VERO BEACH — Sept. 15 marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and Main Street Vero Beach (MSVB) will, for the first time, be celebrating the culture and wrapping up the summer Latin style at their Downtown Friday street party on Sept. 27 from 6-9 p.m. along 14th Ave. in Historic Downtown Vero Beach.
“We’ve looked forward to planning a Latin event for some time now, and Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect opportunity to have a Downtown Friday that highlights and celebrates this rich and diverse culture,” Main Street board member Joe Tessier said.
The event will feature Robert Navarro’s St. Lucie Tropical Band’s Pop Quartet. Navarro is a recording artist and producer who has performed with legendary musicians such as Johnny Pacheco, Celia Cruz, Willie Colon, and Eddie Santiago, just to name a few.
The four piece orchestra will perform a variety of Latin dance styles including salsa, merengue, cha cha cha, bachata, and more.
“Dust off your dancing shoes, too, as Swingstation’s 14th Avenue Dance Studio instructors and Latin dance experts Joe and Shari Tessier will be offering a salsa demonstration and providing complimentary dance lessons during the evening,” said MSVB Executive Director Tammy Adams.
“Bring your chairs and settle in for a great night of entertainment for all ages. Plus, there will be a chance to win cash at Main Street’s 50/50 drawing with proceeds designated for five “Arts District” street signs in and around downtown,” Adams added.
In keeping with the focus on the diverse Hispanic population and culture that is an integral part of the Indian River County community, the September featured charity is Operation Hope, founded in 1997 by Jesse Zermeño, who recognized the plight of Florida’s migrant workers in the Fellsmere area.
In its initial years, Operation Hope was dedicated to making a difference in the living conditions of the many hard working migrant laborers and their families. Over time, the organization has grown as considerably as the community it serves, and now maintains one of the largest food pantries in the area, runs a thrift store, operates a preschool, and offers after school sports programs.
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Operation Hope is dedicated to providing support, education, and assistance to families in need regardless of race, color, or religion.
