Valley Junction Hosts Must-Do Event to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

From a news release:

The Historic Valley Junction Foundation has announced plans for the 9th Annual Festival Cinco de Mayo on Saturday, May 4, from noon to 10 p.m.. Located in the 200 & 300 Blocks of 5th Street in Historic Valley Junction, visitors are invited to enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music, dancing and family activities.

Inflatables and children’s activities will be available. Scheduled entertainment includes dancers Los Jovenes Embajadores. Live music will be performed by Calle Sur, Parrenderos Latin Combo, and Latin Fiesta.  Mariachi Tigres de Valle will be strolling from 6:30-7 p.m.

Celebrating the Mexican heritage of many railroad workers during the establishment years of Valley Junction, this festival is an opportunity to recognize the Mexican community who helped James Jordan’s vision of bringing the railroad to the Des Moines area become a reality. In honor of the district’s strong heritage, the Historic Valley Junction Foundation will also present a proclamation and announcement of the Cinco de Mayo king and queen.

Valley Junction was established in 1846 when its first settler, James Jordan arrived. The name Valley Junction was chosen because it was located in the valley of the Raccoon River and served as the junction for the railroad. By 1900, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad had moved its operation to the area. After the railroad boom ended, Valley Junction slowed its pace and changed its official name to West Des Moines in 1938. Many family members of the original railroad workers still live in the Valley Junction area today.

Valley Junction is now home to more thn 150 distinctive stores, restaurants, and independent businesses, each with its own unique historical character. Known for its unique specialty stores, Valley Junction is one of central Iowa’s most unique attractions. Visit www.valleyjunction.com for more information and a complete calendar of events.

Festival Cinco de Mayo is part of A-May-Zing Days, a month-long celebration of West Des Moines. For a list of events and activities happening throughout the community in May, please visit www.amayzingdays.com.

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