One of Adams County’s signature events celebrated Latino culture Sunday.
From a variety of activities for the whole family – Festival Latino has cemented its place in Adams County.
“It’s an opportunity to really elevate the platform of Latino businesses, workers and kids,” Adams County Board of County Commissioner Lynn Baca told The Denver Gazette, helping oversee the third year Festival Latino in Adams County.
County staff collectively organizes the event.
Coming out of the 2020 census, 51% of Adams County residents identify as part of a minority group, with 43% of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino, according to the county commissioner.
Baca, as a Latino with Asian Pacific Islander roots, said it’s a personal occasion, calling it a “signature event” among a few other events Adams County hosts.
“We want to have a safe and inclusive event for all, and that’s all of our residents,” Baca said. “It’s just not Hispanic culture, Latino culture, it’s for all residents.”
Among the activities Sunday was live music, 15 food vendors, a Latino-inspired marketplace, a themed car show, ropes course, ziplining, art and fireworks. Festival Latino also represented the opening to Hispanic Heritage Month, which spans from Sept, 15 to Oct. 15.
As the current presidential administration amps up its immigration enforcement nationwide, uncertainty and pushback amongst the Latino and Hispanic community continues.
“For me, it’s that people are seen and they are heard,” Baca said on how the event brings together the community during this time.
“We have to meet people where they are on their journey,” she said. “The takeaway is to make sure people come out and they feel safe, they see themselves in the music … we might have our differences, but I think this is an opportunity for all of us to come together.”