Mexico delegation in Springfield to celebrate ArtsFest

Mariachi performers, city officials and an artisan are among the representatives of Springfield's sister city, Tlaquepaque, Mexico, visiting the city this weekend.

ArtsFest, the city's annual celebration of art, music and performance on Historic Walnut Street, runs May 1-2 and is in its 30th year in 2010. The performers from Mexico are among this year's scheduled events, which also include artists, craftspeople, musicians and food from around the region.

Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitlan, an all-female mariachi group, is once again part of ArtsFiesta – a celebration of Hispanic culture as part of ArtsFest – performing on the main stage at 12:30 p.m. and from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, along with a number of other local Hispanic dance and performance groups.

The mariachi group will also visit area elementary schools, Missouri State University and the Springfield Cardinals game today, and take trips to the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch, Central High School and the Missouri Hotel on Tuesday.

Artist Hector Salgado also returns to Springfield, showing off his unique jewelry designs using silver and stones. His work will be available for sale at ArtsFest.

More information on ArtsFest, including a full schedule of events and booths, is available at the event Web site.

Tlaquepaque city officials will meet with their Springfield counterparts next week and discuss public land maintenance, emergency management and public assistance programs.