By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
The Friends of the Orion Township Library group are continuously looking for ways to engage the public while centering them around something of educational value. As spring has kicked in the door and the temperatures are rising, the group is looking to host a traditional and authentic event called the 2015 Passport to Spring: Mexico
Ideas were tossed around about which country the group wanted to select. In years passed they’ve highlighted cities like Rome and Paris and have always considered Mexico but have never hosted the event based on where Mexico resides on the globe.
‘We weren’t sure if it would be exotic enough based on it’s proximity but in reality it is,? said Patricia Warrick, Public Relations and Book Sale Chair for Friends of the Orion Township Library. ‘We wanted to do something more on this side of the world.?
Taking place on Saturday, May 16, they originally wanted to promote the colors and traditions of Mexico. Being from Mexico herself, Warrick wanted to be able to show that her country is about more than sombreros and parties.
Warrick and the others within the Friends of the Library group made contact with Mexicanas en Michigan; a group made up of over 2,000 Mexican women through out Michigan. The ladies jumped at the opportunity to promote a more honest image of Mexico and will be transforming the library into several themes that Mexico is known for but not often portrayed correctly.
They’ll have different areas representing the rich food culture of Mexico, the history of the country and its increased industrialism.
Word had spread even further about the event and soon Warrick was getting contacted from various Mexican entrepreneurs based in Metro Detroit offering donations and support. Mexican professional dance teachers will be offering free dance lessons while tequila company, Tequilera Cabresto, provided all the tequila at no charge. Forest Mexican Cantina on Lapeer Road also heard of the upcoming event and donated all of the food that will be served.
‘It’s amazing how many people have heard about it and wanted to be a part of it because of how authentic we’re trying to make it,? Warrick said.
The buzz of the authentic event made its way to the Consulate of Mexico. They’re allowing the library to borrow photography pieces of Mexico’s landscapes. The Director of Tourism within the Consulate, who wanted to continue the message of promoting authenticity, will be sending an authentic mariachi band that will be playing throughout the event.
‘We want to be able to show Mexican tradition and culture that some people perhaps aren’t familiar with,? Warrick said. ‘By doing this event we hope to continue to fund programs that would otherwise be eliminated through budget cuts.?
The Friends of the Library support large events like the Summer Reading Program and the Battle of the Books. They also host events aimed at all ages including Book Bingo, video game tournaments and super hero days.
Passport to Mexico will take place on Saturday, May 16 from 7-10p.m. at the Orion Township Public Library located at 825 Joslyn Road. The cost is $35 ($40 if paid at the door). Because there will be alcohol served, the event is for adults only. Tickets and information are available at orionlibrary.org/friends.