Fiesta Time

General (and future President) Zachary Taylor, 163 years ago today, won the first major battle of the Mexican-American War (at Palo Alto). Low-grade gunpowder and slow artillery hindered the Mexican troops, who actually outnumbered the American forces by 1,000. This won't likely be a topic of conversation tonight when the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce kicks off Fiesta Kansas City, a three-day celebration of Latino culture at Crown Center Plaza (2450 Grand, 816-274-8444). Over the weekend, an estimated 40,000 people are expected to eat tamales; drink margaritas; and baile, baile, baile to the tejano, salsa and mariachi sounds of more than 25 bands. Otros atracciónes include a jalapeño-eating contest, the Latinos of Tomorrow fashion show, folk-dancing exhibitions, the Fiesta de Jonron (a Hispanic baseball exhibit), a tortilla-rolling contest, Bellas Artes (Latino pottery, paintings, sculpture, jewelry and textiles) and Margarita Cove (site of the "Kansas City's Best Margarita" contest). Admittance to Fiesta KC is free. The event runs from 5:30 to 11 p.m. tonight and continues from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. See fiestakc.com for more details.
Fri., May 8, 5:30-11 p.m.; Sat., May 9, 12-11 p.m.; Sun., May 10, 12-10 p.m., 2009