Cinco de Mayo party raises $1K for charity

Nearly 1,200 people turned out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and raise money for charity at Ramsey’s American Grill Saturday.

The event hosted live music, a beer and margarita garden, a motorcycle poker run and vendor booths from local businesses.

The local charity Against Abuse, Inc. – Maricopa will receive around $1,000 from money raised at the event.

“It was a good time,” said owner and operator Ramsey Harkness. “It was great hooking up with chamber of commerce and poker run people.”

He said there were many events going on this time on the same day, like the Kentucky Derby and the Oscar de la Hoya boxing match, but the event was great.

Live music from local artists Island Flava and Halo Falls opened the event for Minneapolis headliner Chris Shaffer.

Many people commented on the event’s success on the inmaricopa.com Forum.

“I had a blast. The band was awesome and so was the food,” said Jade, a senior member.

“Thanks for the great party last night,” said senior Forum member bstoneaz. “I spent the entire night outside and loved it. I just wish your permit for drinking closer to the band would have lasted till midnight, at ten I was just getting started.”

Harkness said he anticipates this event growing next year, hopefully to include a music festival.
In the meantime, he is anticipating his role in the Great American Barbeque in conjunction with the city on July 4 at Pacana Park where $1 from every meal goes to the Friends of the Library to buy books.

Vendor Village Participants:
Maricopa Chamber of Commerce
Tail Waggers
Silver Jewelry
Club del Sol Tanning
Gifts, Games & Gadgets
Accounting & Finance Pros
The New Edition
Alltel Cellular
Maricopa Black Belt Academy
Maricopa Biz
The Optimist Club
Maricopa Youth Football League
Home Is Where the Hound Is

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