The event, still in the planning stage, is set for March 30 through April 1.

“Cesar Chavez represents a lot for our community, but regrettably as time goes on, people are less aware of what he accomplished,” said Martina Lopez, of the Comite de Bienestar, a San Luis nonprofit housing cooperative.

“Especially among young people, many of them don’t know about his legacy.”

Joining with the Comite de Bienestar in organizing the celebration are the city of San Luis; Campesinos Sin Fronteras, a San Luis-based social service organizations; Regional Centers for Border Health; and Radio Campesina radio station.

Born March 31, 1927, in the Gila Valley, Chavez co-founded the United Farm Workers and led it in campaigns in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s for better pay and working conditions for agricultural laborers. He headed the union up until his death in San Luis, Ariz., on April 23, 1993.

What would have been the Chavez’s 85th birthday falls on the second day of the three-day celebration.

The weekend event kicks off on the 30th with a public health forum organized by Campesinos Sin Fronteras that is expected to include the participation of health care agencies and providers from around the area.

The next day, on the 31st, activities will resume with a parade of horses and riders along County 19th Street to San Luis. Up to 500 horses and riders are expected to participate.

Following that on the same day will be a musical festival in Joe Orduno Park that pays homage to Chavez. The festival will feature live performances by area groups. Also confirmed for the festival are appearances by singer German Lizarraga of Sinaloa, Mexico, the Colombian salsa group Sonora Dinamita and the norteno music group Nuevo Comando.

On Sunday, there will be a Mass in memory of Chavez at the San Judas Tadeo Parish in San Luis.