Rockford prepares to celebrate culture and community at the South Main Mercado
Baile folklorico dancers perform at South Main Mercado in Rockford. South Main Mercado Facebook page
According to the U-S Census, as of last year, more than 20 percent of Rockford's 150,000 residents are Hispanic or Latino. A couple of years ago, the city's Ethnic Heritage Museum hosted a celebration of that community and culture ... the South Main Mercado. In 2023, 400 people showed up to the initial event. Last year, 5,000 people attended. The third annual South Main Mercado is happening Sunday noon-7pm.
Guests:
Jocelyn Hare McLaughlin
President, Ethnic Heritage Museum; Member, South Main Mercado Committee
William Chatman
CEO/Executive Director, Comprehensive Community Solutions; Member, South Main Mercado Committee