Mariachi madness to highlight Elgin Chamber's Hablamos Español Expo

The Elgin Area Chamber's 12th annual Hablamos Español Expo returns to The Centre of Elgin's Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way in downtown Elgin, on Saturday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This free, family-friendly event draws hundreds of people annually and is a community celebration of Hispanic heritage, culture and business.

This year's event is highlighted by the inaugural Battle of the Mariachi Bands. Mariachi Universal of Chicago will perform live beginning at 11 a.m. followed at noon by the student Mariachi band from Elgin Area School District U-46. The student Mariachis are led by teachers Nereyda Sanchez Tio and Tristan Broeker. The public's vote at the event will determine the winner of this no-holds-barred battle of "Mariachi Madness."

The event also features bilingual educational seminars on a variety of topics relevant to the Hispanic community, including a presentation by the Elgin Police Department on community interaction with the police.

Additional live entertainment will be provided by Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl and a soccer juggling demonstration by the Elgin Pumas youth soccer program while Organizacion de Mexicana will host a game of La Loteria for the kids in attendance.

The event's business expo consists of more than 25 local organizations promoting products and services to guests. Each booth will be staffed by bilingual representatives to answer questions in both English and Spanish.

A variety of food and snacks will be available to visitors, courtesy of Sammy's Mexican Grill and Marcus Cinema Elgin.

The event is presented by Reflejos and sponsored by Advocate Sherman Hospital, Elgin State Bank, H&R Block Advisors, Reflejos and Vein Specialists of Illinois.