Hispanic Heritage Week
September 6-13

This year in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Week, join us in exploring the Hispanic cultures of North, Central and South America. Through art, music, dancing, ethnic food, crafting, displays, exhibits and interactive activities, we will present this unique culture to the community during free family-friendly events held throughout the week. We encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in this year’s festivities.

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise specified.

We are also looking for volunteers! If you are interested in helping the Thornton community through volunteering your time during the Hispanic Heritage celebration, please contact Jaylin at 720-977-5817.

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Saturday, September 6
Cultural Tent and Dance Stage at Harvest Fest
“Atacama Adventure”
Community Park, Thornton Pkwy. and 95th Ave.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Who would have thought the desert could be so close to home? We will create our own version of the South American Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth! Come interact with some of the plants and animals that have adapted to the extreme, varying climate and geography of the Atacama and participate in themed sand crafts and desert activities.

September 8-12
Art Exhibit
City Hall, 9500 Civic Center Dr.
Mon.-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Artwork representative of the Hispanic culture and the desert regions in North, Central and South America captures the spirit of the many Hispanic cultures through depictions of family, community and celebration.

Monday, September 8
Desserts for You and Entertainment Too!
Skyview Campus, 8990 York St.
2:30 p.m. (All Mapleton High School Students welcome. Call Katie Bailey at 303-853-1211 or Misti G.T. at 303-853-1212 to sign up)
Find out how to create the unique flavors of Hispanic treats through a presentation and sampling of Hispanic desserts and beverages from Brazil, Puerto Rico, Peru and the Dominican Republic. Following the sampling, pick up recipes to some of your favorites, and enjoy the salsa dancing entertainment.

Tuesday, September 9
Family Fiesta
North Star Elementary, 8740 North Star Dr.
5-7 p.m. (For all children and families)
The Community Reach Center is partnering with the City for this event. We’ll have a balloon artist making desert animals and sombreros, a face painter, crafting and entertainment! Bring your dancing shoes to dance alongside the folklorico dance group performing from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 10
Lunch and Entertainment
Thornton Senior Center, 9471 Dorothy Blvd.
Noon-1 p.m.
Cost: $3.75R/$4.25NR
Call 303-255-7850 to register.
Travel to the Senior Center where you’ll enjoy a traditional Hispanic meal and entertainment from a Senior Center favorite, Mariachi Vasquez. We’ll see you there!

Atacama Animation
Rangeview Library, 8992 Washington St.
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Puppet show, 6-6:30 p.m. (For all children and families)
The Rangeview Library is partnering with us in bringing families a bilingual English/Spanish puppet show featuring snakes, lizards and other animals from the Atacama Desert. Also enjoy story telling sessions, coloring sheets, face painting and crafts.

Thursday, September 11
¡Baila Conmingo! Dance With Me!
2211 Eppinger Blvd.
10-11 a.m. (For children ages 3-6 and their caretakers)
Call 720-977-5817 to register.
Learn about and practice folklorico dancing, a traditional Hispanic dance. Bring your sombreros and bandannas. We’ll have costumes and props too!

Cultural Cooking Activity
Thornton Teen Center, 2211 Eppinger Blvd.
4-6 p.m. (Teens 6th-to 12th- grade only)
Call 720-977-5817 to register.
Teens, led by chef Tiffany Askins, will learn how to cook a traditional Hispanic meal including an appetizer, entrée and dessert. You’ll also be able to take home samples to share with your family.

Friday, September 12
Caricature Creations
GOALS Inc., 455 E. Eppinger Blvd.
4-6 p.m. (For school-age children and teens)
Call 720-977-5817 to register.
Have you ever wondered what you would look like as a folklorico, salsa or Brazilian Samba dancer? How about a member of a mariachi band or an Aztec warrior? You can find out through a caricature drawing! You can also plant your own cactus! Refreshments will be served.

Saturday, September 13
Mariachi Mass
Holy Cross Church, 9371 Wigham Street
7-9 p.m.
We will end the Hispanic Heritage celebration with a Mass. Immediately following the Mass, join us for refreshments, music, dancing, crafting and activities.

These events are sponsored by the City of Thornton, TASHCO and the SCFD.
More more information about any of the events call Jaylin Stotler at 720-977-5817.