Kermés Community Celebration Comes to Freedom Park Sept. 20

The community is invited to come together for Kermés: Unidos por Nuestras Raíces (United by Our Roots), a free, community-led celebration from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20 at Freedom Park in Edwards.

Built around a simple idea of neighbors sharing with neighbors, Kermés invites community members to bring a favorite dish, game or activity to share while celebrating the traditions, cultures and connections that make Eagle County home.

Unlike a traditional festival with vendors and booths, Kermés puts the community at the center of the celebration. Thirty tables will be available for community members to reserve, decorate and make their own. Participants are encouraged to share food, host a game, lead an activity or introduce neighbors to a tradition that is meaningful to their family or culture.

There is no cost to attend or reserve a table, and no food or products may be sold. Nonprofit organizations may reserve a table if they are providing free food to the community. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

YouthPower, Mountain Youth, Eagle Valley Library District, Mountain Dreamers and Mountain Recreation District are leading the event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Everyone is welcome to Kermés as we come together and share and connect with our neighbors,” said Norma Gurrola, Family Engagement Manager/ Supervisora del Involucramiento Familiar with the Vail Valley Foundation. “Our valley is home to so many traditions, stories and cultures, and this celebration gives community members the opportunity to be part of the experience rather than simply attend it. We hope families will bring something to share, stay awhile and enjoy an afternoon together.”

Community members interested in hosting one of the 30 available tables can register at https://tinyurl.com/KermesUnites.

Building on the Spirit of Fiesta Americas

For the past four years, Mountain Recreation alongside Eagle County and My Future Pathways has produced Fiesta Americas in Gypsum as an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through music, food, culture, activities and shared experiences. Its growth has been made possible by the sponsors, nonprofits, vendors, performers, volunteers and community members who have embraced the celebration.

In 2026, Fiesta Americas is entering a year of transition as Mountain Recreation works alongside community members and partners to evaluate its long-term vision and explore future opportunities.

Rather than hosting the traditional Fiesta Americas event this year, Kermés offers a more grassroots opportunity to gather at Freedom Park, celebrate Hispanic culture and create connections through the traditions community members choose to share.

The transition does not mark the end of Fiesta Americas. The community is using this year to regroup and begin building a foundation for a reimagined celebration in 2027.

“We want this gathering to feel like it belongs to the community because it does,” said Jamie Wilson, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager for Mountain Recreation. “Kermés is about coming together around food, traditions, games and conversation. At the same time, we want to listen and learn from our community as we think about the future of Fiesta Americas. So, pack a blanket, bring a chair and plan to spend the afternoon at Freedom Park connecting and celebrating the valley’s Hispanic culture.”

For more information, contact Jamie Wilson at (970) 999-0274 or email jwilson@mountainrec.org.