Chelsea Martinez, who works in finances and administration at St. Teresa, said the festival is nearly double in size this year with about 14 food booths alone.
It will be a chance to try foods from various Latino cultures including seven different Mexican varieties, and from Columbia, Guatemala, Venezuela and Honduras.
There will also be desert treats. Martinez said one of the must-tries is a paleta, a Latin American treat of an ice pop made with water or milk with fresh fruit or vegetable.
โI recommend the strawberry,โ she said.
Two groups of Mexican folk dancers โ one adult and one childrenโs group โ will perform, and there will be two live bands.
The festival queen contest will return with three princesses who will be appearing throughout the festival. Each is sponsored by a local restaurant and have tried to gain votes through financial donations.
Donations raised will go to the church and the Hispanic ministry. The new queen will be named during the festival
Kidsโ games will go on and merchandise including clothing and jewelry from more merchants have been added. A raffle for items including a high-definition television, computer, tablet, gift cards and themed basket with proceeds going to the church and ministry will also be available.
Since dancing is a big part of the Latino culture, a special dance will be 6-9 p.m. for the first time. In the event of bad weather, the festival will move indoors.
โIf people like events in our town, I hope they will come to Festival Latino,โ Martinez said.
WANT TO GO?
What: Festival Latino 2017
Where: St. Teresa Catholic Church, 1827 N. Limestone St., Springfield
When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: free
More info: 937-342-8861 or www.facebook.com/events/161550671042372/
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