Fifth Avenue Joins Tequila Blue, Others in Hosting Cinco de Mayo Events

Add to the list of Royal Oak establishments hosting a .

Calling himself a copycat philanthropist, Anthony Yezbick, manager of Fifth Avenue, said when he learned was hosting a May 5 party to raise money for Royal Oak Opportunity to Serve (ROOTS) he wanted his bar to be involved.

“Candidly, we pay attention to what’s going on,” Yezbick said. “We thought it’s a really good idea what’s going on May 5 and we wanted to participate and make a positive contribution.”

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. But north of the border, it is celebrated with much more fervor north of the border with fiestas.

City commissioners approved a special event permit that will allow Fifth Avenue to place a tent on the private property to the east of its building with a bar and music from noon-10 p.m.

In addition to making a donation to ROOTS, Yezbick said he plans to generate some day traffic for retailers, too, perhaps having piñatas filled with gifts and coupons for downtown shops.

Other approved Cinco de Mayo events in Royal Oak include:

11 a.m.–10 p.m. May 4-5 and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. May 6

Camelia’s will set up two small tents with tables and seating for 20 on the northeast corner of the restaurant, giving patrons the opportunity to enjoy outdoor dining and beverages at its Cinco de Mayo celebration. Strolling mariachis will perform inside Camelia’s as well as outside.

5 p.m.-midnight May 4 and noon–midnight May 5

Tequila Blue will fence off the parking lot at the corner of Sixth and Center streets and set up a large tent for its Cinco de Mayo celebration. A "nominal fee" to enter the family-friendly event will be collected. Organizers plan to have a pig roast, strolling mariachis, painting and piñatas for children, salsa lessons and music featuring salsa, samba, rock and jazz bands. The bands will stop playing at 10 p.m. each night.

Tequila Blue will donate 15 percent of all proceeds from the Cinco de Mayo celebration to the Royal Oak ROOTS Foundation.

At the

3-11 p.m. May 5

The Social Connection will host Cinco de Mayo Bash with the Metro Times. This charity fundraiser for the American Red Cross will take place inside and outside of . A large tent will be erected in the west parking lot to provide a covered area for seating and dining. Mobile food trucks will provide food. Planned festivities include a burrito eating contest and salsa dance lessons. Tickets to the event will be sold on-line.