Fiesta Mexicana celebrates 75 years of sharing culture
Entertainment calendar found inside story
11:32 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2008
75 years of a Topeka tradition culminates this weekend. The Fiesta Mexicana kicked off Tuesday, but not without the help of hundreds of volunteers.
Joe Gutierrez and Ryan Mohwinkle with State Farm Insurance are two such volunteers. State Farm Insurance has been a Fiesta Mexicana's sponsor for the last 10 years.
They've volunteered time and money and man a booth at the event, where kids can pick up free coloring books.
Fiesta Mexicana is a family-friendly event that runs through July 19.
Fiesta Mexicana
- When: Wednesday, July 16, 2008, 5 p.m.
- Where: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1008 NE Atchison Ave., Topeka
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
"There's a lot of events out there for the family to partake in. There's the carnival that's there. And, there's a lot of nice food for everyone to eat and some bands," Mohwinkle said.
Food is sold days in advance to fund the Fiesta and as part of the Fiesta Queen and King competition. The food is such a big part of the Fiesta that organizers appoint a chairperson for day and night shifts to make sure all the supplies are stocked and mouths are fed.
Visitors can enjoy live performances all week. For more on that see the event listing to the right of this story. Following the Fiesta, mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 10 a.m. July 20. Fiesta Mexicana is a fundraiser for the church.
Gutierrez and Mohwinkle suggest visitors wear shorts and good shoes and plan some extra time to find a parking space.
Tune in tonight to 49 News at 6 for ways to enjoy the Fiesta on the cheap.
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