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Latino Festival is this Saturday
By David Lusk
The Weekly Post
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Published June 11, 2009
RAINSVILLE—An annual tradition will kick off again on Saturday when Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) hosts the sixth Latino Festival.
Representatives of the college describe the festival as “a celebration of Latino culture,” and hope that the exchange of experiences fostered there can lead to a greater mutual appreciation of Latino and local culture.
The festival begins at 12 p.m. and lasts until 4 p.m., and is free to the public. The event will have several family friendly features, including a live Latino band, Latino foods sold by local restaurants, free family portraits, authentic merchandise, free soft drinks and ice cream treats.
Children will especially enjoy the featured arts and crafts and games and activities. These will include Mexican bingo, pinatas, pony rides, paper flower making and puppet shows.
Susan Barron, one of the event organizers, explained why the event is so important to the college.
“It is a day that we can bring both of our cultures together, appreciate each other, enjoy each other, and we want to make sure that the Hispanics who live in our community feel welcome on our campus,” said Barron. “That they want to come to plays and concerts and think of us when they consider going to college.”
Dr. David Campbell, President of NACC, explained why the event is important to him.
“It’s a very rewarding experience, to be able to educationally showcase the different cultures that we have in our area,” said Campbell. “The better we know all the cultural traits and differences in the area, the better it is for everyone.”
Barron explained that virtually the entire college is involved now, as each year people have learned how much fun the festival can be.
“It really is just a fun day. All of our faculty and staff take part in it. It’s supported by the whole campus,” Barron explained. “It’s a good day to experience Latino culture and not have our campus divided.”
Barron added that the festival is not strictly for Latinos, but for everyone in the surrounding areas, and everyone is invited.
“It’s a day that anyone can enjoy. There’s great music, fabulous food, activities for children, free refreshments; anyone can enjoy this day,” Barron said. “It’s not just for Latinos—this is a community event.”
The campus is located on Alabama Highway 35 West.
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