Gilroy – The unsung heroes of the South Valley economy will get some recognition Sunday with Gilroy’s first Celebración del Campo festivities in Christmas Hill park.
Migrant workers, who pass through town each year at harvest time, are the guests of honor at the Celebration of the Field, a six-hour festival of food, art and entertainment, where Gilroy’s estimated 1,500 migrant families can also get health services and explore employment opportunities.
“This is a way to honor their hard work and all their contribution,” said Silvia Montoya, director of the South County One-Stop Center. “Without them we would not have food, we would not have flowers. This day is to honor them for everything they do.”
Among the major employers at the event will be Home Depot, Costco and Bonfante Gardens.
The Center for Employment Training, Second Start and Gavilan College will provide job training and there will be free dental checkup and diabetes tests.
There will also be food vendors and a farmers market, Mariachis, Mexican folklore dancing, storytelling, clowns and a variety of children’s activities.
Rudy Chavez Medina, nephew of famed labor organizer Cesar Chavez, will be the guest speaker.
Montoya gave credit for the event to Jeff Ruster, executive director of Silicon Valley Workforce Investment Network, one of number of service agencies associated with One-Stop.
“He was the one who initiated the Celebración del Campo,” Montoya said. “He deserves the credit.”
The event is Sunday, July 17, from noon to 6pm, at Christmas Hill park. Admission is free.
