Latino Heritage Celebration 2006 Set for Oct. 13

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Hispanic Americans are one of many cultures that have strengthened Oklahoma by weaving their traditions of hard work, strong values and a sense of family into our state’s identity. The threads and patterns they’ve added to the tapestry that is Oklahoma will be recognized during the Oklahoma Latino Heritage Celebration.

The celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 13, at the Omniplex, located at 2100 N.E. 52nd St. in Oklahoma City.  In honor of the celebration, Gov. Brad Henry has proclaimed October as Latino Heritage Month.

Scheduled to appear are Folkloric dancers from Columbus Elementary School, Salsa and Flamenco dancers from Everything Goes Dance Studio, Panamanian Folkloric Dancers Entre dos Mares, Mexican Folkloric dancers Las Estrellas, traditional Mexican music from Los Viejitos Puerta De Oro and comic relief from the Central Oklahoma Clown Association. 

The keynote speaker will be Claudia San Pedro, director, Oklahoma Office of State Finance.  Honored guests include Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin, Oklahoma Department of Human Services Director Howard H. Hendrick, Reps. Debbie Blackburn and Gary Banz, Sen. Connie Johnson and Ernie Gomez with the Latino Community Development Agency. 

There will also be awards given to students from Oklahoma City Public Schools who entered the Latino Heritage Essay Contest. The essays will be on display at the Omniplex during the celebration.

Admission is free and open to the public.  Donations will be accepted to help continue this annual event. The Latino Heritage Celebration is the largest state-sponsored event recognizing the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the state and is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma City Public Schools, Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, the Latino Community Development Agency, the Salvation Army Puerta De Oro and the Omniplex.

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