LAFCU supports cultural celebration, connection through two September events

LAFCU is helping Greater Lansing celebrate the cultures and traditions that enrich the community through two distinct September events: 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend, presented by LAFCU, Sept. 17-20, and LAFCU Heritage Fest, hosted by the credit union Sept. 25.

While both events celebrate culture and connection, each has its own focus and host. 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend is a four-day celebration hosted by Ourspace Foundation that highlights the richness and diversity of Hispanic and Latino cultures. LAFCU Heritage Fest, held five days later at LAFCU's West Lansing branch, is the credit union's own multicultural celebration featuring traditions represented throughout the Greater Lansing community.

“LAFCU’s role in the community goes beyond providing financial services,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer. “We have a responsibility to help strengthen the communities we serve, and that includes supporting the cultures, businesses and traditions that make those communities vibrant. Presenting 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend and hosting LAFCU Heritage Fest are two ways we can help bring people together, create greater understanding and celebrate the people who make this region what it is.”

517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend: Sept. 17-20

Presented by LAFCU and hosted by Ourspace Foundation, the fourth annual 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend will bring cultural experiences, local businesses, live entertainment, wellness programming and community connections to downtown Lansing.

Events will take place at Lansing City Hall, Lansing Shuffle and along Capitol Avenue in front of the Michigan State Capitol. The weekend is free and open to the public.

“517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend is about celebrating the many cultures within our Hispanic and Latino communities while creating opportunities for people and businesses to thrive,” said Mikeyy Austin, founder and executive director of Ourspace 517. “LAFCU’s support helps us create a larger platform for those cultures, businesses and voices to be seen and celebrated, while bringing people together around culture, wellness, entrepreneurship and community.”

LAFCU will also have a role in the weekend's programming. Luis Martinez, senior member service representative at LAFCU and a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor, will participate in the wellness and small-business panel during the Latino Business Conexión of Michigan event Thursday, Sept. 17. The discussion will include personal and financial wellness, entrepreneurship and business success.

The weekend includes:

• Thursday, Sept. 17 — Latino Business Conexión of Michigan: A business seminar and mixer from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Lansing City Hall featuring a wellness and small-business panel, networking and conversations about personal wellness, financial wellness, entrepreneurship and business success.
• Friday, Sept. 18 — Hispanic Heritage Dance Class & Mixer: Free bachata and salsa lessons from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Lansing Shuffle patio, followed by open dancing, Latin music and DJ entertainment.
• Saturday, Sept. 19 — A Taste of Hispanic Heritage Festival: The weekend's main celebration from 3 to 10 p.m. along Capitol Avenue in front of the Michigan State Capitol, featuring more than 70 vendors and food trucks, live music, DJs, folklórico dancers, cultural performances, a Kidz Zone and live lucha libre wrestling.
• Sunday, Sept. 20 — Latin Jazz Night: A live performance by Orquesta Ritmo, DJ entertainment and Latin jazz from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lansing Shuffle patio.

The festival has grown from more than 1,100 attendees in its first year to approximately 5,000 last year. The main Saturday festival will showcase more than 70 Hispanic-owned and Hispanic-focused small businesses and vendors.

LAFCU Heritage Fest: Sept. 25

Five days later, LAFCU will host its own LAFCU Heritage Fest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at its West Lansing branch, 106 N. Marketplace Blvd.

The free, family-friendly event celebrates the many cultures and traditions represented throughout the Greater Lansing community. Guests can enjoy cultural performances, live music, ethnic food, a bounce house, giveaways and activities for all ages. Attendees are encouraged, though not required, to wear traditional attire representing their heritage.

Now in its fourth year, LAFCU Heritage Fest is designed to give neighbors and families an opportunity to experience different cultures, share their own traditions and build connections across the community.

For more information about 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend, visit 517HispanicHeritage.com. For information about LAFCU Heritage Fest, visit lafcu.com/heritagefest.