By: Ashmar Mandou

In sheer pandemonium, hundreds upon hundreds of fans in Little Village lined up, despite the pouring rain, to welcome “The King of Rancheras” Vicente Fernandez on Monday. In town as part of his Farewell Tour, State Senator Antonio Muñoz and Alderman George Cardenas awarded the artist a proclamation designating Monday, Oct. 22 Vicente Fernandez Day in Illinois. Viva Entertainment Network joined the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois to celebrate the career and accomplishments of music icon Vicente Fernandez, who is retiring after 45 years on stage.

Underneath the Little Village Arch, Fernandez showed his gratitude by serenading the crowd of super fans. Among the tributes of Monday’s ceremony, a new honorary street sign on 26th street called “Vicente Fernandez Avenue.” To view photos, visit www.lawndalenews.com or www.VivaTuMusica.com/Chente.