BEMIDJI — The Headwaters Regional Development Commission, partnering with Bemidji State University and the United Way of Bemidji Area, hosted its second communitywide picnic on Sept. 17.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the event was a celebration of Hispanic and Latin culture, music and food.
Larissa Donovan
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KAXE
Wednesday, Sept. 17, culminated with the BSU President's Reception as well as Live United Day, prompting the partnership.
Attendees were able to register for door prizes and gather information from various informational booths, as well as fill out resident surveys.
Hosted by the city and the Headwaters Regional Development Commission, a free community picnic drew hundreds to Nymore Park on July 29, 2025.
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The Latin Block Party in Bemidji on Sept. 17, 2025, featured free food plates that included fresh melon, elotes, empanadas, plantains, jicama and steak or chicken tacos.
Larissa Donovan / KAXE
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Community members line up for fresh melon, elotes, fried jicama and plantains and tacos during a community picnic on the Bemidji State campus on Sept. 17, 2025.
Larissa Donovan / KAXE
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Beaver Football players join the queue after a practice at the nearby Chet Anderson Stadium on Sept. 17, 2025.
Larissa Donovan / KAXE
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The community picnic on Sept. 17, 2025, was hosted at the American Indian Resource Center on the Bemidji State campus, featuring vendor and informational booths celebrating Hispanic and Latin-X heritage and culture.
Larissa Donovan / KAXE
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A keynote speaker discusses the Chicano movement in southern California during the 1960s during the Latin Block Party in Bemidji on Sept. 17, 2025.
Larissa Donovan / KAXE
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Audience members fill the American Indian Resource Center gathering room during a keynote speaker address during the Latin Block Party in Bemidji on Sept. 17, 2025.
Larissa Donovan / KAXE
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Bemidji Planning Director Jamin Carlson interacts with residents during the Latin Block Party on Sept. 17, 2025.
Larissa Donovan / KAXE
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Bemidji Area Reporter Larissa Donovan looks back on her work reporting for northwestern Minnesota in 2025 during her ninth year as a journalist. -
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