Downtown KCK comes alive with Latino Arts Festival today

Spectators watched the Latino Arts Festival parade today on Minnesota Avenue. These spectators were outside of the El Centro building. (Staff photo by Mary Rupert)

by Mary Rupert

Downtown Kansas City, Kansas, and Minnesota Avenue came alive again Saturday for the Latino Arts Festival and parade.

Low-rider vehicles stole the show today, with more than 30 of them in the parade, which started at 4th and Minnesota and went to 12th and Minnesota. Turnout was good, as the weather was warm and the rain held off today.

Many people were gathered across the street from the Kansas City, Kansas, Chamber of Commerce office, where a parade review stage was set up. Minnesota Avenue between 7th and 8th streets are blocked off for the festival, which runs through 8 p.m. Saturday.

Dan Silva, Kansas City, Kansas, Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said an art display was open inside the chamber’s offices today, across from the stage area on Minnesota Avenue. Art by Vania Soto and other artists was on display today.

The Downtown Shareholders, along with Hallmark, the Kansas City, Kansas, Area Chamber of Commerce, El Centro, H.E.A.R.T., the Bank of Labor and others, sponsored the Latino Arts Festival and parade.

The free festival features art on display, two bands performing and a car show, with a car-hopping contest at 5:30 p.m. Two vendors are providing food available for purchase at the event.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1401287576610495/.