• CHRISTINA BURKE - Victoria Advocate
• Originally published May 26, 2008 at 12:08 a.m., updated May 26, 2008 at 12:08 a.m.

The heat index of 100 degrees didn’t stop a crowd from attending the second annual Memorial Weekend Jam Fest to benefit the Knights of Columbus, a nonprofit organization, at Riverside Park in Victoria on Sunday.

Like most festivals, this one had booths of vendors selling trinkets, roasted corn, funnel cakes, turkey legs and snow cones. There was a moon jump for kids, pony rides, a show with tricked-out cars and barbecue shacks with comic names like ‘Big Mamma’s’ and ‘Trash Can Fries’.

One booth in particular had a simple handwritten sign that read, “Outcast Boxing.” They were there to raise funds for the 25 at-risk youth boxers going to compete in Kansas next month, said Deliah Loya, of Victoria, who sold turkey legs and fajitas. “The gym is meant to help keep kids off the streets, off drugs and out of gangs.”

The booths, however, were not the main attraction. Ten live bands playing both Tejano and country music brought people from all over the Crossroads region to Riverside Park.

Tara Alvear, a pharmacy technician, her son, and extended family lounged in chairs under one of the many tall trees that provided shade for event goers. “It’s a good time,” Alvear said. “I like it and my parents love Ricky Naranjo and all the bands. Once the music started, they were out of here and up front by the stage. We are having a great time.” Alvear’s 18-month-old son, she said, loves to be outside and even saddled up the nerve to ride one of the half-dozen or so ponies there as an attraction for kids.

The all-day event was expected to draw a crowd of 5,000 people by the night’s end at 10 p.m., said organizer Jennifer Arriaga, of Victoria. “I think we are going to have a bigger turnout this year. We have more sponsors and twice as much to do.” Last year the event, held at the community center, attracted about 4,000 people.

The proceeds of Jam Fest benefit the Knights of Columbus and in turn benefit Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, said Emett Alvarez, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus 8388, Our Lady of Sorrows. The faith- based social service organization would like to help pay off the debt of the church incurred by construction, he said. In addition, fundraisers like these help benefit other church projects, such as helping families and to defray medical expenses for people in need.

Law enforcement stepped up its presence with 20 officers total because of the large area in which the event took place, said Victoria Police Captain Kevin Kelso. “Anytime alcohol is involved, it creates a potential for problems.” In addition he said, the heat can cause some to become agitated.

Christina Burke is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact her at 361-580-6516 or cburke@vicad.com or to comment on this story go to www.VictoriaAdvocate.com.

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