School might be in, but
festival-style fun doesn’t have to end. To paraphrase a wise man, throw the
kids’ homework on the fire and take the car downtown.
On Sunday, September 17,
there are two great events sure to please every age group. Budget your time
wisely and you can hit them both.
Start at the MemorialArtGallery’s
Hispanic Heritage Family Day. Subtitled “Latino Traditions: Honoring Our
Ancestors,” it runs noon to 5 p.m. Enjoy art activities for children as well as
performances by groups including the Mambo Kings, Borinquen
Dance Theater, and Arco Iris Mexicano; a
meet-the-artists art show; talks by area artists; storytelling; and cultural
displays. The Salute to Hispanic Elders awards will be presented, too.
If your family’s familiar
with Hispanic culture, you know you’re in for a good time. If your kids’
exposure to Hispanic culture has been limited to watching you knock back
Coronas on the deck, here’s your chance to make it right. Admission is $1 for
ages 6 and up, 5 and under are free. Get further info at mag.rochester.edu or
call 473-7720.
Afterwards, stroll a couple
blocks east on University Avenue
to ARTWalk Alive! on the
Museum Trail running between MAG and the George Eastman House. The festival
runs noon-4 p.m. You’ll find dance troupes, spoken-word performers, live music,
the announcement of the winners of the bus-shelter
design contest, and artists at work, including bead makers, painters, and
sidewalk artists. There will also be free interactive art activities for the
entire family. And don’t miss the Grand Finale, “Bob Cat Boogie with
United Rental,” featuring construction equipment
choreographed by RIT Director of Dance Thomas Warfield — sort of like Bob the
Builder meets Angelina Ballerina. Admission is free. Go to
www.rochesterartwalk.org or call 234-6670.
This article appears in Sep 13-19, 2006.
