Under blue skies on Saturday, Aug. 17, islanders of all ages thronged to “Western Takeover,” a lively celebration of Latino cultures, entrepreneurship, and community spirit.
The cowboy-themed Mercado featured free cowboy hats for youth, games and contests, and live music and deejays — serving up a rich mix of beats and melodies from throughout Latin America.
The Mercado — the seventh to be presented by Comunidad Vashon, a local nonprofit championing Latino arts, culture, youth and families on Vashon — took place in the spacious Backlot of Vashon Theatre, which was filled with colorful flags and brightly festooned vendor booths.
And then, of course, there was the chance to sample hearty dishes and sweets from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America: delicious baked goods, spiced fruit, succulent chicken and rice dishes, chicharrones, empanadas, tacos, and tamales. Best of all, perhaps, were the pupusas — thick corn cakes, filled with beans and cheese, cooked on a hot griddle, and then topped with salsa roja and cabbage stew.
Young and vibrantly costumed dancers from Folklore Mexicano Tonantzin, a nonprofit dance group from Kent, dazzled the crowd with a series of opening dances on their first outing to the island.
The director of the group, Connie Muniz, recounted her group’s exciting ferry ride over to Vashon. Muniz said she had lived in Washington for 27 years but had never before taken a ferry ride — an experience she was thrilled to share with her community of dancers.
The group regularly performs throughout the region, at venues that have included the Washington State Fair, the Tacoma Mosaic Festival, and Emerald Downs.
Comunidad Vashon
Comunidad, a local nonprofit, is dedicated to fostering a thriving Latino community.
Its focus areas include the environment, health, and climate justice; youth power through leadership and democracy; community-led economic development; and community pride and action.
Ongoing efforts include a partnership with MLK Labor Council to connect Latino youth with career pathways; monthly youth leadership meetings to build confidence, cultural pride, and action plans for systemic change; an alliance with Skyway Coalition and White Center CDA (United for a Community-Led Economy) to catalyze the talents and ideas of BIPOC communities in unincorporated King County; and skill-building workshops and an active internship program.
During the pandemic, Comunidad organized vaccination education and created bilingual infographics with the Union of Concerned Scientists, which were used nationwide. In response to the impacts of COVID-19, the group also did outreach for local rent assistance efforts and created programs for economic assistance.
Comunidad’s youth-led programs also include get-out-the-vote efforts and peer-to-peer tutoring and support services.
Find out more about Comunidad at the Facebook page Comunidad Latina Vashon.
A lively mix of music got folks up and moving at the Mercado. (Elizabeth Shepherd photo)
Comunidad’s Mercado was a celebration of cultures, entrepreneurship, and community spirit. (Elizabeth Shepherd photo)
Booths run by entrepreneurial island youth included this one — offering glittery nail art. (Elizabeth Shepherd photo)
Waiting in line gave families time to figure out what to eat at the Mercado. (Elizabeth Shepherd photo)
