Jimmy Kelly (center) and his band play "Where have all the flowers gone" in 2023 at the Labor Day Picnic in Romo Park, downtown Watsonville. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian file)

International Worker’s Day

The Monterey Bay Central Labor Council will hold its annual Labor Day Picnic May 1 on International Worker’s Day, also known in many countries as Labor Day.

With a theme of “Honor Working People” the day starts with a 1pm car caravan that stops at the Target Store on Main Street in Watsonville in the Overlook Center. A protest is scheduled there from 2- 3pm followed by a march from Target to Romo Park in downtown Watsonville. 

At 4pm a rally and escuelita (little school) is set for Romo Park on Main Street. Topics to be addressed at the rally include “Tax billionaires and corporations,” Fund healthcare and education,” and “Not war and deportation.”

The event is co-sponsored  by Santa Cruz Immigration Coalition and Indivisible.

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Reel Work Festival

Also, in line with Labor Day and labor issues, the 25th Annual Reel Work Festival takes place from Apr. 22 to May 16. A few of the films featured include:

“A Hobo in the Great Depression – Hard time history of the US in 1932,” Apr. 26, 5pm.

“Baristas vs Billionaires,” Apr. 29, 7pm.

“The Mamdani Effect – Socialism delivers in NYC,” May 1, 7 pm.

“Iron Ladies – Women confront Thatcher in UK mine closures,” May 2, 7pm.

“Built on Hope – International short films on labor rights,” May 3, 5pm.

“Big Scary ‘S’ Word – Socialism is as American as apple pie,” May 6, 7pm.

For information, visit reelwork.org/schedule.htm.

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Spring Mariachi Festival 

Cabrillo College will host its Spring Mariachi Festival featuring six local Mariachi ensembles, this Sunday April 26 at 3pm at Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater on the Aptos Campus, 6500 Soquel Drive. 

Performances will be by Cabrillo Mariachi, UC Santa Cruz’s Mariachi Eterno, Mariachi Monarca, Mariachi Alma de Mexico, Mariachi El Sistema de Juveníl, and Mariachi Libertad.

The community is invited to the 3pm event. For tickets and information, visit  bit.ly/4mHscGQ

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Public invited to local bike ride

Anyone interested in bicycling is invited to the Watsonville Community Bike Ride Sunday. Headed up by Supervisor Felipe Hernandez and Watsonville Mayor Kristal Salcido, the ride will follow the Ohlone Loop Trail. 

People can learn about bike safety as well as take part in a fun raffle that features bike gear giveaways. Free burritos and refreshments will be provided for all riders and bikes will be available for loan for those without bikes.

The ride starts at 11am at 150 Westridge Dr. off of Ohlone Parkway. For information, visit bikesantacruzcounty.org/events.

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Cinco de Mayo Festival 

The annual Cinco De Mayo Festival will unfold in downtown Watsonville on May 3 at Watsonville Plaza from 11:30am-5pm.

Includes live music, dance performances, food booths, arts and crafts and information tables.

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A staff member wrote, edited or posted this article, which may include information provided by one or more third parties.

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