What's Happening in Tempe, AZ…

For a day of energy and inventive cooking, all of Tempe is invited to the 2014 Tempe Tardeada (a traditional Sunday afternoon social dance) at the 16th annual Hispanic Heritage Festival early next month.

This free event draws more than 12,000 people each year. As always, it is held as the grand finale of Hispanic Heritage Month to commemorate local Hispanic historical significance.

The Game Truck and an exhibit of Tempe History Museum’s Family Albums will be on hand, and food vendors will be selling Indian bread, lemonade, handmade cream, Mexican fruit pops, and kettle corn. There will also be live entertainment.

Non-profit organizations will have booths offering information or activities for the kids. Children can also enjoy arts and crafts, inflatables, dancing, and face painting. Those aged between five and twelve are invited to enter the Arizona Republic’s Tardeada Coloring Contest, in which pictures must be themed around Tempe’s Hispanic history.

Mayor Mark Mitchell will present $25 Target gift cards to the winners during the event, and their work will be displayed at the festival. Proud parents may want to take pictures of their little artists and their work for later postcard printing. The Mayor will also present two high school seniors with $1,000 scholarships.

The Tardeada will be held October 5, from noon to 8:00 pm, at the Tempe Community Complex.