May 10, 2008
Albany--Cinco de Mayo was celebrated on the 10th in Albany.
The City of Albany is planning events like this one to draw more people into the downtown area, which has not been seeing as much activity as both the city, and business owners would like.
The City of Albany is seeing a a lot of activity, and people at this years Cinco de May Celebration.
The hundreds that showed up will have downtown seeing a little more business.
"All of my merchants have talked about how well they've done today with people walking in and out, new people coming downtown," said Phil Cannon, Merchant's Association.
The patronage customers show by purchasing food, tee shirts, and other things in the city is a vital part of the success of these businesses.
"It's very important for the city, what happens is you get community involvement and you get a lot of people, we've had a constant crowd all night long, we're going to be here until midnight tonight," said Don Buie, Albany Downtown Manager.
"I think it's important for us to support things, and events when they do come and so that way more businesses will be interested in staying," said Kimberly Robinson.
But it's not only about business, it's also about the fun activities for entire family and kids, who took turns swinging at the pinata.
"I think it's just by word of moth a lot of people are hearing about it, and I wanted to support downtown Albany, and I'd like to see a lot more activities around here," said Chad Schwartz.
The first Cinco de Mayo celebration in no way compares to the very successful Mardi Gras event, but one day it will be, and draw south Georgians to downtown Albany, having merchants seeing a lot more dinero.
The holiday commemorates a victory by Mexican forces over French forces in the Battle of Puebla.
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