Miami Dade College’s first Celebrando Juntos event will combine free family activities, community resources and scholarship support at Padrón Campus
A new community tradition is taking shape at Miami Dade College. The first Celebrando Juntos Community Fun Fair will welcome families to Padrón Campus on August 29 for a free day of entertainment, educational information and public resources designed to strengthen connections across Miami-Dade County.
Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event will bring residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations and civic partners together in an accessible setting. Families can expect children’s activities, live entertainment, food vendors, community exhibits and opportunities to learn about the college’s academic programs and student services.
The gathering is also connected to I AM MDC Day, an annual initiative celebrating Miami Dade College’s history while raising support for student scholarships. By combining family activities with educational outreach, organizers hope to introduce more residents to the opportunities available at the college.
“Padrón Campus has been part of Little Havana for decades, and this event celebrates the people and organizations that make the neighborhood so vibrant,” campus leaders told Calle Ocho News. They described Celebrando Juntos as an invitation to experience the campus as a place of education, culture, opportunity and belonging.
Celebrando Juntos Opens Padrón Campus to the Community
Celebrando Juntos was created to move beyond the brief interactions that often occur between institutions and the communities around them. Organizers want residents to spend time on campus, meet one another and build relationships that may lead to future educational, cultural and civic participation.
Dr. Oscar Loynaz, president of Padrón Campus, and Alfonso Ribero, chair of the Community Engagement Committee, said the campus is not simply located within the community—it considers itself part of it.
That relationship has developed over many years, but campus leaders believe some residents may not be fully aware of the resources available. In addition to academic programs, the event will give visitors an opportunity to explore those resources in a relaxed setting.
At Celebrando Juntos, children will be able to enjoy a bounce house, face painting, a petting zoo, interactive exhibits and a photo booth. Police and Fire Rescue vehicles will be available for families to explore, while the Miami-Dade County Mobile Library will connect visitors with reading materials and public library services.
The event will also include a farmers’ market, food trucks and live entertainment. Casino D’Primera is expected to offer salsa instruction, adding a cultural element reflective of the community surrounding the campus.
As part of a back-to-school giveaway, the first 200 children in attendance will receive backpacks filled with school supplies. The distribution is intended to help families manage educational expenses while giving students useful materials for the academic year.
Scholarships and Partnerships Expand the Event’s Impact
Celebrando Juntos is part of I AM MDC Day, which recognizes the founding and legacy of Miami Dade College while generating support for scholarships and student programs. Organizers view the connection between community engagement and financial assistance as central to the event’s purpose.
Scholarships can reduce the financial barriers that prevent students from beginning or completing their education. For working adults, first-generation college students and families managing rising living costs, financial support may determine whether higher education is within reach.
Campus leaders said the fair will allow prospective students and parents to learn about degree programs, workforce training, university transfer pathways and services for people returning to school. Staff members will be available to help residents understand that students do not have to navigate the college process alone.
The event also creates opportunities for collaboration among local businesses, nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Organizers said these partnerships make it possible to provide the activities, resources and school supplies at no cost to attending families.
The organizers would like to recognize and thank their Gold-level sponsors, which include the City of Miami Commissioner Ralph Rosado, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Vicki Lopez, The Miami Foundation and Starquix and their Silver-level sponsors, Mas Medical, Losanz Sports Cars, and DTORR Construction. Other community partners are also contributing services and resources.
While this is the first year of Celebrando Juntos, organizers hope it will become an annual gathering. Its long-term value may be measured not only through attendance, but also through the connections created between residents and services, prospective students and educational programs, or organizations that discover opportunities to work together.
Celebrando Juntos will take place August 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miami Dade College’s Padrón Campus. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public. Activities and the backpack giveaway may be subject to availability. Subscribe to Calle Ocho News for weekly Miami-Dade updates on education, culture and community events. Organizations interested in reaching a diverse South Florida audience may contact Pressnet Corp. for advertising, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities.