MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The fifth annual Southwest Bricktown Fiesta will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, from 5 to 10 p.m., at Southwest Bricktown Park. with music, food, dancing and an open-air market celebrating Hispanic heritage.
Southwest Bricktown Park is located at 300 West Sherman.
Organizer Adam Pena said the committee is moving forward while acknowledging the effect of recent immigration enforcement activity in southwest Kansas. Some food vendors have decided they may be unable to attend, he said, and a wrestling group has canceled its appearance.
“Some of our neighbors may choose to stay home this weekend, and we respect that decision,” Pena said during an interview on the BW Morning Show. “Whether you’re able to join us Saturday or not, you are part of this community.”
Pena said organizers are working with vendors who have already invested time and money in the fiesta. The committee plans to offer ways for attendees to donate nonperishable food, sponsor a meal for a community member and support local food vendors who cannot attend. Vendors whose plans have changed can contact Hutch Rec.
The free celebration is still expected to feature food trucks, a local dance group, DJ Dominic 620 and the band Grupo de Ferencia. Pena said the DJ is expected to perform around 7 p.m., followed by the band shortly before 8.
Denice Gilliland of Hutch Rec said the fiesta will also include a Kermess, an open-air market with about 10 to 12 vendors offering items such as art and handmade goods. She said the street dance brings people from across Hutchinson together to share music and learn dances.
Gilliland said Hutch Rec’s Healthy Neighborhood Initiative helps residents with event logistics, but Southwest Bricktown residents lead the planning, fundraising and vendor recruitment.
“This is completely resident-driven and resident-led,” Gilliland said.
Pena, whose family has longstanding ties to Southwest Bricktown, said the fiesta has grown from a neighborhood gathering into a celebration open to the entire city.
“We want everybody, as many people from Hutch, to come out,” he said. “It’s just a celebration of our culture. We want to share it with you.”