Rochester police to host National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration

(ABC 6 News) – The Rochester Police Department is hosting an outdoor celebration to honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The celebration will take place from noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2 at Longfellow Elementary School, 1615 Marion Road SE.

Everyone is welcome at this free, family-friendly event, which will include bouncy castles, face painting, food, health and safety information, and COVID-19 vaccine clinic.

Chief Jim Franklin states, “This is an opportunity to not only celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month but also build positive connections between law enforcement and the Hispanic and Latino community. Communication is key to building relationships, and we know people feel more comfortable approaching and talking to police in casual settings like this.”

Participating community partners include: Rochester Fire Department, Diversity Council, Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association (IMAA), Olmsted County Public Health, Fernbrook Family Center and Unidos MN.

First created as a week-long celebration in 1968, National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) honors the cultures and contributions of all Hispanic and Latino Americans.