Sugar Loaf will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo in a big way this year. With a new Mexican restaurant in town, live bands playing in  the Bertoni Sculpture Garden and Romer’s Alley, and specialty shops and galleries geared up for the festivities, the small hamlet will be a hot spot for the holiday event.

The Cancun Inn, which opened last fall, has been a quick hit with locals and a welcome addition to Sugar Loaf’s roster of eateries. Devoted to spicing up familiar Mexican dishes with a creative flair, restaurant owner Israel Campos and his chef siblings (brother Mario and sister Sandra Escorza) have brought a touch of Mexico to the arts and crafts village.

So it is only fitting that the family bring the tradition of Cinco de Mayo to their restaurant, and by extension, to the hamlet. The May 5 celebration falls on a Saturday this year, compounding the popularity of the restaurant during the Mexican holiday.

“It is the busiest day of the year for us,” Israel said, taking reference from the Cancun Inn in New Hampton that he and his family relocated to Sugar Loaf. “We want to accommodate our customers so that they have a good time and get a good experience.” (The family owned restaurant is also family run: along with chefs Mario and Sandra, brother Julio is the bartender and Israel’s fiancée Dana Englehart greets customers at the door with a warm smile, and often, a hug.)

From 1 PM to 5 PM, the Bertoni Sculpture Garden will feature, Angel Badillo. Born & raised in NYC, he has been playing dance music since the early 80’s and played in some of the more famous night clubs of NYC & NJ.  His music selction is a soulful infusion of Brazilian, Latin Jazz, Carribian, Afro soul rhythms ridding on a rhythmic dance beat. Music made to make you dance and sweat and for those who have a seasoned ear to dance music. A unique experience in Dance Music come to Orange County.

Gayle Donnelly will play in front of Pisces Passions from 2-4.