Cinco de Mayo @ Music in the Junction
Every Thursday | May – September
5:00pm-8:30pm
Railroad Park
Valley Junction is the place to be in Central Iowa on Thursday nights through the end of September. The beverage garden in Railroad Park opens at 5:00 with live music at 6:00 pm.
This week’s beverage tent sponsors making sure you don’t go thirsty:
This Week: Cinco De Mayo with Guitarras ATM
Schedule of events
- 5:00 | King & Queen Ceremony emceed by Mayor Russ Trimble and Councilman Kevin Trevillyan, honoring Jack Murillo & Catherine Gallardo Martinez
- 5:30 | Jovenes Embajadores Dancers will dazzle you with traditional outfits and dances
- 5:45 | Pinata 1/3 every hour
- 6:00 | Guitarras ATM bring you the sounds of Mexico
- 6:45 | Pinata 2/3 every hour
- 7:00 | Jovenes Embajadores Dancers (2nd performance)
- 7:15 | Grito Competition – register day of for the grito competition – winner receives a Valley Junction gift certificate
- 7:30 | Guitarras ATM (2nd set)
- 7:45 | Pinata 3/3 every hour
King & Queen Ceremony
Jack Murillo
The Life of Jack Murillo
Born on September 8, 1938, Aniceto Murillo is the son of Luis and Francisca Murillo, who were among the original ten Mexican families to settle in Valley Junction in 1921. The youngest of ten children, Aniceto grew up on Lincoln Avenue alongside his many siblings: Carmen, Trinidad, Soledad, Esperanza, Socorro, Josephine, Louis, Joseph, and Rachel.
A Childhood Legend
As a young boy, Aniceto spent his days exploring the “paradise” of his backyard, which was filled with lakes, forests, and wildlife. He was often accompanied by his dog, Flame—a legend rumored to be half-fox. It was during these adventurous years that his siblings noticed his incredible speed. Running as fast as a “JACK rabbit,” he earned the nickname that stayed with him for a lifetime: Jack.
Athleticism and Service
Jack graduated from Valley High School in 1957. A standout athlete, he competed in track, basketball, and football for all four years, eventually serving as the captain of the football team during his senior year. Following high school, Jack served his country in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964, stationed in Germany with the Signal Corps.
Career and Community
Upon returning home, Jack built a career rooted in hard work and local tradition. He worked at the Die & Tool Company on 7th Street before following in the footsteps of his father and brothers by joining the Rock Island Railroad. He eventually transferred to the Union Pacific in Missouri, where he remained until his retirement. His passion for sports continued well into adulthood. For over a decade, Jack played shortstop, left field, and second base for the West Des Moines Mexican Eagles baseball team. His contributions to the local sports scene were honored when he was inducted into the Mexican Hall of Fame in West Des Moines.
Family and Legacy
Jack married Kathy Bills in 1965, and they had one daughter, Melana. Later in life, he married Barbara “Barb” Peters, becoming a stepfather to her four children. Jack and Barb shared over 40 years of marriage until her passing in 2022. Today, Jack still resides in West Des Moines. He is a proud grandfather to Megan and Rachel, and a great-grandfather to Macey, Easton, and Dallas. An avid outdoorsman, he never misses the annual family fishing trip. Whether he is cheering for the Hawkeyes or enjoying a meal of fried chicken and Mexican food, Jack’s greatest joy remains his heritage. He continues to share stories of the “old days,” emphasizing that family is the most important thing in life—a value that has sustained the Murillo family for seven generations.
Catherine Gallardo Martinez
The Life of Catherine Gallardo Martinez
Catherine Gallardo Martinez was born on April 30, 1930, to Ramon and Gregoria Gallardo. She grew up in a large, lively family of eleven children, four boys and seven girls: Josephine, Trinidad (Trini) Leno, Theresa, Catherine, Frank, Ramona, John, Maudie (Mary Neva), and Elena (Marie Elena).
Life in Valley Junction
Catherine’s childhood in Valley Junction was rich with community and simple joys. She fondly remembered life on 11th Street, where neighbors were like extended family. Children filled the sidewalks roller skating and the streets playing ball, while parents relaxed on their porches, keeping a watchful eye on it all. Evenings had a rhythm—everyone stayed outside until 8:00 PM, when the Rock Island train passed through, its whistle signaling the end of the day’s play.
She and her siblings, along with neighborhood friends, walked to and from school together every day—returning home even for lunch. Mondays were “Laundry Day” soup and a tortilla with cheese for dinner! Laundry was dried outside in the warm months, while in winter it hung throughout the house on ropes.
In January 1948, Catherine graduated from Valley High School in its final mid-term class, alongside eighteen classmates, many of whom had been together since kindergarten. After graduation, Catherine and other young Mexican women formed the “Twelve Stars” club, named for the twelve stars at the feet of the Virgin Mary. The group organized dances and raffles, raising funds for charities and scholarships.
After graduation, Catherine worked for Northwestern Bell, later transferring to Illinois Bell.
The Martinez and Gallardo Connection
Catherine’s life would take a meaningful turn through a connection rooted in friendship. Her mother, Gregoria, and Juana Martinez—who would later become her mother-in-law—had been childhood friends in Mexico. Even after Juana moved to Chicago with her husband Arnulfo and their five children, the two women stayed in close contact.
Because Catherine’s father worked for the railroad, the family had train passes, allowing frequent visits to Chicago. During one of these trips while Catherine was in high school, she met Juana’s son— “Fito,” known as Vito. A High School State champion in football and wrestling, Vito soon entered the Army and was stationed in Europe during the Korean Conflict.
While he served overseas, Catherine and Vito began writing letters to each other, forming a deep connection. After his return, he frequently visited her in West Des Moines. Their courtship culminated in marriage on July 2, 1955, at the original Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines.
Early Married Life: Anamosa and Chicago
After their wedding, Catherine and Vito settled in Anamosa, Iowa, choosing a location midway between Chicago and West Des Moines. There, their daughter Laura was born. Catherine often recalled how Laura attracted attention in Anamosa, as few residents had seen a Mexican baby—especially one with so much hair.
Realizing that opportunities were limited, the family relocated to Chicago, where Vito began his career as an electrical engineer with Commonwealth Edison. Their family grew with the birth of their son, Larry.
Building a Life in Romeoville
When it came time to purchase a home, Catherine and Vito moved to the developing community of Romeoville, Illinois, about 35 miles outside Chicago. There, they built not only a home but a legacy of service and community involvement.
Catherine became deeply engaged in parish life at St. Andrew’s Church, organizing events such as the annual Christmas Bazaar, fashion shows, and salad luncheons. Catherine was named “Woman of the Year” for the Diocese of Joliet. She also taught fifth-grade CCD classes, preparing children for their confirmations, and volunteered as a Girl Scout leader from Brownies to Senior Scouting. She also stayed active in her children’s schools.
Vito, equally committed to community development, played a key role in shaping the town. He established a library district, successfully passing a referendum to fund libraries in Romeoville and neighboring Bolingbrook. Frustrated by persistent mosquito bites, he founded a Mosquito Abatement District to address the issue.
As President of the Board of Education, Vito guided the school district through a period of rapid growth—from just a few schools to a system that expanded to include thirteen elementary schools, five middle schools, and two high schools. To manage overcrowding, he helped implement a 45–15 year-round school schedule, which remained in place until growth stabilized. In Romeoville, there is an A. Vito Martinez Middle School, named in his honor.
Meanwhile, Catherine dedicated over 25 years to the school district as its chief registrar. She was responsible for enrolling new students, carefully verifying residency through leases, ownership documents, and birth certificates. Her diligence uncovered several cases of missing or abducted children, once even identifying an abducted child brought in by a police officer.
Life Beyond Work
Catherine, Vito, Laura, and Larry enjoyed an active and spirited life together. They attended countless Chicago sports events, including games for the White Sox and Cubs, as well as Blackhawks hockey and Bulls basketball during the era of Michael Jordan. As devoted Chicago Bears season ticket holders, they spent many cold Sundays cheering at Soldier Field.
Later Years
After retiring from the school district, Catherine moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she lived for fifteen years. She later returned to Romeoville for a time before realizing her heart remained in Iowa.
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Catherine returned home to West Des Moines—a life journey that had come full circle.
2026 Schedule
5/7 | CINCO DE MAYO w/ GUITARRAS ATM
5/14 | DIRTY CHAMPAGNE
5/21 | BAD FRIENDS
5/28 | SURF ZOMBIES
6/4 | THE PEOPLE’S BAND
6/11 | DECOY TRIO
6/18 | KINDA PETTY BAND
6/25 | BROTHER TRUCKER
7/2 | RECOIL
7/9 | SONS OF GLADYS KRAVITZ
7/16 | DICK DANGER BAND
7/23 | THE BARRELHOUSE ROCKETS
7/30 | THE GET DOWN
8/6 | GALLIVANT
8/13 | FACULTY LOUNGE
8/20 | ENGLISH
8/27 | RANDY BURK & THE PRISONERS
9/3 | BITTERSWEET NATION
9/10 | CEDAR FALLS ROCK & ROLL REVUE
9/17 | GUT FEELING
9/24 | JASON WELLS BAND
Getting Here
Here is the map link to our office in the heart of the Farmers Market. Find driving routes and parking instructions. To keep everyone safe, West Des Moines Police officers may ticket or tow vehicles parked:
- In front of public or private driveways or mailboxes
- On or across a sidewalk or on a crosswalk at an intersection
- Within or within 10 feet of an intersection of any street or alley
- Within 10 feet of a flashing beacon, stop or yield sign or traffic control signal located at the side of a street
We know finding parking can be an issue on event days. If wanting to avoid parking congestion, or driving isn’t an option, there are two DART routes available which pick up and drop off near Fifth and Elm streets: the Ingersoll/Valley Junction Local Route 11 and the West Des Moines Loop Local Route 72. These routes will be redirected during Farmers Markets.
Rent the Music in the Junction VIP Tent
Do you have a celebration, organization milestone, or any other reason to party? (who needs a reason?) Rent the VIP tent for any Music in the Junction date. Rent the tent before the bands are booked for next year, and you can have input on who should perform on your date. More information is here.
Be a Beverage Tent Sponsor
We need help slinging drinks at Music in the Junction, and your company or organization can be that help. Get marketing and exposure to the Valley Junction community while providing the people who make this concert series continue on each year. Email Bobbie Bishop at office@valleyjunction.com for more information.
