A patriotic glow will suffuse the opening night of Mexico's "Sunset Festival" when the annual event kicks off on Thursday. Situated around the town square, the annual event opens with "Kids Night," underscored by a theme entitled "Proud To Be An American."

"The reason that we call it 'Proud To Be An American' is because that is the anniversary of 9/11," stated Sue Caine, executive vice president of the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce, referencing the Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks on American targets that occurred in September 2001. She added that Mexico's initial Sunset Festival occurred the week of the attacks.

To underscore the evening's theme, Caine stated that Mexico Optimist Club – which placed American flags throughout the square for the Labor Day holiday – is leaving the flags intact during the festival's opening night "for people to remember and honor those who lost their lives on 9/11."

In addition, a "trike and bike parade" will be held Thursday, and Charlie Maupin, recreation specialist with the city's parks and recreation department, stated: "We're going to have red, white and blue balloons, and crepe paper, flags, items like that for the kids to put on their bikes to parade around the square in." He added the parade will be preceded by a bike rodeo featuring different age classes, as well as a bicycle safety fair.

Caine said the "Kids Night" event – scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., and lasting until 8 p.m. – will feature various other activities. "There's different organizations that are going to be having free games, games for kids to play and win little prizes. And they have face painting. And we'll have four bounce houses. And Ben's Auto Body will have their train here. So it's all geared toward kids activities."

The evening will also mark the start of preliminary "Mexico Idol" competition, which is patterned after the popular "American Idol" talent competition. "Contestants are still welcome to register," stated Caine of the singer-based showcase. She added that there is no fee to compete, but that entrants need to register at the Chamber. "I have to schedule them," stated Caine, noting that participants provide an audio tape or CD of the song they plan to sing to. "We have a certain schedule and organization that we follow," she said.

Caine added that vendor space is likewise still available for the event, including for commercial enterprises. Booth reservations are coordinated through the Chamber office, with fees varying, depending on the type of organization, and the type of items offered. Also, booth space assignments are not allocated prior to 3:30 p.m. on each Sunset Festival date. Food vendors must also contact Audrain City-County Health Unit in advance for a temporary food permit, and for sanitation rules and regulations.

Following Thursday's festivities, the event continues on Sept. 18, with an art and quilt walk, flea market and second night of Mexico Idol preliminary competition. "With the art and quilts, there will be displays in a lot of businesses, and we'll give people a list of where they can go in and see what is displayed, and where," stated Caine. Regarding the flea market, Caine said: "The flea market involves different clubs or organizations or individuals, and people bring all kinds of things. They clean out their garages or homes or whatever. There are no clothes, but it's all household items or decorative things. There are always some very good deals."

Anyone interested in showcasing their wares in the art and quilt show, or wanting to participate in the flea market, should similarly contact the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce for additional details.

The final night of the Sunset Festival will be held Sept. 25, timed to occur in advance of the popular "Walk Back In Time" event scheduled for Sept. 26-28 on the grounds of the Audrain County Historical Museum complex. Mexico Idol finals competition will occur that evening, and a car/tractor/motorcycle show will similarly be held. "People can just come in and display their cars, motorcycles, and tractors," stated Caine. She noted there is no registration fee to participate, but asked that participants follow certain parking designations. "We're going to park cars back into parking spaces on the outer perimeter of the square on Washington Street," stated Caine. "And motorcycles will be on Monroe Street on the outer part of the square. And then tractors will be on the Jackson Street side."

Anyone with questions, or wanting additional details about the Sunset Festival, should contact the Chamber at 581-2765 or 800-581-2765.