Mexican Fiesta fundraises for scholarships while celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hispanic Heritage Month is underway and Wednesday, Sept. 16 is Mexican Independence Day. Mexican Fiesta and the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Fund found a safe way to fundraise and for people to celebrate the day without leaving their vehicles.

People are invited to go over to Flores Hall, located on South 20th Street, for a margarita fundraiser and also to enjoy some of the sights, sounds, and tastes of Mexico.

Come out and celebrate #Mexico’s Independence Day with @mexicanfiestaWI. They’re having a celebration at Flores Hall that will include a drive-thru margarita station, live performances, and an educational history tour. All profits go towards their scholarship fund!! pic.twitter.com/4IWTFnYlIu

— Pari Cruz (@paricruz) September 16, 2020

Organizers say it isn’t just about celebrating the country’s independence, it’s an opportunity to highlight cultural awareness.

September 16 is a national holiday in Mexico, and celebrates the 210th anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain.

Different exhibits will be featured at Flores Hall, all from the safety of people’s cars.

Before you order and pick up your margarita as you drive into their parking lot, you will first view and learn about the history of Mexico’s flag since it first gained its independence in 1810, then you will see a traditional hacienda familiar to some from Mexican Fiesta, just past that will be a brief history of Mexico’s cuisine, and then you can pick up your drink and head on home to celebrate with it.

A lot of the time, Mexico’s Independence Day is mistakenly confused with Cinco de Mayo.

CBS 58 spoke with the organization’s executive director who said these types of events invite people to come together as a community in order to learn and embrace different types of cultures.

“We are proposing that an event that can bring awareness of the culture and is proposing to come together as a community, and learn together as community and learn as a community that different backgrounds are a way to embrace who we are,” said Teresa Mercado.

All proceeds raised will benefit the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation.

Organizers behind the event say it's just one of many events they have planned to fundraise for more than 50 student scholarships.