The first time I went to St. John’s Mexican Fiesta in Lawrence was about three years ago. The dancing area was packed full of sweaty people cutting a rug while the band played on stage. I saw a couple with a new baby, they kept tossing him up at the air, catching him and giving him little kisses on the cheek while they danced in a sea of confetti. From that moment on I dreamed of having a family of my own and bringing them to Fiesta, so we could also dance in a sea of confetti.

Three years later, I walked through the gates of St. John’s Mexican Fiesta with my husband and new baby in tow. Happy families, sassy teenagers, ladies in sundresses and children juiced up on funnel cake and limeade all braved the sweltering heat to get down at the Fiesta.

I was particularly fond of the band that was onstage when we showed up. Mainly because the accordion player was SUPER LOUD. Nothing gets me giddy like a blaring accordion. I play accordion, so I know how it feels to be obnoxiously loud. But this night instead of scoffing at the accordion, everyone embraced it as the life of the party.

In my opinion, the best part about the event is watching people dance. You’ve got your hippies who wandered in and are dancing in large groups, your children running circles around the dance floor and (my favorite) the older couples who dance cheek to cheek the entire time. Oh my goodness I LOVE the couples who dance cheek to cheek. You can just feel the love every year at the Fiesta.

Speaking of love, it seems that every year I hear a new story involving romance at the Fiesta. Couples who met there, couples who made up there after a big fight, couples bonding over their children, etc. Despite the sticky and sweltering weather, it’s never too hot for a little romance.

In my case, I fell in love with my family all over again at this year’s Fiesta. Remember the couple with the baby? The moment I longed for was now in my hands. Just when I was on Cloud 9, the band played this little number down below. It’s cheezy, but you can’t help but sway a little to the music. It’s okay, don’t feel embarrassed. You can go ahead and get romantic at the Fiesta. Evidently we all have at some point or another.