The annual St. Anthony’s Kermes brought families and parishioners together for a weekend filled with homemade food, live music, games, and community spirit.
The proceeds from the kermes help support parish ministries and community programs, with volunteers returning year after year to keep the tradition alive.
For Carlos Acosta, who has volunteered at the ice cream booth for the past four years, the event is a chance to connect with people and give back to the community.
“It’s been four years since I’ve been volunteering with the ice cream booth, and I just meet wonderful people all the time. And I get a reminder on why I love El Paso so much,” Acosta said.
While the kermes offers plenty of food and entertainment, the El Paso Fire Department is also reminding organizers and vendors about updated cooking and fire-safety requirements for these types of events.
Kermes and similar events must go through the City of El Paso’s Temporary Change of Use Permit process, which includes review by the Fire Department. Under the 2021 International Fire Code, cooking areas must meet several safety requirements.
Fire officials say fire extinguishers must be available within 75 feet of tents and canopies, while Class K extinguishers are required based on the number of fryers. Propane tanks must also be secured, kept in good condition, and placed at least 10 feet from tents and property lines.
Officials also emphasize that open-flame, gas, and charcoal cooking generally cannot take place inside large tents or within 20 feet of them while they are open to the public, unless specifically approved by a fire code official.
For bazaar-style cooking areas, exceptions can be made when cooking tents are properly separated, not occupied by the public, and meet the safety measures outlined in an approved site plan.
Despite the added precautions, organizers and volunteers say the heart of the kermes remains the same; bringing people together and supporting the community.
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