The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and Day of the Dead continue through the month of October with several activities planned.
A Latino cooking demonstration and food festival is set for Monday, Oct. 7 while students can learn how to play Loteria on Monday, Oct. 14. Both events begin at noon in CTC 124-125.

Hispanic Heritage Month events also have included information on folkloric dancing as well as presentations from IVCC alums who are Hispanic and from immigration attorney Sara Dady.

For Day of the Dead, tributes to deceased loved ones will take shape in Illinois Valley Community College’s Main Campus and Ottawa Center lobbies at the beginning of October.

All students and members of the public can furnish personal tributes to the IVCC display through Nov. 2. They can bring photos, keepsakes or offerings of non-perishable foods and sealed drinks (to provide nourishment and enrichment for those who are gone). Families can also leave notes or written memories.

“We’re excited to see everyone, regardless of cultural background, engage in this event, and we hope it will always be an amazing yearly celebration,” said Shannon Slaight, art instructor and one of the organizers. Slaight, who is not Hispanic, said her participation helps heal some emotional wounds. “I have suffered some great losses. I lost my little sister, and I use this as a great way to remember her and keep her spirit alive. By helping others participate in this event, I feel it can help more people experience healing and happiness.”

Sara Escatel, who advises the Hispanic Leadership Team, hopes people appreciate Day of the Dead as a traditional and respectful way of honoring loved ones and bringing a community together, and not as a Halloween decoration.

When the event is over, contributed items can be picked up at the Main Campus and Ottawa Center front desks beginning Nov. 4.

The event is sponsored by the Hispanic Leadership Team, The Illinois Valley Visual Arts Club, and The Project Success Leadership Team. For any questions contact Sara Escatel at [email protected] or (815) 224-0355 or Shannon Slaight at [email protected] or (815) 224 – 0351.