I got to Calle Dos Cinco sometime after noon. The annual parade had just started and, almost immediately, the intense feeling of Latino pride was thankfully surrounding me. After all, my people had made it almost another year in Oklahoma City and, that alone, is a reason for us all to celebrate.
As I strolled the side street where the vendor booths were set up, I was handed goodies like otherworldly candy, gift certificates, and many other freebies, filling my hands to the best of their ability. I was gracious enough and accepted them all, remembering that you never get free stuff at most other festivals, at least the ones I’ve been to recently.