A Cinco de Mayo celebration with a parade will take place May 2 in the city of Lorain.

Participants are welcome to line up for the parade beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the south end of Oakwood Park, on East 36th Street, according to event organizer Martin Leibas.

The parade will step off at 2 p.m.

A celebration will be held at the Mexican Mutual Society after the parade with music, food and family-friendly entertainment.

The participant list for the parade includes more people this year and also will include a semi tractor, many classic cars as well as groups such as the Lorain School Marching Band and others, Leibas said.

Leibas is again leading the Cinco de Mayo event this year, bringing back the tradition in the city after successfully spearheading its return in early 2025 following a five-year hiatus due to the global pandemic.

Leibas said he wants to educate younger generations and celebrate Mexican culture and heritage through this, often coordinating with the Mexican Mutual Society.

“The reason this parade is being put on is I want the communities families to remember our culture.

The parade will make its way along city side streets until reaching the destination of the Mexican Mutual Society on East 28th Street.

A queen’s contest again will take place for a select group of young girls.

This year’s contestants include: Hayden Bell, Oaklyn Charlton, Angelina Reyna, Emma Velez, Arrianna Velez, Lilo-jade Davis and Roman and Eliany Ramon.

A fundraiser was launched to help fund the event at Patronicity online, under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Lorain County and Main Street Lorain.

The account asked for $2,000 and has raised $5,500 through 16 donations, according to the account.

Donations will be accepted until April 24.

The funds will “come in handy” as the organization of the event continues, he also said, commenting on the support and generosity of the community.

The deadline to participate in the parade is pending.

All questions can be directed to Leibas at leibasmlenterprise@yahoo.com or 440-434-0392.