Philippine Weekend

This festival takes me back to my childhood. It brings me happiness to know that this festival continues to strive and continue to grow every year. It's nice to see the Filipino youth & locals participate in this festivity, so they can learn and understand the Filipino culture/heritage. The cultural dances continue to stay the same and passed down from generations.I remember participating in the cultural dances and performing on stage. It definitely feels like yesterday. I'm happy to know that a little bit of my culture is being celebrated. This event happens every year on the last weekend of July. The festivities takes off with the adobo cook off on Friday evening while everyone else is setting up their booths. I'm guilty to have NEVER attended this part of the event. I hope one day I'll be able to check it out. The following day the festivities kick off with the parade downtown Delano usually at 10am and back to Cecil Park for the festivities.They usually have tents with Filipino food and halo-halo as well as other booths. I usually grab food from the Thai food tent. I know it's a Filipino festival then why buy Thai food haha. I eat Filipino food almost everyday and that Thai food stand has been part of Filipino weekend for as long as I can remember. They also have bounce houses for the kids, a train ride and even rock climbing. There's also a designated area for 21yr olds and over to grab a drink.End of July is always super hot and usually the weather is over 100°, so if you're not used to that temperature then I wish you the best of luck. Shade usually helps; however, if you're not from here then you should know that we have dry heat. Wind doesn't usually blow a whole lot, so you're literally sitting in the heat under the shade. Bring lots of water and possible a tent or umbrella to stay cool. Or be like me and come extra early or when it's almost over haha, but then you'll miss all the cool entertainment. I don't think you should miss it because the kids practiced all summer to get their dance down.The park is open to the public with no admission fee. They have a basketball tournament going down across the street at Delano HS and they have the Bingo going too. Those are two ways to stay cool. I recently found out they have a tennis tournament going also, so look out for that. Prior to the festival they usually post the pageants on their website for Tiny Tots, Miss Philippine Weekend, Mrs. & Mr. Philippine Weekend. You should check it out to support our local event.