Language is critical for navigating life, especially in a new country. These students, enrolled in English Language Learner classes at Iowa Central's Webster City Center, have been working on English vocabulary and grammar, and are now ready to practice their new skills. Meet them at Webster City's first Market Night of the season tonight downtown.

The English Language Learner — ELL — students of Iowa Central Community College’s Webster City campus want to meet you, and they’re going all-out to make it happen.

The place is Webster City’s first Market Night of the 2024 summer season.

The date is today, and the time from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in downtown Webster City.

The theme for the evening is “fiesta and bubbles,” and the students will be doing their best to create a festive atmosphere.

Market Nights this summer are sponsored by American Sanitation; entertainment tonight will be provided by Iowa Falls acoustic guitarist Kris Karr, sponsored by Availa Bank.

Chris Fullerton, instructor of the ELL classes, told The Daily Freeman Journal, “our students come from Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Venezuela, Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Nicaragua. They are new, or relatively new to Webster City, and want to tell you about the culture of their countries. Most of all, they hope to practice their new English skills with native English speakers.”

That’s where you, with your excellent English skills, come in.

The students will be offering free dance lessons, face-painting, games featuring Iowa Central-themed gifts as prizes, a photo booth, and a meet-and-greet area. Underneath all the fun, though, there’s a bigger mission.

“Our main objective is for these new Webster Citians to engage in community life and meet their new neighbors,” Fullerton said.

Free, noncredit English Language Learner classes are offered at Iowa Central’s Webster City campus, 1725 Beach Street, during both spring and winter sessions. They typically run two hours, from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. Prospective students must register to attend these classes. More information is available on 515-832-1632.

So as you enjoy the first Market Night of the season, be sure to stop by the Iowa Central booth and say “buenos dias.”

Expect to be greeted by a friendly face, and a “hello” in reply.