photocredit: amazon.com
BY: RACHEL WUMKES
On Sunday, August 18th, you’ll find something incredible happening in Central Gardens. A unique blend of history and celebration for a culture several of us know little about.
It’s the 2nd Annual Garden Fiesta! As many people in North Iowa have Latino roots, it is important to come together to celebrate and learn from one another. This event is the epitome of just that. And what better place to gather and celebrate the beauty of Latino culture than in the beauty of Central Gardens?
The planning committee has been hard at work on this event, their main goal to keep the fiesta authentic and respectful to the Latino culture. As with any event in Central Gardens, community collaboration is key. For the fiesta, they’ve partnered with the Clear Lake Arts Center, who’ve provided materials and volunteer support for the kids’ activities. They’ve also included a community art project, which will serve as a beautiful photo-taking prop during the fiesta.
The other co-sponsor is LaLuz of Hampton. Their main focus is to provide guidance and feedback on reaching out to the Latino community. Since 2013, their mission has been to promote cultural awareness and diversity with hospitality and supportive services for all.
The core committee of Fabiola Albee, Emma Ibarra and Leigh Trembath have been busy planning this amazing event. Both Fabiola and Emma are originally from Mexico, so their input to ensure the authenticity of the event has been vital. They’ve also secured countless volunteers, including the Clear Lake Cheerleaders!
So what can you expect on Sunday afternoon at the Gardens? Oh my, so many fun activities!
ACTIVITIES:
*Friendship bracelets to attendees
*Kids activities: two crafts, large bubbles on the lawn, cookie decorating and a Bingo garden activity. Piñatas.
*Young Latino artist, recently relocated from Puerto Rico, demonstrating her craft.
*Flower wreaths for taking your photo in.
*Salsa tasting contest: Mexican restaurants entering salsa: Three in Mason City, one each from Eagle Grove, Hampton, Garner and Albert Lea.
*Dance lessons
*Tortilla making demonstration
*Hair styling station-flowers are placed/styled into hair.
*Latin American wine tasting-Simply Nourished
PROGRAMS:
*At 5pm, Youth dancers from Hampton will be performing traditional Mexican dance-Grupo Folclorico de Hampton
* At 5:30pm, Mariachi de Colores, a five piece Mariachi band, will perform. Organized by Artes Latinas (Karin Stein). Artes Latinas is a consortium of top-quality Latin ensembles that offer very diverse styles of music. They perform nationally and internationally. They also offer a number of cultural/educational programs and tours.
VENDORS:
*Platense Nuts-Minneapolis-“We are pleased to bring you our authentic family recipe for traditional frosted nuts from Argentina.”
*Mi Pueblo Mexican Crafts and Souvenirs-Des Moines
*Facepainting-Latino woman from Hampton
*Taco Trucks: Mr. Taco, El Taco Riendo
Folks, it’s a Sunday afternoon jam-packed with Latino culture, history, and celebration!! See you there!
Event Details:
Date: August 18, 2019
Time: 03:00 PM – 07:00 PM
Website: https://centralgardensnorthiowa.com/
Location: Central Gardens of North Iowa 800 2nd Ave No
Contact: Leigh Trembath
Email: info@centralgardensnorthiowa.com
Fees/Admission: No admission charge