The ¡Viva Perry! Latino Festival 2021, sponsored by Hispanics United for Perry (HUP),
Following the 10 a.m. parade down Willis Avenue, downtown Second Street was lined with food vendors, merchandise sellers, peddlers of public information and fun and games for the kids at the annual festivities.
Musical entertainment was provided by DJ Alidria Mejia and DJ Juanito Meraz, and vocalist Jenni Lopez LA voz gemela de Jenni Rivera roused the crowd with her powerful singing voice.
HUP President Rosa Gonzalez and Perry Mayor John Andorf officially welcomed the gathering at 11 a.m. in front of the Raccoon Valley Bank.
The 2021 HUP Organization of the Year Award was presented to Perry Community School District in recognition of their diligent heroism in operating throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perry School Board Vice President Linda Andorf accepted the award on behalf of the school district. HUP member Judy Tomenga praised the students, faculty and staff of the Perry schools for their successful inclusion of CDC-approved virus mitigation strategies into the daily instruction. HUP President Rosa Gonzalez and members Mary Murphy and Marilyn Herrick were also on hand to share in the celebration.
The festival continues until 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
The ¡Viva Perry! Latino Festival is the primary fundraiser for HUP, with proceeds supporting scholarships for graduating seniors and continuing education. The festival has been a regular feature of Perry’s social and cultural life since 1993. In its early years, the event was held on or around Sept. 16 in order to mark Mexican Independence Day.
