LAFCU Heritage Fest draws hundreds to celebrate culture, community in West Lansing

Music, dance, food, and family fun brought hundreds together in late September at LAFCU’s headquarters for the credit union’s annual Heritage Fest, a free community event celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the Greater Lansing region.

Held at LAFCU’s headquarters in West Lansing, the festival featured performances by Worship Without Words dance group, Fantasia Ballet Folklorico, funk/R&B band The Love Effect, and entertainers including Jeff the Magician and Stilt Dance Project. Families also enjoyed bounce houses, an interactive Money Machine, and a video game truck.

An artifact table showcasing a variety of items including currency, garments, vases, and dishes from countries such as Nigeria, Japan and Pakistan, offered guests a chance to explore traditions from around the world. Food trucks lined the venue, serving a variety of cuisines, while community members joined the celebration in traditional attire to honor their own heritages.

“Heritage Fest is one of the ways we honor the many cultures that make up our community,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU’s chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer. “Each year it gives us the chance to celebrate traditions while also discovering something new about our neighbors and the diverse region we call home. It was wonderful to see families, friends, and community members come together in that spirit of connection and discovery.”

The annual Heritage Fest underscores LAFCU’s long-standing commitment to community engagement and its mission to support financial and cultural well-being in Michigan. This year marked the third annual Heritage Fest, the first year it was open to the public.