On May 5, 1862, a rag-tag force of vastly outnumbered Mexican soldiers held off well-provisioned French troops backed by heavy artillery in a battle to defend Mexican sovereignty.

A look at key Chandler facts and figures

Whether you want to explore a classy art festival or cheer at the ostrich, or even Chihuahua races, the East Valley has it! Let’s take advantage of our Arizona paradise and dance outdoors to live music, indulge during a cook-off, put on our boots for the rodeo and Old West Days, or run foot races.

To be a champion of Chandler’s annual Cinco de Mayo Festival and Chihuahua Races, it takes long hours, lots of planning, and a competitive mind-set.

You know what they say about Arizona’s weather: It’s paradise, except for the three months when we languish mercilessly in the triple digits. Options for getting out and about do dwindle in the summertime, but we more than make up for it the rest of the year — when we pick peaches, race ostriches, dance at outdoor concerts, browse arts festivals, run foot races and navigate corn mazes.

You know what they say about Arizona’s weather: It’s paradise, except for the three months when we languish mercilessly in the triple digits. Options for getting out and about do dwindle in the summertime, but we more than make up for it the rest of the year — when we pick peaches, race ostriches, dance at outdoor concerts, browse arts festivals, run foot races and navigate corn mazes.

Eddie Encinas can't remember a time when he didn't have a job to do.

The King and Queen Chihuahuas of 2011 were crowned last weekend as part of Chandler’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration and Chihuahua Races.

Families gathered this weekend at the Luke West Valley Recreation Family Fun Expo to watch Chihuahua and wiener dog races, taste chili recipes and enjoy the sunshine. Saturday’s event, sponsored by the Luke West Valley Community Council Recreation sub-committee at the El Mirage Gateway Park, featured pet and child-friendly activities like the dog races, a pet fashion show, bounce castles, skateboard competition and a small petting zoo.

Families gathered this weekend at the Luke West Valley Recreation Family Fun Expo to watch Chihuahua and wiener dog races, taste chili recipes and enjoy the sunshine. Saturday’s event, sponsored by the Luke West Valley Community Council Recreation sub-committee at the El Mirage Gateway Park, featured pet and child-friendly activities like the dog races, a pet fashion show, bounce castles, skateboard competition and a small petting zoo.