HAMMOND, IN — The Hammond Hispanic Community Committee of Northern Indiana (HHCC) will host its 21st Annual Latino Resource Fair on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Morton High School in Hammond, Indiana. The fair provides a free opportunity for the community to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, discover local resources and vendors, enjoy cultural food, folklore, dancing and music.

In 2023, the event welcomed over 500 guests, amounting to approximately 300 families. Alberto Ochoa, Sr. of Hammond has attended the event with his family for the last six years. “You’re always going to find something, whether you have younger children, teenagers, or even the adults,” Ochoa said, reflecting on past events. “Most of the entertainment is Latino-oriented, and the vendors are there for everybody. If you enjoy different cultures, it gives you the opportunity to experience Hispanic culture and enjoy the food, as well.” In addition to entertainment, food, and information shared, attendees can also partake in health screenings, enter raffles, and enjoy a haircut, all at no cost.

This annual fair is largely made possible by volunteers, vendors and sponsors. Last year, 68 vendors were in attendance, and the HHCC plans to offer more in 2024. One such vendor is the Hammond Education Foundation (HEF), which has attended the fair since its inception. “It offers us the opportunity to provide information about the Hammond Education Foundation, its programs, and the scholarships it offers to graduating seniors of the School City of Hammond,” said Roxanna Lugo O’Rourke, Executive Director of the HEF. “You reach a good mixture of people, even though it’s called the Latino Resource Fair. There are people from every nationality and every income level who attend just to get access to resources and vendors.” The fair welcomes everyone looking to share information and services with the community, including local colleges, social services, legal agencies, churches, insurance companies, and those in the healthcare industry. Many merchants will additionally be selling products at the event.

The Latino Resource Fair builds upon the goals of the Hammond Hispanic Community Committee of Northern Indiana, a group of volunteers dedicated to promoting unity, celebration, and empowerment. “We are incredibly proud of the positive impact this event has had on our community, bringing us together to honor our rich cultural heritage and inspire future generations,” said Jerame Hicks, Vice President of the HHCC. “It’s not just a fair; it’s a testament to the strength and spirit of our community, showcasing the beauty, resources, and diversity that make us stronger together.” After its inception in 1993, the HHCC set forth to impact the surrounding community by offering grant activities, such as the fair, as well as both scholarship and employment opportunities. 

All community members are welcome to attend the 21st Annual Latino Resource Fair at Morton High School, located at 6915 Grand Avenue, Hammond, IN 46323. There is no entrance fee or advanced registration needed to attend this event. Vendors wanting to purchase a table or be listed in sponsorship material may sign up online at https://bit.ly/4dREqaz no later than Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Contact Deborah Trevino for additional details about the 2024 Latino Resource Fair via email at hhccin1993@gmail.com or by phone at (219) 804-2108. For more information about the Hammond Hispanic Community Committee of Northern Indiana or to make a donation, please visit https://www.hhccin.com/. 

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