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 5:30 | Jovenes Embajadores Dancers 6:00 | Guitarras ATM (1st set) 7:00 | Jovenes Embajadores Dancers 7:15 | Grito Competition 7:30 | Guitarras ATM (2nd set) Unclean with a hint of sweetness, an all-Iowa band fermented and bubbled for every occasion. This seven-piece chamber orchestra playing its own blend of brass country rock was formed in 2017 in Des Moines, Iowa. 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 Raquel. 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. His popularity and school spirit earned him the title of Prom King and membership in the V Club. 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....
