Just Released
Valley Junction hosts 13th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival
4/28/2017West Des Moines, IA — Travel south of the border as the Historic Valley Junction Foundation presents our 13th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival on Saturday, May 6, 2017, from Noon to 10 p.m. Located in the 200 and 300 blocks of Fifth Street in Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines, IA, visitors are invited to enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music, dancing and family activities.
Inflatables and children’s activities will be available. Live music will be performed by Mariachi Aguilar at 2 p.m. and guitarras at 5 p.m. Tony Valdez Large Band will perform from 8-10 p.m.
Celebrating the Mexican heritage of many railroad workers during the establishing years of Valley Junction, this festival is an opportunity to recognize the Mexican community who helped James Jordan’s vision of bringing the railroad to the Des Moines area become a reality. In honor of our strong heritage, we will also present a proclamation and announcement of our Cinco de Mayo King and Queen at 4 p.m.
Valley Junction was established in 1846 when its first settler, James Jordan arrived. The name Valley Junction was chosen because it was located in the valley of the Raccoon River and served as the junction for the railroad. By 1900, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad had moved its operation to the area. After the railroad boom ended, Valley Junction slowed its pace and changed its official name to West Des Moines in 1938. Many family members of the original railroad workers still live in the Valley Junction area today.
Valley Junction is now home to more than 150 distinctive stores, restaurants and independent businesses, each with its own unique historical character. Known for its unique specialty stores, Valley Junction is one of central Iowa’s most unique attractions. Visit our website, www.valleyjunction.com for more information and a complete calendar of events.
