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The Standin’ on the Corner Foundation will hold a Cinco de Mayo Festival beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, at Eagle Pavilion, located at 523 W. Second St. The event is an annual celebration that is also a fundraiser for other Standin’ on the Corner projects.
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This year’s festivities will feature a horseshoe tournament, food, games and entertainment provided by DJ Foolio. “This is the foundation’s third year hosting this event and this year we are offering free admission,” said Foundation member Melissa Nelson. Member Denise Clarke added, “The horseshoe tournament is $20 per player this year and at least one member of each team must be a Winslow resident.”
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The reason for the residency requirement is to ensure participation from Winslow residents, “This is an event that benefits our town.” There will also be a beer garden at the event, for which a special use permit was obtained from the city. The garden will be available to those 21 years of age and over with valid identification.
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Clarke explained, “This is a community event that we hope will help us raise some money for the mural.” Currently, the group is working on restoring the mural at Kinsley Avenue and Second Street in the Standin’ on the Corner Park. Originally painted by artist John Pugh, the mural depicts a girl in a flatbed Ford and various activities taking place in faux windows above the park.
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Standin’ on the Corner Foundation member Dr. Greg Hackler said, “This is actually the third time we are having the mural repainted. It has been compromised over the years by weather and by a fire. This time, we are having it done on more durable material.” He explained that Pugh is currently working on restoring the upper part of the mural at his home studio in California. “John is painting the mural pieces on non-woven material this time, then they will go on to marine quality board, then on to an aluminum composite material before being affixed to the wall.” Hackler expects the project to be completed by the last weekend of September, when the Standin’ on the Corner Festival is held. “We are on track to have the mural complete by then. We do need to raise about $10,000 more though.” The total cost for the project is approximately $30,000 according to Hackler. It is being funded completely by donations and fundraisers held throughout the year.
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There are a number of ways citizens can contribute to the restoration. Donations may be sent to: Standin’ on the Corner Foundation, P.O. Box 1074, Winslow, Ariz. 86047. In addition to mailed in donations, the public is encouraged to take part in a calendar raffle held by the foundation. Member Tom McCauley said, “You can purchase tickets for the raffle from any foundation member or at the Cinco de Mayo event. Tickets are $20 a piece or six for $100. It is a progressive raffle during the month of September, so you can win money every day for 30 days. Every ticket goes in to every drawing, even if it has won before.” Drawings will be made each day during September on the foundation’s Facebook page.
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“We will go live every day at 5 p.m.,” McCauley said. Those interested are also able to view the calendar and receive more information on the website www.standinonthecorner.com.
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In another development regarding the famous corner, the festival has gone international. Concert organizers in Bangor, Northern Ireland contacted Hackler last year for permission to use the Standin’ on the Corner model for a festival in their town. The weekend of May 5 and 6, a pub crawl featuring live music, auctions and more will take place in Bangor. Promotors of the event said, “Our festival will feature a live feed to Winslow where we will have the Peaceful Easy Feeling Choir perform the song of the same name. The show will be broadcast live from Tom McCauley’s Route 66 Trading post opposite the statue.”
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Hackler added, “I am going to be in attendance at the Bangor festival and our foundation has donated a few items for them to auction. The money they raise will come right back here to Winslow.” Hackler will be featured as the guest of honor at the Northern Ireland event. “I am honored, and I am excited,” he said, “This is a big thing for us!”
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