By Adelmi Ysita
Boyle Heights Beat
From lyrical mashups to bachata, music blasted from a stage set up in the middle of the intersection of First and Chicago Streets, near the Benjamin Franklin Library, the Hollenbeck Police Station and Councilmember José Huízar’s office. Laughing children waited their turn to bungee jump, while their parents and grandparents kept a close eye as they browsed the booths.
The Boyle Heights Youth Festival on Saturday, June 3, brought together kids of all ages and adults as well. The event was organized by young members of various local organizations and attracted both residents and visitors to Boyle Heights.
“This event is held and made for youth by youth,” said Brianna Lopez, a senior at Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School.
Booths were set up by a number of organizations or city agencies, including the Mayor’s Youth Council, the Los Angeles Police Department and even the Boyle Heights Beat. Event goers could walk around and be informed about opportunities and resources available for youth in the neighborhood. They also enjoyed lots of free food.
Members of the police department’s cadet program walked around the venue in pairs along with paleteros offering a variety of options, including watermelon, tamarindo, cookies and cream, and many more. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers and elotes were also offered throughout the festival, which closed off two city blocks.
Aside from the great food and booths, there were many forms of entertainment. A rock climbing wall was set up, along with a bungee jumping installation, and poetry was read and live music played on the stage.
All photos from Boyle Heights Youth Festival Facebook page.
