By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The first-annual Festival de Hispanos will be held on the Madison St. Plaza this Saturday and festival director Carson Canales says he sees it as an opportunity to showcase part of his heritage while at the same time bringing the community together.
“One of the greatest feelings in my lifetime has been seeing the smiles and expressions of joy from the people in town who are learning of the festival,” Canales said. “It’s helping to bring together our community as well as allowing people a first-hand experience of culture that they may have otherwise not seen.”
The festival will kick off at 3 p.m. with an opening blessing presented by Pastor William Velarde of the Living Word Temple. The church was originally the Templo La Hermosa and founded by Carson’s great grandfather, Margarito Canales.
After the invocation, American Legion Post 43 will present the flag, with the national anthem sung by Bellmont High School senior Sonya Lopez, also a relative of the Canales family.
Canales said lowrider car clubs from the Tri-State area will then be “hopping and three-wheeling” into downtown Decatur before getting to their display spots on Madison Street as an official start to the day’s festivities.
“This is Hispanic/Tejano culture,” stated Victor Canales, father of Carson and also part of the festival team. “It’s a part of our culture that is enjoyable for everyone to see!”
Following the arrival of the cars, there will be a pinata-breaking and free candy for children ages 10 and under with supplies donated by Beth’s Pinatas and candy donated by Monster Pizza in Decatur.
The festival will then have artwork presented by local artists and relatives of the Canales family, Greg and Alex Mendez.
Food trucks featuring Hispanic cuisine from Ecuador, Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and more will be served all day. The beer garden will feature Mexican beers and beverages provided by the Wet Spot Bar and Catering, co-owned by Chris Johnson and Jon Matthews, a cousin of the Canales Family.
At 5:30, the festival will continue with a traditional Folkloric dance demonstration by the Fort Wayne Hispanic Ballet Company.
They will dance in traditional garb and will be available for pictures after their performance.
At 7 p.m., the main stage will come alive with the band Los Gatos del Tex Mex from Fort Wayne to close the night (around 9 p.m.) in a celebration of music and dancing.
“I see now, more than ever, we all need to come together to celebrate our different cultures and make a difference in our community,” said festival committee member Drexel Canales, a brother to Carson.
“It’s special to me as I’m helping my sons to show off their proud, Hispanic roots and what makes them them,” noted festival committee member and mother Stephanie Canales.
Carson stressed, “This is an all-ages event and everyone is welcome! We are working to celebrate our culture, but we are a part of the community and want everyone to be there!”
“My grandfather, Robert Mendez, used to say, ‘Everyone is welcome! There’s always room for one more!’ I’m proud of my sons for continuing that culture and family tradition. We hope that the entire community comes down and celebrates with us!” said father Victor Canales.
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