At eight YMCAs around the Twin Cities next week, anyone is welcome to sample Mexican foods, participate in a 5-on-5 basketball tournament or get a flu shot — among other free events.

From Wednesday through Sept. 24, the YMCA of the North is participating for the first time in Welcoming Week, said YMCA spokesperson Joan Schimml.

The week features “events to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to our communities,” according to a news release. Schimml added that members and non-members of the YMCA are invited to attend.

The events also aim to promote the YMCA’s New American Welcome Centers.

A community resource fair with food, dance, music, community services and flu shots will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at White Bear Area YMCA, 2100 Orchard Lane in White Bear Lake, and 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, at Maplewood Community Center YMCA, at 2100 White Bear Ave. in Maplewood.

A health and wellness resource fair including interactive youth activities, information about the Y Diabetes Prevention Program, food shelf, health screenings and a sports sampler will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at Minnetonka Heights apartment complex, 5809 County Road 101 in Hopkins, and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at Ridgedale YMCA, 12301 Ridgedale Drive in Minnetonka.

Mexican Independence Day celebration with a Latino dance group, free Zumba classes, a Mexican food truck, music and more will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at West St. Paul YMCA, 150 Thompson Ave. E. in West St. Paul.

A community picnic with food and cultural conversations will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Burnsville YMCA, 13850 Portland Ave. S. in Burnsville.

An open house with food, conversations, and other activities will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at River Valley YMCA, 3575 North Berens Road N.W. in Prior Lake.

A community event with food, community resources and youth 5-on-5 basketball tournament is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Emma B Howe YMCA, 8950 Springbrook Drive N.W. in Coon Rapids.

Finally, the Eastside YMCA, at 875 Arcade St. in St. Paul, will host a community event featuring a variety of cultural foods, Somali community resources and group exercise classes from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22.

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