Charro Days poster unveiled

Laura Maxwell enjoyed watching two youngsters perform a Mexican dance Wednesday at the unveiling of this year’s poster for Charro Days.

“This is the first time I came for the unveiling,” said Maxwell.

Hunter Breeden and Kendall Day, both 5, performed El Rascapetate, a traditional dance from the Mexican state of Chiapas, for guests who attended the unveiling at Charro Days Headquarters, 45 E. Elizabeth St. The poster for Charro Days 2011, created by local artist and designer Don Breeden, depicted the two young dancers in traditional costume.

Charro Days this year runs from Feb. 20–27. As Breeden, Hunter’s grandfather, signed copies of the poster, then had the youngsters sign, too.

Breeden said he got the idea to depict his grandson in the poster last year when he saw the boy in a dance at St. Mary’s Elementary School.

“He did very well,” said Breeden. “When I saw it I thought they would make a very good dance. I asked the principal at St. Mary’s (Elementary School) to see if I could depict them in this year’s poster.”

He got the OK and the rest is history. Hunter’s parents were very proud of their son.

“He did a good job,” said Hunter’s mother, Michelle. “He’s a trooper. He picked up the dance very quickly. And he did very, very well.”

Also performing Wednesday was a dance team from St. Mary’s Elementary School.

“It was very good,” said Marijosa Garza, 11, who performed a dance called Guadalajara.

“I hope the public liked our entertainment,” said Marijosa, a sixth-grader who was decked out in a colorful costume.

“I like the outfits,” said fellow dancer Clare Martin, 9. “They represent Mexico.”

Carlos Bañales, executive director of Charro Days, said he was very pleased with the turnout and the dance performances.

“It’s just bigger and better,” said Bañales. “It’s all happening because of the volunteers that came together. This all begins Feb. 20 with Baile del Sol. It’s a street dance on the Charro Days grounds. Free to the public, and everybody’s welcome. The poster was great this year. Every year Don Breeden just outdoes himself. This year is the 13th year to do the poster for Charro Days. We thank him for all the efforts he puts into Charro Days.”

Roy Gonzalez, director of Sombrero Festival which takes place during the same period as Charro Days, added:

“This is the best turnout ever in the 12 years I’ve been coming here.”