Event brings out Mexican community

Fiesta returns for 28th year

The St. John’s Mexican Fiesta kicked off Friday night as dancers including Vanessa Rials, Lawrence, kicked their heels and showed off for the crowds that came to the annual event at St. John Catholic Church, 1234 Ky. The fiesta continues today.

Tonight’s party

St. John’s 28th annual Mexican Fiesta is a free two-day event in the church parking lot, 1234 Ky., that features authentic Mexican food — served from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. — music, dance, libations and children’s activities.

Today’s fiesta runs from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and includes:

• 5:30 p.m. — Mariachi Habaneros

• 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. — St. John’s Fiesta Dancers

• 7:30 p.m. — Grupo Picante with DJ Ritmo and friends

There will be a moonwalk for the kids and carnival games.

People might flock to St. John’s Mexican Fiesta for the authentic cuisine and traditional dancing, but some were there to tout an important message.

“Since probably 15 years ago, Hispanics came on the radar in terms of making a difference in national and local elections, and that’s going to continue,” said Elias Garcia, the state director for the League of United Latin American Citizens.

Garcia sets up voter registration booths at fiestas across the state of Kansas.

“We see the Hispanic population participating in higher levels every election cycle, so it’s going to be very important, especially among close calls,” he said.

Regular fiesta attendee Carla Ramirez said the food and dancing are her favorite parts, but the event serves a larger purpose.

“Lawrence’s Mexican community is really spread out. … A lot of people that come to Lawrence don’t even realize that there is a Mexican community until they come to this, and they’re like ‘Wow, where are the locals?’ and they’re here.”

The organizers of the 28th annual fiesta hope to bring in $60,000 to $70,000 from the event.

The proceeds will benefit a scholarship fund for Mexican high school seniors and a Spanish language program at St. John’s School.