LAFCU Heritage Fest took place Friday, Sept. 26 at LAFCU’s West Lansing branch. This free community celebration featured live cultural performances, music, food, and family activities — including dance groups, a funk/R&B band, food trucks, giveaways, and more. Guests were also encouraged to wear traditional attire to celebrate their heritage.
MBN stopped by over the Noon hour to capture the performances, family fun, and vibrant community spirit.
LAFCU Heritage Fest held Friday, Sept. 26 in West Lansing
WHAT: LAFCU Heritage Fest, a free community event featuring culture, food, music and family fun. The event featured live performances by Worship Without Words dance group, Fantasia Ballet Folklorico, and funk/R&B band The Love Effect. Attendees also enjoyed Jeff the Magician, Stilt Dance Project, bounce houses, an interactive Money Machine, food trucks, giveaways, and more. Guests were welcome to wear traditional attire that celebrates their heritage.
Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer, LAFCU, Lansing, MI, shares the stage with some board members who discuss their volunteer spirit and celebration of the day’s festival. Then there are about 12 minutes of sights and sounds from during the festival, including a performance using “Black Is Everything” Ta’Rhonda Jones’ Audio. {This will be removed if needed}.
WHO: Community members of all ages attended. The event was free and open to the public.
WHERE: LAFCU West Lansing Branch | 106 N. Marketplace Blvd., Lansing, MI 48917
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 26
WHY: LAFCU Heritage Fest is a living expression of the credit union’s long-standing commitment to community engagement, celebrating the people, traditions, and cultural well-being that make the Greater Lansing region unique.
LANSING, Mich. — The world needs a little more connection right now, and LAFCU is answering the call with LAFCU Heritage Fest, a free community celebration Friday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the credit union’s main branch, 106 N. Marketplace Blvd., West Lansing.
The event showcases the rich cultural diversity of the Lansing region through music, dance, food, and family-friendly activities. Guests can enjoy live performances by Worship Without Words dance group, Fantasia Ballet Folklorico, and local R&B/soul artist Mikeyy Austin. Entertainment also includes Jeff the Magician, Ayinee the Stilt Walker, bounce houses, and an interactive Money Machine.
Food trucks will be on site throughout the day, and attendees can win exciting giveaways. Guests are welcome to celebrate their own heritage by wearing traditional attire and joining the festivities.
“LAFCU Heritage Fest is about celebrating the diversity and unity of our community,” said Kellie Swiger, LAFCU head of creative. “We’re proud to create a space where neighbors, friends, and families can come together to experience food, music, and traditions that reflect the vibrant cultures of our region.”
For LAFCU, the festival is more than a party; it’s a living expression of its mission to support financial and cultural well-being in the communities it serves.
“At LAFCU, diversity, equity, and inclusion are part of who we are and how we serve,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer. “Heritage Fest is a chance to honor the many cultures represented in our community and to celebrate the power of unity. By coming together, we strengthen our connections and build understanding that lasts far beyond a single event.”
LAFCU Heritage Fest reflects the Lansing-based credit union’s long-standing commitment to community engagement — celebrating the people and traditions that make the Greater Lansing region unique.
For more information, visit lafcu.com/heritagefest.
About LAFCU
Founded in 1936, LAFCU (pronounced laugh-cue) is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union open to all who live, work, worship or attend school in Michigan, and to Michigan businesses. LAFCU serves more than 74,000 members and holds over $1 billion in assets. With a particular focus on serving people of modest means, LAFCU is committed to enhancing its members’ financial well-being and creating long-lasting positive change across generations. Awarded the prestigious Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award, LAFCU is known for its people-helping-people mission, which has led to award-winning financial literacy programs for all ages. A three-time honoree as a national ‘Best Credit Union to Work For’ and recognized globally for its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, LAFCU stands out for its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. Learn more at www.lafcu.com.
