Celebrate 125 years of Kissimmee -- Ceremonies, Cypress Gardens...

Don't miss the birthday bash of the year from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in Toho Square as Kissimmee celebrates 125 years of heritage at the third annual Kowtown Festival.

[Mr Blades]

You would think that with a large Hispanic community in Kissimmee they would have at least included some groups to perform to reflect that segment of our community. But again, of course, it's always a reflection of the past and what those in power identify what they believe reflects the spirit of Kissimmee: Nashville recording artist Kenyon Lockry, local Jack Calhoun, Cracker cowboy poet Hank Mattson and Florida folk singer Frank Thomas. Who? It's not necessary to step back in time, we're still living it. I hardly consider Caribbean Fusion to represent the Hispanic Community. Oh well, I suppose Cracker cowboy poet Hank Mattson will be the highlight of the evening for those attending. I'll be home listening to Marc Anthony.

[Miss it]

It is sad that kissimmee cant let go to the cowboy thing. The city is a hole and they need to move forward. No one wants to go to kissimmee.

[Osceola Pulse]

Stay home then. Blades! Kissimme, at 125 years old, was built on the backs of settlers and cowboys and ranchers. Maybe, just maybe not everything has to be about Puerto Rico! You have your festivals in the park almost every other weekend. For once, stop your complaining and JOIN the community. It isn't always just about you!

[George]

Mr Blades wrote:

You would think that with a large Hispanic community in Kissimmee they would have at least included some groups to perform to reflect that segment of our community. But again, of course, it's always a reflection of the past and what those in power identify what they believe reflects the spirit of Kissimmee: Nashville recording artist Kenyon Lockry, local Jack Calhoun, Cracker cowboy poet Hank Mattson and Florida folk singer Frank Thomas. Who? It's not necessary to step back in time, we're still living it. I hardly consider Caribbean Fusion to represent the Hispanic Community. Oh well, I suppose Cracker cowboy poet Hank Mattson will be the highlight of the evening for those attending. I'll be home listening to Marc Anthony.

Welcome to America,-Mi Orgullo! Is there a Spanish word for assimilate? Your hispanic culture has nothing at all to be proud of. Puerto Rico is a drug and violence filled slum with over 700 murders last year. And your music sucks with the same beat and instruments in ever song. Very infantile and primitve just like Hip-hop. Ever hear of Rock n' Roll?

[Harry The Hat]

There's a funny bumpersticker I saw the other day that pretty much sums up the current and furture state of Kissimmee. It read: "Kissimmee, FL -Experience the third world right here at home."

I think that says it all.

[Long live rednecks]

Miss it wrote:

It is sad that kissimmee cant let go to the cowboy thing. The city is a hole and they need to move forward. No one wants to go to kissimmee.

Um, there is a reason no one wants to go to Kissimmee, all of the crack heads and gang violence!! Kissimmee's heritage is about cowboys. There are plenty of events for the hispanic community, don't complain if we have a Kowtown Festival once ever 125 years.

[Maxfield]

Long live rednecks wrote:

<quoted text>
Um, there is a reason no one wants to go to Kissimmee, all of the crack heads and gang violence!! Kissimmee's heritage is about cowboys. There are plenty of events for the hispanic community, don't complain if we have a Kowtown Festival once ever 125 years.

Yes, the "heritage" of Kissimmee is the pioneer founders, and cattlemen that made up Kowtown past. That is different from the "present" which is a PR ghetto from which any cowboy with sense is running. What a shame that Osceola county has turned into one of the crummiest, dangerous areas in Florida.

[Lissie]

After reading these postings I wonder if any of these people are from Kissimmee. I live in Kissimmee therefore I have the right to complain, critisize and defend. I have lived in Kissimmee for 20 years and I love it.
Kissimmee is beautiful and safe. As with any town, there are nicer areas than others. It is not fair for any of you to come to the "ghetto" side of town because perhaps that's where your friends live, and then put down our town.
Our city turned 125 years and we're excited about it. The hispanic population is huge in Kissimmee but that doesn't mean that we must be represented in every event there is because although we are the new Kissimmee, we can't ignore the history of our town. Saying that country music is not good, or that spanish music sucks it's so ignorant. I'm puertorican and I love music. I can go to the arena and enjoy Marc Anthony and I can also go to Lakefront listen to a poet, and folk singers, watch fireworks and appreciate culture and diversity. If you're not from Kissimmee you should really refrain from commenting on things you either don't know or should not be concerned with because you sound idiotic. Viva Kissimmee Yeeehaawww!!!!