For the first time, the Zoot Suit Pachanga and Car Show is moving from Klein Park in Las Cruces to Young Park, 850 S. Walnut Street, to accommodate the growing interest. The eighth annual event is 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14.
The Zoot Suit Pachanga and Car Show was founded by Victor Gallegos, Manny Renteria and Bob Schunior in 2016. As the trio was planning the event, they dubbed the event pachanga as it translates to party.
“When they first started pachanga, they wanted to keep it in the historical district because that was very important to them,” said Patsy Sanchez, President of Zoot Suit Pachanga. “And through the years, it has grown so much that we had to change venues. It started off as a small thing, kind like your backyard party that you have your friends and neighbors come over to.”
Sanchez said she missed the inaugural show, but when she attended the following year, she introduced herself to Gallegos. She had ideas about what they could do in the years to come. Gallegos let her know he would contact her for the planning of the upcoming year’s event and add her to the planning committee.
“This is like our heart,” Sanchez said. “We love to do it; we love to see the little kids having a good time. It’s fun for all ages,”
Zoot Suit Pachanga and Car Show is a free family friendly event. She noted families of all sizes could come out for the day and learn about New Mexico culture.
Food trucks, vendors and entertainers come to celebrate the pachuco/pachuca and Hispanic culture. Mariachis will perform as well as two dance groups. Sanchez said the HD Dancers have been regulars at the event and said the committee appreciated their constant support. Returning for the second year, the Corazon y Rayitos de Luna, a ballet folklorico group from Sophia’s Dance Studio out of Deming. Sanchez brought in the folklorico dancers and mentioned that guests look at them in amazement for not only their dancing, but also for their traditional and beautiful garments.
“This is also a farewell party to Mayor Ken Miyagishima,” she said. “He will be giving a farewell speech around 2 p.m.”
New Mexico Tejano singer, Keana Huerta will sing at the National Anthem. Huerta is the lead singer of Siempre who will also perform. Local Las Cruces band, Tequila Nights, will play a variety of music at the event as well. This year’s headliner will be Al Hurricane, Jr. who will hit the stage at 5 p.m.
“Everyone should bring their boogie shoes, because they are going to need them,” Sanchez exclaimed.
A highlight of the event is the car show, which consists of any vehicles including classic cars, radical lowriders and more.
“We get a lot of lowriders,” Sanchez said. “The cars are treated with such care like you would your spouse. They want them to look good. They spend a lot of time, effort, creativity and money to get the cars looking just right.”
In addition to being president of Las Cruces Pachanga and Car Show, Sanchez is a member of the 915 Pachucos y Pachucas Unidos. She represents the 575 district.
There at two contests that are showstoppers, which is for the best-dressed pachucos and pachucas and for pinup/Rockabilly. Sanchez said when the contest starts, even if people are in line getting food, they are trying to make their way for the contests.
“It’s a lot of fun to dress up. Pachucos and pachucas love to show their stuff and strut their style,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun. The people really enjoy it because the pachucos go all out.”
In the years the pachanga has been around, guests from Arizona, California, Colorado, El Paso, Texas, Juarez and Chihuahua, Mexico have come to enjoy the celebration of culture and style.
“I would love to thank the community. Without them, there wouldn’t be an us,” Sanchez said.
For more information visit Zoot Suit Pachanga and Car Show on Facebook.
