The third annual Kewanee Hispanic Heritage Celebration is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 4 to 11 p.m. at the Roy C. Pettitt Kewanee American Legion Post 31, located at 211 W. 3rd Street-formerly the End Zone.
This year’s celebration will feature crafts, music, food, demonstrations and so much more. It is a free event, and the public is invited to attend.
Hosted by the Kewanee Commission on Human Relations, the event aims to foster community connection and cultural appreciation through music, food, crafts and demonstrations.
“Our goal is to bring our community together and be kind. We need to embrace our neighbors regardless of religion, race, disability, gender, political views, etc.,” said Jessica Fornander, a member of the commission. “At our event, you will find live music with a Tamborazo – a traditional style of Mexican band music that comes from the state of Zacatecas and a beautiful traditional dance group.”
This year there will be a children’s coloring contest available to all pre-K through fifth grade students in the Kewanee and Wethersfield school districts. The contest is an opportunity for children to show off their creativity and learn more about the rich traditions of hispanic culture. Coloring sheets have been provided to the schools.
To enter the contest, write the child’s name and grade on the back of the completed colored sheets and return it to the school by Thursday, Sept. 25. There will be one winner per grade, and winners will receive their prize during the celebration’s opening ceremony at 5 p.m.
The celebration will also include a “Lil Vendors” area where youths ages 4-17 years are invited to make and sell baked goods, produce, jewelry, craft items and more.
Event Schedule
4 p.m. DJ Tony Beats
5 p.m. Opening ceremony and Awards
5:30 p.m. Danza Asuncion – Traditional Dance – Bring your lawn chairs
6 – 8 p.m. 360 Photo booth
7 p.m. Tamborazo – Traditional Mexican music
10 p.m. DJ Tony Beats
The Commission invites the public to come and enjoy some traditional food, vendors, music and fun. And don’t forget to bring a lawn chair so you can enjoy the celebration and stay for a while.
