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Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Plans for new La Fiesta de Elgin parade canceled by lack of entries
Plans for a La Fiesta de Elgin parade have been scrapped because too few people signed up to participate, but that won't stop them from trying again next year, organizers said. This year, they will return to the traditional caravan of cars, an event that has been held in past Elgin celebrations of Mexican Independence Day. La Fiesta de Elgin also will offer the traditional elements of live music, food vendors, a market and fireworks when it's held Saturday, Sept. 13. Making the jump from a caravan to parade proved more difficult than anticipated, according to Elgin City Councilman Anthony Ortiz. Friends of Masons organized the first caravan five years ago and approached the city last year about replacing it with a downtown parade, similar to the one held for the Fourth of July but as a gathering that would put the spotlight on Hispanic culture, Ortiz said. While a committee started putting plans together for the event in January, it became clear in the last few weeks that they would not have enough entries to pull it off, he said. 'It's our first year doing it. People just didn't know about it,' Oritz said. 'We have to go back to the drawing board and educate the community, tell them we are doing a parade and get them to sign up.' Ortiz said he hopes the event will make its debut next year and become another part of the day-long celebration, but until then the caravan will remain one of the main La Fiesta activities organized by the city in partnership with Centro de Informacion, Epic Real Estate Group, Elgin State Bank and Friends of Masons, he said. And attendees this year can look forward to an expanded La Fiesta de Elgin Mercado, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Riverside Drive. The street market will have Hispanic-owned businesses, live music, a car show and family-friendly activities, organizers said. Hours for the free evening festival will be 5 to 11 p.m. at downtown Festival Park, where a large replica of Mexico City's Angel of Independence will be on display and family activities, like a piñata smash, will be held. Bands slated to perform this year are Los Yaguarú, Estilo Al Norte, Sonora Dinamita and Banda Los Sebastianes. DJ Eddy P will serve as MC and be spinning tunes between sets. The celebration also will include El Grito, the traditional call for Mexico's independence, and will end with fireworks. As for the caravan, it is set to start at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Slade and Douglas avenues and end on Highland Avenue. Additional festival details can be found at
Business Wire
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and Southwest Capital Bank Award $220K to Special Needs Affordable Housing Development
SOCORRO, New Mexico--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Representatives from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Southwest Capital Bank (Southwest Capital) attended a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday for Vista de Socorro Apartments. Completion was made possible in part by a $220,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant through FHLB Dallas member Southwest Capital. Investing in affordable housing is a meaningful way to strengthen communities, create stability for residents and build a bright future for New Mexico families. Share Vista de Socorro Apartments is a 32-unit complex in Socorro, New Mexico, with one- and two-bedroom housing for low-income individuals and families. It has seven units reserved for people with disabilities. 'This project meets the pressing need for both affordable housing for at-risk populations and special needs residents,' said Anthony Ortiz, controller and senior vice president at Southwest Capital. 'We are so pleased to be a part of this project.' AHP funds assist FHLB Dallas members in financing the purchase, construction and rehabilitation of owner-occupied, rental or transitional housing and housing for individuals. The funds must be used to benefit households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the median income for the area. 'Investing in affordable housing isn't just good business—it's a meaningful way to strengthen communities, create stability for residents and build a future for New Mexico families,' said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. In 2024, FHLB Dallas awarded nearly $100 million in AHP grants for 4,833 units that support housing affordability in its District, which includes Arkansas. This year, $149.5 million has been allocated for the AHP, homeownership grants and voluntary programs, such as home repair assistance for military veterans and small business loans. Learn more about the FHLB Dallas Affordable Housing Program. About Southwest Capital Bank Southwest Capital Bank is a family-owned community bank in New Mexico, specializing in commercial lending and known for its focus on building relationships and supporting local businesses and communities. Their focus is on community banking, particularly commercial lending, with a strong emphasis on building relationships. Southwest Capital Bank was founded in 1890 and are headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $109.9 billion as of March 31, 2025, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit
