Fiesta del Río, promoting Young Leadership through the "Sí Se Puede" award.

Wichita, Kansas | May 29th, 2026

By Claudia Amaro | Planeta Venus

RiverFest and Fiesta del Río volunteers pose in front of the iconic giant RiverFest piñata. Photograph courtesy of Rosalba Juárez.

The Latino community in Wichita, Kansas, is preparing to celebrate its culture, roots, and youth leadership at Fiesta del Rio, an inclusive event taking place on May 30, 2026, at Century II's Kennedy Plaza. As part of the traditional Wichita RiverFest, this day pays tribute to the Latino heritage with gastronomy, music, the local Mercadito, piñata contests, and, especially, the presentation of the "Sí Se Puede" award. All these activities not only entertain but also unite families in a safe space of representation and cultural pride, motivating and empowering new generations.

The Wichita RiverFest, considered the largest outdoor event in Kansas, began in 1970 to unite the city around the Arkansas River. Today, this festival attracts more than half of Sedgwick County's residents. In this great celebration, the Latino community has played an important role. Currently, nearly 76,500 people, about 19% of Wichita's population, identify as Hispanic or Latino, adding to the more than 370,000 Latinos living in Kansas.

Fiesta del Río is key to the visibility, social integration, and emotional well-being of the Latino community in the Midwestern United States. Events like this create bonds of trust, cooperation, and support between generations. Sharing this story is important because it allows young people to see themselves reflected, be inspired to take on leadership roles, and demonstrate that Wichita's identity is deeply tied to our Latino roots.

Volunteers from the Fiesta del Río Committee alongside the mariachi band. Courtesy of Rosalba Juárez.

The efforts of leaders like Rosalba Juárez are essential to making this event of pride and inclusion possible. Her story with the festival began just three years ago, when the company where she worked, Cargill, known for its focus on diversity, invited her to represent its sponsorship at the Fiesta del Río. What began as a dialogue group was transformed, thanks to teamwork, into an official committee led by Rosalba. Her motivation comes from empathy and family values: "The community gives us a lot, thank God, and it is something that I want to continue instilling in my children: that they are part of the community and that they can make a positive impact," she says, recalling her mother's example of participation since her childhood.

Motivated by her passion for working with young people, Rosalba proposed to the committee to create the "Sí Se Puede" Award. This recognition is aimed at young people of Latino origin between the ages of 18 and 30 and seeks to highlight those who strengthen the community through their service, leadership, and perseverance. Its objective is to give visibility to young people who contribute their talents to our community and often lack the resources or recognition that adults usually receive.

"We want them, those whom I call hidden heroes of the community, to be recognized and to tell them 'we are here, we are supporting you', because one day they are going to be the ones at the forefront," says Rosalba, highlighting her desire that these young people feel valued and decide to stay and grow up in Wichita.

Alex García, the first recipient of the "Sí Se Puede" Award. Courtesy of Rosalba Juárez.

The effect of this recognition is already noticeable. The first winner, Alex García, a young man with roots in El Salvador, received the award amid applause and shouts of joy from the audience, creating an atmosphere of unity and optimism. However, Rosalba's mission goes beyond public recognition or material awards from allied businesses, such as Adelitas Coffee Co. She sees the importance of connecting these young people with Latino mentors, leaders who understand their experiences and can guide them professionally. Sharing the same culture is invaluable: "It's very, very different because they understand the culture, and you don't have to explain a lot of things or the doubts that we sometimes have as Hispanics," Rosalba reflects.

Rosalba Juárez presenting the "Sí Se Puede" Award at Fiesta del Río 2025.

Fiesta Del Río is much more than just a pleasant afternoon by the river; it represents the spirit of "Sí, se puede," a phrase that recalls the historic struggle of Latino farmers and that sows hope in the youth of Wichita. To keep this movement growing, Rosalba invites mothers, family, and friends to visit Fiesta del Río's social networks or the wichitariverfest.com page to nominate young people who work to improve our community.

This year, nominations will open after Riverfest 2026. It's time to feel Latino pride and support those who are building a better future.