A splash of carnival colour, tropical rhythms and community pride will take over the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 250 hall on May 31 as Kitimat hosts its second annual Latino Party fundraiser in support of the 2556 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps.
“We want people to get dressed and be prepared for a party,” said organizer Marines Agudo.
The event promises a vibrant night of dancing, music and costumes—all while raising funds for the growing cadet program. DJ Werdbird, a local Canadian-Mexican disc jockey, will keep the dance floor moving with salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata, reggaeton and tropic house.
This year’s theme is Carnival, an energetic nod to Latin America’s iconic celebration from Brazil to the Caribbean and beyond. Organizers are encouraging guests to embrace the spirit by dressing in festive attire, though Agudo said elaborate costumes aren’t necessary.
“People can do a web search for Latin Carnival photos for inspiration and do their best to have fun with it,” she said.
In true carnival tradition, standout costumes will be rewarded with prizes for best dressed. A photo wall will capture the memories, while pizza and tropical drink specials fuel the festivities into the night.
But the event is more than just a celebration. Proceeds will support essential expenses for the cadet corps, including uniforms and equipment storage. Since the partial condemnation of Mount Elizabeth Middle Secondary School, where gear was once kept, the corps has faced new storage costs.
“The cadets, while a government program, are only partially funded by the government,” Agudo said. “Parents must contribute also either directly or through fundraising.”
Membership in the corps has nearly doubled in the past year, with more than 50 cadets now enrolled—an impressive milestone that makes the 2556 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps the largest north of Kelowna. This rapid growth not only reflects rising interest among local youth but also points to the program’s strong leadership and positive community presence.
That success was formally recognized earlier this year when the corps received the Roy Rigby-Jones Award, one of the highest honours given by the Army Cadet League of Canada (B.C. Branch). Presented during a special parade at Mount Elizabeth Middle Secondary on March 4, the award highlights a cadet corps that has demonstrated outstanding leadership, meaningful community engagement and a firm commitment to youth development.
Agudo, originally from Venezuela, has lived in Kitimat for three years. Both her children are cadets, and she wanted to bring something new to the fundraising that's so vital for the program.
“I wanted to have something new for the community,” she said, adding she hosted similar events while living in Russia, with proceeds going to orphanages. “They love it because people love to dance, even if you don’t have a partner. Everybody can dance and everybody can follow.”
Inclusivity is also baked into the evening. Agudo said the event is designed for dancers of all levels.
“The Latinas who know how to dance will more or less teach the people who don’t have a clue,” she said with a laugh.
The night is also a show of appreciation for the Legion, which has once again opened its doors to the fundraiser.
“The Legion has always been very open and supportive to us,” said Agudo. “It’s a win-win situation as we look to the continuation of the program.”
Tickets are $40 and available at the Legion during opening hours or by emailing kitimatlatinparty@gmail.com.
