Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero will once again be the center of attention when he receives a proclamation naming May 18, 2013 as “Robert Guerrero day” from Mayor Don Gage in downtown Gilroy Saturday.
After his grueling 12-round encounter with Floyd Mayweather May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas ended in a unanimous decision loss, Saturday’s event will be a chance for Gilroyans to pay homage to their hometown hero. To accommodate the numbers of people that are expected, Monterey Street will be closed from Fourth to Seventh streets, and Fifth Street will be closed between Monterey and Eigleberry streets from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“It’s a fan festival,” said Rebeca Armendariz, local community activist and driving force behind Saturday’s event.
The festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and include music, food and a car show. Local nonprofits, community groups and fundraisers for local schools will also be there. The proclamation from Gage will take place at 11:25 a.m. and “The Ghost” will be signing autographs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Assemblymember Luis Alejo, D-Salinas, and Santa Clara County District 1 Supervisor Mike Wasserman will also be on hand to say a few words.
The Gilroy Downtown Business Association isn’t cosponsoring the event, but it is offering some of its expertise to make sure the day goes according to plan.
“We’re helping to build the stage,” said GDBA President James Suner.
Suner will be milling around during the event to offer advice as need be, he explained.
The mayor says that he is looking forward to presenting Guerrero with his proclamation.
“We go back a long way, we work out at the same gym,” Gage remarked.
Gage has known Guerrero since “The Ghost” began his career as a pugilist in Rick Mello’s boxing program at the old Gilroy Community Center on Sixth and Railroad streets in Gilroy in the early 90s.
Victory Outreach
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Relay for Life – American Cancer Society
Luz del Mundo Church
Gilroy Hawks Wrestling Club
Christopher High School Football Boosters
Farmers Insurance
Hollister Vikings Cheer Club
Garlic City Trains
