MILLINOCKET – A special Saturday opening and sale at St. Martin’s Thrift Store, Millinocket, has been announced by volunteers and will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 4. Normally the non-profit store is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays only.
The Saturday opening is being held in observance of Cinco de Mayo, a holiday celebrated both in Mexico and the U.S.
On that day, at St. Martin’s Thrift Store, surprise sales will take place throughout the day; Mexican style munchies, such as Mexican salsa, chips and non-alcoholic Marguerites, will be available to shoppers; and customers will have an opportunity to win a $25 shopping spree (two are being offered).
Why, in an area of Maine, where the largest ethnic population group is white, is a celebration of Cinco de May being observed and important?
Cinco de Mayo (meaning the 5th of May which obviously falls on May 5) celebrates the anniversary of a bloody battle in Puebla, Mexico, between of 6,500 members of the French army – believed then to be the most powerful fighting force in the world – and the undermanned Mexican army of 4,000, which defeated Napoleon III’s invading troops.
The defeat of Napoleon’s superior troops also was important to the U.S., and Union troops in particular for, if the French army had been successful in that battle, France was prepared to side with and help the Confederacy during America’s Civil War. Had that happened U.S. history would have changed and been written differently.
In addition to marking the anniversary of this crucial battle, the day is also a celebration of the Mexican way of life, traditions, culture, accomplishments and symbols, such as the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Proceeds from St. Martin’s Saturday sale, after expenses, will help to support the emergency fuel fund and food pantry, outreach ministries run by St. Martin of Tours Church and open to all eligible people of the area, regardless of religious affiliation.
Those two ministries play an important role in the area where approximately nine percent of the residents live in poverty.
Persons wishing more information about the May 4, Saturday opening should call the thrift store on Wednesdays or Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 723-4513.
