood thing for me; I grew up going to the Mexican Fiesta every year.”
Vargas Cervantes said that she is grateful because the funds she raised will help pay for her education and future mission trips.
The 108th annual Chanute Mexican Fiesta will be Sept. 20, kicking off at noon, throughout the entire evening with vendors, food, music, and dancing.
