GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Last Friday, September 16^th, Manuel Vierra Park in Gridley was full of residents that turned out to celebrate Mexican Independence Day and participate in a cultural celebration brought to the community by the North Valley Catholic Services Promotores Program.

From 2:00 -8:00 pm the park hosted a variety of educational and informational booths and engaging activities for children, which included arts/craft stations, a sno-ball machine and a children’s high-striker game. A giant inflatable target with Velcro soccer balls had kids lined up to take shots at the bullseye all evening. Free tacos, Hispanic style drinks, corn and chips were available for attendees to enjoy, while learning more about Mexican history, holidays and traditions.

In association with the NVCS Promotores Program, organizations such as Butte County Department of Health, Ampla Health, Vaccinate ALL 58, Butte County Mental Health, Anthem Blue Cross, Catalyst Domestic Violence Services, Gridley Police Department, Si Se Puede and more turned out for the event. Free health screens and COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters were offered to the public.

Representatives from NVCS Promotores Program informed the Herald that the purpose of the event was not only to provide information and resources on health, mental wellness, safety, and financial aid to the public, but to break stigmas and bridge cultural barriers within our community.

Recognizing that family-friendly fun, entertainment, and food can be costly during these times, the Promotores Program aimed to hold this free event as a way for our residents to gather, celebrating Mexican Independence Day and growing more united as a community while doing so.

Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. With such a successful event under their belt, the Promotores Programs looks to the future to hold more community and cultural-based events.