Elgin’s Borden library to celebrate Hispanic heritage
Submitted by Gail Borden Public Library
“A Sensory Extravaganza,” a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin.
Can you hear the salsa music? Can you smell the cinnamon tortilla chips? Do you see the beautiful mariachi suits? Colors and rhythms of Latin America will pulse through the sensory extravaganza during the celebration. There will be Latin food, musical acts, bilingual storytelling, poetry and Latino arts and crafts.
They also will be spotlighting stories of the diverse culture, starting with the recognition of Hispanic veterans. Then various community leaders will do readings from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
From 1:45 to 2:15 p.m., Luz de Ande welcomes people with Andean music at the outside entrance.
At the opening from 2 to 2:30 p.m. in the community rooms, Mayor David Kaptain will read city proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Followed by Recognition of Hispanic Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Recognition will start with color guard by Legion of Honor. Andy Balafas, veterans liaison for Vitas Innovative Hospice; and Rose Martinez, former Commander of the Legion of Honor and the first Hispanic female to be so, will speak and present veterans with certificates and pins.
At 2:30 p.m., a Latino Food Tasting to be provided by Elgin Community College with Muffin Tin Pollo Tacos, chorizo con garbanzos, apple salsa served with cinnamon tortilla chips, and beef empanadas, as well as vegetarian/vegan options, which will be served by Center for Spirituality.
From 3 to 5 p.m., there will be live music and dance in the community rooms, a teen poetry slam, Rondalla Recuerdos del Saltillo serenading musicians, Ballet Girasol, a folkloric dance group of students from U-46, the McKinley School dancers, and Mariachi Miguel Nuno.
There also will be Latino art, classes in salsa, merengue, bachata and tango for all ages, and crafts for children, including making maracas and country flags.