After being held in a different manner last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, a festival in Perry celebrating Latino culture is returning to a normal platform this year. 

Hispanics United for Perry (HUP) Board Member Mary Murphy says the Board is excited to present the festival in person this year after performing the festival virtually last year. Murphy says people are ready to get back to in-person events. 

“I think people are starved for human contact and interaction. I think it’s the last hoorah for summer and it’s just always a good time. It is very pleasant.”

Murphy tells Raccoon Valley Radio there will be plenty of activities for people to take part in ranging from a parade, food, kids activities and experiencing everything there is about Latino culture. Murphy says there is an activity for everyone and invites everyone to attend.

“I would encourage anybody who hasn’t come out to come out because it’s all the best of the culture. The music, the food, the activities, it’s just a fun time. You don’t have to go very far, you don’t have to fight the crowds in Des Moines or go a long distance. It’s right here in your backyard.”

The Latino Festival will kick off this Saturday in Perry beginning at 10 a.m. with the parade.