BILLINGS – The 66th annual Mexican Fiesta and car show filled the grounds of South Park in Billings Saturday.
Billed as Billings’ longest running cultural event, the fiesta attracts hundreds of people to take in the sights, sounds, and even get a taste of some authentic Mexican food.
The fiesta is a fundraiser for the Mary Queen of Peace church. The money raised will go towards the church’s capital campaign to build a new church on the lot 10th avenue south and south 27th street.
Years ago, the fiesta used to be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Pam Berckmoes worked to organize Saturday’s fiesta with volunteers with the Mary Queen of Peace Church. Berckmoes was making tacos Saturday and remembers past fiestas fondly.
“I remember working over there when I was just a young girl,” Berckmoes said. “They would be selling the food out of the windows of the church. And I would run to the kitchen and grab a plate and take it to grandma. She would hand it out the window. It was great.”
All the food made by the Mary Queen of Peace volunteers is homemade. Berckmoes said absolutely nothing they served came from a can. The volunteers prepped 110 pounds of pork for the chili verde.
If you missed the fiesta today, you still have a chance to be a part of the fun. There will be a dance at the Billings Hotel with music by Tejano Outlaws from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday.
