T-R FILE PHOTO A large crowd gathered for last year’s Festival Cultural in the 13th Street District. The annual event returns to Marshalltown next Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Food and music have a way of bringing people together, despite any differences, and this unifying effect is the goal of the third annual Festival Cultural, which will take place in the 13th Street District, West End Park from noon to 5 p.m. on Oct. 15.

Organized by The Arts + Culture Alliance, with help from a variety of sponsors, the day will be filled with live music, dance, food, vendors and kids’ activities.

“There are so many ways to experience Marshalltown culture in one day, through what you’ll see, smell, hear and taste. It’s just a really fun, authentic experience,” said Alliance Executive Director Amber Danielson. “It has grown significantly every year. We’ve added a ton of more kids’ activities, food trucks, traditional dances and performances.”

She added the location for the event lends itself to creating an intimate gathering place, right next door to the Futsal courts for added recreation.

The following food trucks will be set up: Tacos La Cruz, La Capital Del Taco, Comal Kaxi, Big Acai Bowls, Lillie Mae Chocolates and Churros Artesanales. New this year will be tables and chairs set up in a big tent to make dining easier. People are also welcome to bring their own chairs.

Vendors include: Take pART Marshalltown, Child Abuse & Prevention Services, Immigrant Allies, Marshalltown Public Library – MOBI, National Hispanic Institute, Marshalltown YMCA/YWCA, Central Iowa Art Association, Pilgrim Heights, Primary Health Care, US Cellular, Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, Angela Cordova – Allstate Insurance and Zamora Fresh Market.

Johny Corral Cruz has been instrumental in recruiting musical talent for the event. DJ Samuel Ibarra will be on hand, with performances starting at 1 p.m. and including: Banda La Batallosa 3 Ranchos, Junior y su Norteño, Los Aliados, Comando Norteño, Manuel Ordaz, Chinelos La Guadalupana, MHS Latin Dance Group and a few surprises.

There will be hourly piñatas, donated by Zamora’s.

Co-chair Wendy Soltero hopes everyone feels welcome at Festival Cultural.

“My goal has always been to share with the community the richness of the different cultures we have. It’s a way for everyone to come together and not have to leave town. You don’t have to travel to experience this,” she said.

At noon, this year’s presenting sponsor, MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union, will earn Juntos Avanzamos (“Together We Advance”) designation. This honor is bestowed upon credit unions “committed to serving and empowering Hispanic and immigrant consumers – helping them navigate the U.S. financial system and providing safe, affordable and relevant financial services. Juntos Avanzamos credit unions employ bilingual, culturally-competent staff and leadership, accept alternative forms of ID and treat all of their members with respect, regardless of immigration status.”

“It’s a pretty prestigious award and, I think, a really big deal for Marshalltown,” Danielson noted.

The event was first orchestrated to coincide with National Hispanic Heritage Month, which spans September 15 to October 15, but says, Soltero, the aim is to broaden this to include other nationalities living in Marshalltown. Those interested in participating are welcome to reach out to the Alliance.

Both Danielson and Soltero said the event grows more popular every year with people reaching out to them to get involved.

“In almost every case, the vendors, sponsors and musicians are reaching out to us, which confirms the community was ready for this event,” Danielson added.

Supporting sponsors include: JBS, Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, Mtown Proud – Tyler Peschong, Zamora Fresh Market, Angela Cordova Allstate Insurance, 1st Rate Real Estate, US Cellular, La Carreta Mexican Grill and Guadalupe Gomez – Remax Partners.

Volunteers are always needed. Danielson may be reached at: director@artsandculturealliance.org and para más información puede contactar a Soltero via correo electrónico: Wendy.soltero@ymca-ywca.org.