The first Franklin County Latino Heritage Festival kicks off Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Russellville.  

Plans include food vendors, crafts, street soccer tournaments ($60 per team), a couple’s dance competition from 6-7 p.m. ($25 registration), children’s activities, a mechanical bull and live music featuring La Sonora Dinamita and Los Chicos E.  

A closing parade will take place at 9 p.m. Children are invited to wear costumes and come collect candy. There will be a surprise for them at the parade.  

Car show registration is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the show takes place from 1-3 p.m. Registration fee is $20 for the first car and $15 for each additional car. Door prizes and cash giveaways will take place during the event.  

Festival Activity Hours

• 9-10 a.m. – Street soccer registration
• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Soccer competition
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. –  Car show registration.
• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Car show
• 12-6 p.m. – Children’s activities
• 12-1 p.m. – Cheese dip competition
• 3-4 p.m. – Russellville City Schools presentation
• 4-6 p.m. – Banda Los Chicos E
• 3-5 p.m. – Dance competition registration
• 6-7 p.m. – Dance competition
• 7-9 p.m. – Banda Sonora Dinaminta
• 9-9:50 p.m. – Folkloric dance
• 9:15-10 p.m. – Parade

“We’re really hoping the community comes together to celebrate,” said Estefany Castillo, one of the members of the committee organizing the event.  

The festival is something the committee’s president, Guillermo Vasquez, explained has been around three years in the making.  

“The original person who pushed me to start working on this was Mr. Richard Rowland when we were working on the 2020 census together. We have so many rich cultures from different countries. He got me pumped up about the idea, and I started talking to Cassie Medley, the executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, and she helped with ideas. We have a committee and other supporters who have been helping with ideas, donations and other means of support.” 

Those interested in more information or volunteering to help with the festival can visit the group’s Facebook page – Franklin County Latino Heritage Festival – or email fcLatinoFestival@gmail.com.  Call Estefany Castillo at 256-992-3566 or Guillermo Vasquez at 256-436-2714 for more information.