The 22nd annual Cinco de Mayo “Celebrate Culture” festival in Civic Center, which starts today, is expected to draw up to 400,000 revelers from throughout Colorado and beyond, according to organizers.
More than a dozen bands will play music on three stages and about 350 exhibitors and food vendors are scheduled to anchor the festival, organized by NEWSED Community Development Corp. and the Santa Fe Drive Redevelopment organization.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Sunday.
To appease swine flu concerns, organizers have placed voluntary hand-sanitizing stations at festival entrances. Sanitizing stations will also be placed at restrooms, as in years past.
“This is in response to media attention, and that’s it,” said spokeswoman Andrea Barela.
Police expect traditional cruising in Denver, especially along Federal Boulevard, and traffic plans have been put in place.
As in years past, if traffic on Federal becomes a safety issue, the flow across the boulevard will be limited.
If needed, east and west traffic across Federal will be restricted to Evans, Jewell, Florida, Mississippi, Alameda, Sixth, 10th, 23rd, 38th, 46th and 50th avenues, Speer Boulevard and Interstate 70.
Traffic could also be directed off Federal Boulevard at certain points and onto various “diversion routes,” police said. Traffic violations that pose a safety risk will be strictly enforced, police warn. Access to side streets will be limited to neighborhood residents once barricades are in place.
Kieran Nicholson and Anthony Bowe, The Denver Post
