Arlene Noriega wins title of Cinco de Mayo queen.

Mariachis played their trumpets, horns and accordion in the background as the crowd gathered to watch the four young women vying for the Cinco de Mayo crown parade to the stage. The participants, dressed in white, flowing gowns, with diamond studded tiaras decorating their heads, walked the stage nervously and awaited the announcement of who would be crowned Cinco de Mayo Queen 2003-04. Emcee Manuel Gomez cracked jokes and finally read the last envelope and announced Arlene Noriega as the winner. She then received a large bouquet of roses and a trophy. She was draped in a red velvet robe as she began her year-long reign. Noriega will also receive a $1,000 scholarship and a trip for two to Cruz Azul, Mexico. Third runner-up was 17-year-old Rosalinda Vira montes, a Cypress High School student. Second runner-up was 18-year-old, Arelene Quinones of Loara High School and first runner-up was 16-year-old Sylvia Marie Gonzalez of Fullerton High School. "I'm very thankful to all my sponsors and my family," Noriega said. "I plan to go to USC, so this scholarship money will be handy." For the past few months, each participant has gone around town to wash cars, sell tickets and try to find ways to raise money. The queen was chosen based on the amount of money she raised. Noriega's strategy was to throw parties. Her mother Idalia, who supported Noriega's efforts, said she is proud of her daughter. "She worked very hard," Idalia Noriega said. "I tried my best to help her with her parties. I'm very happy for her." Ofelia Olivos has been queen coordinator for six years, but has been involved with the fiesta for 19 years. "This is not a beauty pagent. They're rewarded based on their hard-work," Olivos said. Months before the event, Olivos said she went around the city to recruit girls between 15-21 years-old to participate in the program. She passes out fliers at local schools or approaches girls at bus stops. "It's good for the youth the future ladies of tom" Olivos said. "It's good to get the ladies involved innity." Throughout the years that Olivos has been involved with the committee, she said she has noticed a lot of progress. "A lot of cities call us now to appear with the queens," Olivos said. Angia Olalde, 4, enjoys asado with butter and Parmesean cheese, above, one of the variety of dishes offered at the fiesta. Antonio Contreras, 13, carries home a prize pup, right, he won at one of the game booths.