TOPEKA — The COVID-19 pandemic may have canceled numerous events, but a Topeka parish found a way to keep the spirit of its main fundraiser alive.
A two-hour, drive-by fiesta held July 18 in lieu of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish’s annual Fiesta Mexicana offered attendees an opportunity to enjoy some music while offering their support to a great cause.
A summer tradition for more than 80 years, Fiesta Mexicana usually includes food sales, a royalty contest, a parade, a golf tournament, a weeklong street festival and carnival, dance exhibitions, mariachi bands and an art show — all of which highlight Mexican culture.
The annual fundraiser benefits both the parish and Holy Family School, the grade school shared with Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish.
Due to the pandemic, Alicia Guerrero-Chavez, chair of the event, along with a team of volunteers, decided to offer the drive-by event in an effort to raise money and generate enthusiasm for next year.
