A cultural festival returned to Downtown Riverbank over the weekend; this time it was expanded to a two-day event, offering many cultural features from the districts across Mexico.

It featured live music, Aztec Dancers, Ballet Folklorico and a number of cultural games for kids. There were informational booths as well as those presented by artisans, food, and other vendors.

In addition, traditional cooks directly from the state of Michoacan were on hand preparing food, in the Riverbank Community Center. Inside, as well as in the park outside, the wide variety of vendor booths were available to those attending. The dancing troupe also thrilled the crowd as they performed both inside and outside the center.

Serving as hostess for the event was Cristina Avaloa, of Mexican Women of Action, who noted that the event began last year, with just one day of celebration. This year, the Vive la Expo Mexico Magico expanded to both Saturday and Sunday, June 24 and 25 in Riverbank. Hours were 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

On Saturday, a large dance troupe performed, both inside and outside the center, with a wide range of ages participating, from youngsters to older adults. A segment of the program featured singers, as well.

There was also a booth in the center presented to help reorganize Riverbank’s Sister Cities Committee. Staffed by volunteers, the booth was organized both as an information center for the sister city Tamazula de Gordiano, as well as a program to raise funds for that city, to help purchase a needed new fire engine.

The fundraiser involved giving away a flat screen television and sound bar, as well as several other items.