Latino Heritage Celebration 2008 Set for Sept. 26

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL---Recognizing the unique contributions made to the state by Latinos, Oklahomans are invited to come together during the Oklahoma Latino Heritage Celebration: Keep the Celebration Going/Que Siga la Celebración. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 26 at the Oklahoma City Farmers Public Market Auditorium at 311 S. Klein Ave.
Scheduled to appear are Traditional Mexican Music Duet, Norahua Mexican Folkloric Dance Company, vocal performance by Stephanie Peña, Salsa Dance by the Oklahoma City Salseros and the Guatemalan Folkloric Dancers.

In honor of the celebration, State Sen. Constance N. Johnson has issued an official proclamation. The keynote speaker will be Sgt. Paco Balderrama, public information officer, Oklahoma City Police Department.

Students who entered the Latino Heritage Essay Contest from the Language and Cultural Department of the Oklahoma City Public Schools will receive awards for their submissions.

Admission is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided free of charge by Cocina De Mino Mexican Restaurant.

The Latino Heritage Celebration is the largest state-sponsored event recognizing the contributions of Hispanic American to the state and is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma City Public Schools and the Latino Community Development Agency.

Supporters also include: Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant, Lopez Foods, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City Botanical Gardens, Panera Bread, Remington Park and Jose Roman.

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