The RAICES Festival will bring a celebration of culture, diversity and community to Frankfort, with thousands expected to enjoy food, entertainment and cultural activities.
Launched in 2019, the annual festival attracts an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 people and features live entertainment on the Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage, a variety of food and vendors, traditional Latin American clothing displays, a flag salute honoring the community’s diversity, and live food demonstrations.
This year’s celebration will also feature Las Posadas: Light & Hope, taking place Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Prairie Creek Park, located at 260 E. Washington St. in Frankfort.
Mini Model Contest
As part of the Las Posadas celebration, the RAICES Festival is hosting a Mini Model Contest inviting Clinton County residents ages 5 and older to create their own colorful handmade lantern inspired by Las Posadas.
Entries must be handmade and may be no larger than 2 feet by 3 feet, with a maximum height of 18 inches. Participants may enter individually or as a team of up to four people. Bonus points will be awarded for lanterns that light up.
Entries are due by 4 p.m. September 9 at the Purdue Extension Office, 1111 S. Jackson Street.
Prizes will be awarded on stage during the festival on September 19. First place will receive $200, second place $100 and third place $50. All project models will be displayed during the festival.
The Mini Model Contest is sponsored by Cruzin Dumpsters.
2026 RAICES Essay Contest
The Frankfort Lions Club is also sponsoring a 2026 RAICES Festival Essay Contest for Clinton County high school students in grades 9-12.
Students can choose from two essay prompts focusing on Las Posadas, shelter, belonging, generosity and modern social issues.
Essays must be double-spaced, use Times New Roman 12-point font, have one-inch margins and be no more than 500 words. Students must include their name, submission date, grade level, school name and the prompt they answered.
Essays are to be emailed to Esmeralda Cruz at cruze@frankfort.k12.in.us.
The contest offers $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place, with prizes presented to the top three contestants on September 19.
RAICES 2026 Art Contest
Students in middle school and high school who live in Clinton County are also invited to participate in the 2026 RAICES Art Contest.
This year’s theme is “The Door Opened for Me.” Students are asked to illustrate a moment when someone welcomed them or gave them an opportunity, either literally or figuratively.
Artwork may be no larger than 13 by 19 inches and must be submitted to Esmeralda Cruz at the Purdue Extension Office, 1111 S. Jackson St.
The deadline to enter is 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 9.
Prizes will be awarded separately for middle school and high school entries. In each division, first place will receive $120, second place $60 and third place $30. Winners will receive their prizes on Saturday, September 19.
The art contest is sponsored by Psi Iota Xi, which supports communities in speech, hearing, art, music and literature.
The RAICES Festival invites families and friends to come together September 19 to enjoy the music, food, traditions and activities while celebrating the diverse cultures that make up the Frankfort community.
