ROCHELLE — The Rochelle area community is cordially invited to participate in the Mexican Independence Festival, Friday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 14 at Atwood Park, Rochelle.

The weekend event, sponsored by the RTHS Spanish Club and the ELLOS scholarship committee, begins at 6 p.m., Friday with the festival’s queen coronation, followed by live music from local bands.

On Saturday, the festival continues with a parade at 11 a.m., which steps off from the First National Bank parking lot at First Financial Plaza on IL Route 38, Rochelle. The parade route continues south on Lincoln Highway and concludes at the corner of Lincoln and Cherry Avenue in downtown Rochelle. Authentic food and music will highlight the remainder of the day.

The community is also welcome to attend a soccer tournament at Helm’s Athletic Complex, which will take place Sunday afternoon.

Scholarship

All proceeds from the Mexican Independence Festival will go toward the ELLOS scholarship fund at Rochelle Township High School. This fund has awarded three $500 scholarships for the past two years.