Citing concerns for safety of participants and vendors, two organizations in Central Oregon have canceled their cultural events: The Latino Community Association’s annual Latino Fest in Madras and The Fathers Group’s Juneteenth event in downtown Bend.

There is a fear among the immigrant community members that there might be enforcement action when a large group of Latinos gather, said Catalina Sánchez Frank, Latino Community Association executive director. 

Each September the Latino Fest, which has been held since 2018, draws about 2,500 people to the tiny town of Madras at Sahalee Park. About 200 vendors and community partners also set up booths selling food and providing outreach to the community. 

“It’s a big loss for the community,” said Ana Bueno, Latino Community Association client services manager in Madras. “We are doing this for the safety of the community.  It was a hard decision to make. We want to provide a safe space for everyone.”

Kenneth Adams, executive director of The Father’s Group, which puts on a two-day event celebrating Juneteenth at Drake Park, said the decision was made to cancel the event because it’s impossible to provide security in the area. That event, which celebrates the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of Black Americans, was scheduled for June 21-22

“We put safety for the community first,” Adams said. “With the increased nationwide agitation and chatter about violence against communities of color, as an organization we felt it was best to cancel.”

A smaller event, however, is being planned at the Campfire Hotel on Third Street, Adams said. Details were still being hammered out, he said. 

The events bring together community members and provide for cultural and educational exchanges. In addition, local businesses benefit from the influx of people. Madras Mayor Mike Lepin said last year he counted flags from 13 Latino countries being represented at the festival. He recalled sitting next to someone who drove from Portland to attend.

“It’s one of the largest Latino festivals in Central Oregon,” Lepin said. “Madras is the most diverse city in Oregon and a festival like this points out the diversity in our community.”

One of the community partners, Mosaic Community Health, uses the event to do community outreach and offer health education to the community, said Elaine Knobbs-Seasholtz, Mosaic Community Health chief strategy officer. 

“We want to ensure that anyone who needs care or support can get it when they need it,” Knobbs-Seasholtz said. “Unfortunately the immigration climate means that there is the potential for a ‘cooling effect’ or avoiding necessary healthcare or other supports.

“Along with our community partners and other healthcare organizations around the country, we are monitoring this closely while continuing to maintain our commitment to providing quality care for all in a safe, welcoming environment. 

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) expressed sadness that Madras would not be hosting the annual event. 

“It’s unfortunately unsurprising that (President Donald Trump’s actions) have terrified organizers of wonderful local festivals like this one in Madras that celebrate immigrants’contributions while generating pride and economic activity in the community,” Wyden said. 

Business owner Andre Jackson, who just launched his restaurant at The Spot in Madras, said canceling an event like the Latino Fest is one less opportunity for the community to show off what makes it special. As a new business owner, Jackson said, Madras has made him feel welcome. 

“When I founded The Spot I wanted to make a place  that everyone feels welcome to come to and safe,” Jackson said. “To hear that people in our community don’t feel safe, makes me sad.”

Reporter: 541-633-2117, suzanne.roig@bendbulletin.com