The Village of Stickney held its annual Cinco de Mayo Mex Fest on Sunday, June 7, at 43rd and Ridgeland, drawing families for tacos, churros, face painting, and live entertainment.
The free event ran from 2 to 7 p.m. and featured a petting zoo operated by A Zoo To You of Huntley, where children fed and petted goats, sheep, chickens, and bunnies. A face painter offered designs throughout the afternoon, while a bounce house and DJ Jimmy “B” kept kids entertained. Dancers from Necalli Cultural Movement performed later in the day.
Village Trustee Jim Hrejsa, who chairs the Parks & Recreation Commission, credited the event’s success to volunteers and staff.
“Our committee takes the lead on it, but Trustee Torres does most of the work for this event,” Hrejsa said. “We have a lot of good volunteers that we use regularly and they’re always happy to help. We are even finding more people today that want to become part of this in the future.”
Trustee Lea Torres, who co-chairs Parks & Recreation with Hrejsa, said the fest honors the late Mayor Jeff Walik, who championed the event when it began four years ago. The village moved the celebration from May to June to avoid rainy or cold weather.
“People have been coming in steady. We have good music, good food, and good drink, so everyone is enjoying themselves today,” Torres said.
Traditional dancers performed at the Cinco de Mayo celebration June 7 in Stickney. Credit: Ed Dabrowski 
Food and ice cream trucks were available with a variety of items at the Cinco de Mayo celebration June 7 in Stickney. Credit: Carol McGowan 
The jump house was hopping at the Cinco de Mayo celebration June 7 in Stickney. Credit: Carol McGowan 
The line was continuous all afternoon for face painting at the Cinco de Mayo celebration June 7 in Stickney. Credit: Carol McGowan 
A Zoo To You provided the petting zoo for the Cinco de Mayo celebration June 7 in Stickney. Credit: Carol McGowan 
The petting zoo was popular with the kids at the Cinco de Mayo celebration June 7 in Stickney. Credit: Carol McGowan 
One little girl from Stickney was excited to feed the animals at the petting zoo at the Cinco de Mayo celebration June 7. Credit: Carol McGowan 
Liam from A Zoo To You in Huntley was happy to explain different animals to the kids at the Cinco de Mayo celebration June 7 in Stickney. Credit: Carol McGowan 
Village trustees pose with the Dancers By Necalli Cultural Movement at the Stickney Cinco de Mayo celebration on June 7. Credit: Ed Dabrowski