WABASH, IN- Friday, Sept. 1 from 5-8 p.m., First Friday-goers are invited to learn more about Hispanic culture through arts and creativity while enjoying the amenities of Downtown Wabash. September First Friday in Downtown Wabash will bring offerings of Hispanic culture to the Downtown Wabash district. Miami St. will be closed off to vehicles to feature interactive dancing led by Colombian dance instructor Paola Cubides, Colombian cuisine vendor Stephany Gonzalez, local Hispanic-owned food truck Laz’s Cuban Café and much more.
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
“This year, we’re thrilled to blend elements of two of our events in Downtown Wabash, Wabash First Friday and the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market,” Downtown Wabash, Inc. Executive Director Andrea Zwiebel said. “It’s a joy to bring in Stephany Gonzalez, owner of Amor Colombian Food and Love Baked Goods, to share her authentic cuisine with Wabash First Friday guests. Stephany joined our Farmers Market this year and has shown great success in her product and instant crowd favorites.”
Gonzalez will provide homemade arepas, a type of Colombian sandwich; alfajores, delicate cookies with caramel and coconut; and tornillos, a screw-shaped pastry filled with crema.
Downtown Wabash, Inc., organizer of Downtown Wabash First Friday, has cultivated a community street festival environment for more than 11 years and intends to utilize that environment as a platform for Hispanic artists and business owners to share their culture. As a Hispanic American small business owner, Maria Smyth, owner of Eclectic Shoppe in Downtown Wabash, speaks of her pride to own a business in the downtown district.
“I’m a proud Hispanic businesswoman and love the months of September and October as we celebrate and bring awareness to the successes and contributions of Hispanic Americans,” Smyth said. “In the ‘Hispanic Manifesto’ by Claudia Romo Edelman, she speaks about ‘Flipping the Script,’ challenging negative stereotypes and biases about Hispanics, promoting a more inclusive and positive narrative that reflects the strength and resilience of our communities.”
In addition to cultural offerings, First Friday will feature its usual boutique shopping specials, dining and drink specials from local restaurants, family-friendly activities, vendors, food trucks and free rides on Trolley No. 85.
For more First Friday details, follow Downtown Wabash First Friday on Facebook at Facebook.com/WabashFirstFriday. To learn more about Downtown Wabash, Inc., the programmer for Downtown Wabash First Friday, visit DowntownWabash.org.
