Naperville Sister Cities Foundation plans second Hispanic Heritage Festival
The Naperville Sister Cities Foundation is planning its second Hispanic Heritage Festival on Sept. 17 in downtown Naperville.
The foundation partners with Nitra, Slovakia, Patzcuaro, Mexico and, most recently, Cancun, Mexico, to facilitate friendship and understanding between Naperville residents and those cities.
Special events will occur throughout the downtown area and include: a bilingual story time at Nichols Library, Latin American inspired cooking classes, Lotería (Mexican bingo), painting classes, scavenger hunts through businesses for prizes and specialty food items at participating restaurants.
Live music, food and a marketplace will be open in Central Park from 5 to 9 p.m.
"This event is designed to be fun for all ages. Our foundation has worked tirelessly to find unique cultural activities, and has engaged with local businesses and community organizations to create a truly immersive and exciting experience. Unlike similar events, we have actively sought out authentic vendors, diverse musical acts and food representing several different Latin American countries," says Sister City Foundation member Bill Donofrio.
The Commission will add more activities leading up to the festival. For more information, please visit napervillehispanicfest.com.
Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are also available.
The Naperville Sister Cities Foundation is a nonprofit committed to connecting Naperville and its citizens to the global community.
The Sister City Program was initiated on a global scale in 1956 as a creative force for international cooperation and goodwill through community action. Naperville's participation in the program started in 1993 as the Naperville Sister Cities Commission, and the Naperville Sister Cities Foundation was formed in 1999. The foundation sponsors programs designed to foster cultural and commercial exchange between Naperville and its sister cities in Nitra, Slovakia and Patzcuaro and Cancun, Mexico.