Central and South American culture celebrated at June Fest

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A new Chattanooga festival, June Fest, celebrated Central and South American culture in East Lake Park on June 10.

The event was made free to the public and hosted in the heart of East Lake, one of Chattanooga’s oldest parks.

Director of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors Brian Smith said, “So it’s a wonderful celebration here as we are celebrating culture here in the East Lake community. They’re dancing, they’re singing, and enjoying some great music. That’s exactly what we love to see.” 

This is the very first June Fest hosted at the park and there was a great turnout.

The fiesta included food, drinks, crafts, and live performances from bands and dancers.

Various vendors and organizations attended and joined in on the fun!

“I’ve never been to one of these festivals and it’s so, so much life everywhere. So much color and culture and I love it,” Vendor Paulina Reyes said.

Many cultures contributed to the event, giving an array of activities and items.

East Lake Park has been redone and is a neighborhood park for a variety of cultures.

Co-Founder of Culture Chatt Jaime Kerns said, “For me the June Fest is really a blending of the cultures in Central in South America because they love family, they love gathering with friends, they love sitting at parks, being together outside and having a good time.”

Culture Chatt contributed to this event and called it June Fest because many Latin American cultures host celebrations in June.

The event celebrated diversity in the community and hosted many people in the East Lake area.