The University of Toledo kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month on Tuesday with a street fair and public celebration at the heart of UT’s main campus.

The afternoon event on Centennial Mall featured musical performances, free food, and information about UT student groups and services. It was the first of several events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which recognizes contributions by those of Hispanic and Latino heritage. It runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

The grassy mall was bustling with students and artists. Tejano singer Yvonne performed, as did dance group El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico. The event also had health screenings and giant inflatable slides.

Tuesday’s event of was first of many to promote awareness and to celebrate the diversity of the Latino community in Toledo, said Kassandra Reyna, president of the UT Latino Student Union.

PHOTO GALLERY: Hispanic heritage celebration at UT

One of their goals is to show Hispanic means more than Mexican, Ms. Reyna said, adding that the Latino Student Union has members who have roots in Central and South America and the Caribbean.

“We’ve always really emphasized the Mexican heritage,” she said. “But we say Latino Student Union, and we need to be more open to everyone else,” which involves “getting to know the differences within our own culture because we are so diverse.”

The events include a talent show, panel discussion, and a cooking demonstration featuring dishes from various countries. Works by artist Arsinio Velasquez are on display in the Student Union Trimble South Lounge as part of the celebration. They are sponsored by the UT Office of Excellence and Multicultural Student Success and the Latino Student Union.

Ms. Reyna said the Tuesday’s kick-off event was a success.

“We had a lot of people come out, it was really nice,” she said. “I’m happy it was our first event to have a good start to the month.”

Upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events will be on the University of Toledo campus. Visit ​www.utoledo.edu/​studentaffairs/​oemss for event information.

Sept. 24: Latino Idol singing competition, 8 to 10 p.m.

Sept. 29: Cocina Latina, 6 to 9 p.m. Latino Student Union members will demonstrate how to prepare Hispanic dishes.

Oct. 13: Film screening of Cesar Chavez, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 15: Panel discussion, “The Role of Latinos.” 6 p.m., UT Student Union, Room 2584.

Contact Lauren Lindstrom at llindstrom@theblade.com, 419-724-6154, or on Twitter @lelindstrom.

First Published September 16, 2015, 4:00 a.m.