Wenatchee event aims for record-setting community Lotería game

WENATCHEE — A familiar game rooted in tradition is being reimagined in Wenatchee this spring, as Parque Padrinos and Pinnacles Prep invite the community to come together for a record-setting night of Lotería built around local stories.

Set for April 24 at the Wenatchee Convention Center, “Let’s Make History Together” invites the community to take part in what organizers believe could become the largest game of Mexican Lotería ever played at one time.

For many, Lotería is instantly recognizable. The game, often compared to bingo, replaces numbers with images that carry cultural meaning and storytelling. In Wenatchee, those images have been reimagined through a local lens.

The version of the game being played on April 24 was created by a Pinnacles Prep high school Spanish class, guided by teacher Luis Rodriguez. Instead of traditional cards, players will see illustrations rooted in the valley itself, featuring local places, traditions, and identity. The images featured in the game were developed from ideas by students in the class, then brought to life by local artist Sara Hasslinger, whose work includes the well-known “Wenatchee” mural along Wenatchee Avenue.

The result is something that feels both familiar and entirely new, a game that reflects the community it is meant to bring together.

“This event is about bringing people together — celebrating culture, building community, and creating a shared moment we’ll never forget,” Rodriguez said. “We hope to see the Wenatchee Valley show up in a big way to help us make history.”

Organizers say the event is as much about connection as it is about the record attempt. Parque Padrinos, which has partnered with Pinnacles Prep on the event, has built its work around supporting inclusivity and strengthening community networks across the valley. The group has also been involved in efforts to support residents navigating immigration-related challenges.

While the evening will serve as a fundraiser, organizers emphasized that participation will not be limited by cost. Community members who face financial barriers are encouraged to reach out for donated tickets, part of a broader effort to ensure the event remains accessible. Those interested can do that by calling Sara Rolfs at (509) 300-8380.

The evening is structured to feel less like a single activity and more like a shared celebration. A patio party opens the event from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., followed by Lotería gameplay from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The night closes with a live concert from Los Faraones del Norte from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Food, drinks, prizes, and music will all be part of the experience, creating what organizers describe as a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.

Local businesses and organizations are also playing a role behind the scenes. Event organizers are continuing to seek partners to help spread the word, sell tickets, and contribute prizes. Early prizes include YMCA memberships and plants, with more expected as local sponsors join in.

Tickets are priced at $10 for individuals and $25 for families, and are available at the school’s website at pinnaclesprep.org/loteria.

For organizers, the hope is that the record attempt becomes secondary to something more lasting. A room filled with people, each holding a card that reflects their own community, all playing the same game at the same time.

Not just making history, but seeing themselves in it.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media