Mercado de la Western celebrates opening day with a ribbon cutting ceremony

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The City of South Bend and the Latin Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 29, celebrating the opening of Mercado de la Western.

"We're here celebrating the Mercado of Western and also Sonia Perez's notary, and I just said that I'm very proud of her and her family, all that they have endured, and how they are working with the community to make a difference," said Paula Sowers, the President of Latin American Chamber of Commerce.

The ceremony featured an outdoor market, and the opening of Sonia Perez's notary.

South Bend Mayor James Mueller attended the event and said he thanks the Perez family for what they're doing for the community and future generations, "the more we encourage our kids to get involved in in doing things, doing things positively for the community, and you can help the community while still getting ahead. So, these are all great lessons."

Perez said the local vendors are like local families, "this market is for the community, for you guys, for the people, for our aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews."