Latin music, Mexican treats await during downtown Latrobe's Fiesta Fourth

If you can’t wait until Cinco de Mayo, the merchants of downtown Latrobe are offering a Fiesta Fourth from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

It’s a South of the Border twist to the business district’s monthly Shop Hop events, when participating retailers stay open later than usual with special offers and themed treats and activities.

Weather permitting, Trio Nova will perform a blend of Latin music in the parklet at Main and Ligonier streets. The group has performed at such Allegheny County venues as La Palapa Mexican Cuisine and Mezcal Bar in Pittsburgh and Azul Bar y Cantina in Leetsdale.

Its musical repertoire includes salsa, cumbia, mambo, tango, bossa nova and Latin jazz.

“We were looking for a band that had a more culturally diverse array of festive music for our theme,” said Latrobe merchant and Shop Hop founder Emily Pasqualino. “I reached out, and they were happy to play. They don’t normally come out this way.”

Some Shop Hop locations will offer games and prizes, according to Pasqualino. Visitors are encouraged to get into the spirit of the event by coming in a sombrero.

Rachelle’s 15650, a Main Street cafe that opened earlier this year under the management of students from nearby Saint Vincent College, will participate in its first Shop Hop event. It’s extending its closing time from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. that day and will temporarily expand its menu to include Texas kolaches.

“It’s s new product,” said management team member Matt Minkin, a Saint Vincent junior from York. “It’s sausage, jalapeno and cheese in a sweet dough.”

Terri’s Gourmet Sweet Treats, in the Courtyard Plaza, will offer South of the Border doughnuts and cinnamon coffee. The doughnuts are “very fluffy, rolled in brown sugar and cinnamon with a little bit of a Mexican spice,” said owner Terri Rodgers.

R. Klean Meals, on Ligonier Street, will serve up a deal featuring taco bowls and margarita spritzers.

For those who prefer different fare, Carmine’s Pizza & Pasta and Scotty G’s Pizzeria will be open for dining throughout the evening.

Other participating locations include Latrobe Art Center, Eclectique, Green Goddess, Rose Style Shoppe and the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Neighborhood Visitor and Information Center.

“We are always looking for fun and unique ways to encourage our community to support Latrobe’s small businesses, and we hope our fiesta-themed Shop Hop Night accomplishes just that,” said Michael Tusay, Latrobe Art Center executive director and one of the event coordinators.