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Dunedin's Cinco De Mayo Street Fiesta this Monday

BY MARK SCHANTZ SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 3, 2008

DUNEDIN - Salsa dancing and even some circus aerialists will spice up Main Street, Monday evening as Casa Tina's Mexican Restaurant once again presents its Cinco De Mayo Fiesta block party.

Robert Ironsmith, economic development director, said this is the seventh year for the "very successful" fiesta.

The owners of Casa Tina's, Tina and Xavier Avila, pay all costs related to the event, including traffic control, Sheriff's Office personnel and street cleanup, Ironsmith said. They also pay $1,000 to use the city's right of way, he noted.

This year the fiesta, which begins at 5 p.m., promises to be even more festive. In February the eatery tripled its size by moving into the building adjacent to its original location.

For the safety of pedestrians, Main Street will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from Douglas Avenue to the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail.

The festival, which commemorates the victory of a small band of Mexican soldiers over the French at Puebla, Mexico, in 1862, will include continuous entertainment and flavorful Mexican food and drinks into the night.

A 13-piece salsa band, Orquestra Infinidad, will have people dancing on Main Street. The Fiesta also includes performances by traditional mariachi and folk dancers.

Aerialists from Clearwater-based Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay, who perform at Casa Tina's most Saturday nights, will also perform.

Organizers said there will be plenty of favorite Mexican dishes, such as mole poblano, chille rellenos, ceviche and chili, both inside and outside the restaurant.

Fine wines, artisan beers and desserts will be available at Casa Tina's Pan Y Vino, an after dinner gathering place the Avilas opened in the building that formerly housed Casa Tina's.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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