Fiesta Topeka, a local tradition continues rain or shine

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Fiesta will be on rain or shine. The food and family that come with it are too valuable to abandon. Ronnie and Mary Lou Escobar have been cooking for Fiesta Topeka for over 40 years, and the community spirit has kept them coming back every time. "We're not a rich community, [...]

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Fiesta will be on rain or shine. The food and family that come with it are too valuable to abandon.

Ronnie and Mary Lou Escobar have been cooking for Fiesta Topeka for over 40 years, and the community spirit has kept them coming back every time.

"We're not a rich community, but we are a rich in heart," Ronnie, a 75-year-old Topekan said.

"I think my grandma would be proud of us and say, 'Hey, look, you know, there's still they're still trying to keep traditions up.' It's just a special time to celebrate. Celebrate the year, celebrate traditions, celebrate our heritage," Mary Lou, 73, said.

Tacos, burritos, enchiladas and tamales are just a few of the many Mexican foods they're preparing.

Gina Barron-Jaramillo is the Fiesta food chairwoman.

"People here all over this neighborhood, we get so excited about Fiesta," Barron-Jaramillo said. "At the end of the night they'll just sit out in their yards and eat and drink. You'll hear Mexican music going all night, you know, up until two, three o'clock in the morning. And so, it's just a big party out here, it really is."

This year is the 91st year that Our Lady of Guadalupe church is hosting the Fiesta. Topeka's Blind Tiger Brewery also created a new beer, Fiesta Cerveza, for the event, which made its debut this evening. That, paired with carnival rides, live music, dancers, and shows are some of the nightly activities that thousands will come out to enjoy.

Deborah Ortega, the Fiesta chair, said that although the festival is a Mexican celebration, it is for everyone to enjoy.

"I want to call it a Topeka celebration. So, we cannot just say it is a Mexican fiesta. This is Fiesta Topeka. It represents a broader community," Ortega said.

Fiesta Topeka starts at 4 p.m. everyday and run through Sunday, July 21. Anyone can come out and enjoy. The complete schedule can be found here.

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