Des Moines Area Community College VanKirk Career Academy in Perry invites the community to celebrate the end of the school year this week.

Director Eddie Diaz says the annual Tacopalooza will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday at the DMACC Perry Center, 1011 2nd Street. He adds that the family-friendly event will bring together students, staff, and community members for an afternoon of taco vendors, kids’ inflatables, live music and community fellowship.

The celebration will kick off with the Spring CNA Pinning Ceremony at recognition of Katie Tuel as Perry Rotary Educator of the Year at 3 p.m. Dorothy Stoltz, a DMACC staff member earning her associate’s degree, and Mike Thomason, retiring EMT instructor, will be recognized at 4:30 p.m.

Diaz shares that DMACC extends its sincere thanks to community partners, including the Perry Chamber of Commerce, Perry Public Library, Crossroads Church and the City of Perry, for their support in making this event possible.

“Tacopalooza is our annual event bringing the community together. We’re proud to celebrate student success while creating a fun, welcoming space for everyone.”

The evening will wrap up with live music starting at 6 p.m. at the Courtyard Café, featuring Lani, a Colombian-American singer, songwriter, accordion player and keyboardist based in Iowa, known for blending Latin music with American pop.