United Way of Ellis County los invita a una tarde llena de información y diversión. Vengan a aprender sobre los diferentes recursos y servicios que brindan nuestras agencias asociadas mientras disfrutan de algunas comidas locales. Además, habrá piñatas, baile y casetas culturales. No querrá perderse esta experiencia única.
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The United Way of Ellis County is sponsoring a Tardeada to promote information and cultural sharing with the Hispanic community.
The Tardeada, a Mexican-American term, meaning to party in the afternoon, will be Saturday at the Downtown Pavilion at 10th and Main in Hays. From 4 to 6 p.m., the event will include food, music and information booths. Food, DJ and a dance will be from 6 to 10 p.m.
Immaculate Heart of Mary will have matachine dancers to perform a dance honoring the Feast of the Lady of Guadalupe from 5:30 to 6 p.m.
"The Tardeada Community Fiesta was created to include the community," said Meleny Jacome, United Way administrative assistant, "but also the Hispanic population to have something there for them, so they can learn about our partner agencies, learn about businesses, learn about services that are available for them.
"We also wanted to have an event where [Hispanic families] could feel included in the community and have something for them that they could celebrate their culture."
Jacome said the event is open to all people of all ages and is also meant to help the community at-large learn about the Hispanic culture.
Cultural booths, which will also be offered from 4 to 6 p.m., will focus on the culture and history of different Spanish-speaking cultures.
"The goal is to have a more inclusive community that celebrates diversity," Jacome said.
Jacome noted the Hispanic population is the largest minority population in Ellis County. More than 1,700 people in Ellis County identify as Hispanic, according to the 2020 census.
Ten of the United Way partner agencies will be in attendance. Spanish interpreters will be on-hand to help the agencies and businesses share information with Spanish speakers.
"We really want to get people informed about what United Way does and our partner agencies do," Jacome said.
Court Appointed Special Advocates, also known as CASA, will have a raffle for a piñata. Other nonprofits will have donation jars.
Eagle Radio and Hays Post will be at the event answering questions. The company also hopes to demonstrate how users can set preferences on their devices to translate Hays Post into Spanish.
The Hays Convention and Visitor's Bureau and the Wonder Women League will also be on hand.
Taco Riendo will be on location during the entire event. Ten percent of the truck's proceeds from that night will go to the United Way. Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church will also be selling Latin food as a fundraiser.
There will be a piñata and face-painting for the children, so parents are encouraged to bring their whole families to attend.
"Come with an open mind and be ready to learn," Jacome said. "It's for both cultures, for the Hispanic culture and the non-Hispanic culture. Be ready to learn about the United Way and what it offers and be ready to learn about different cultures that are here in Hays.
"Be ready to celebrate the minority groups."