9/8/2003 - From volunteers to performers, youth participate in festival

YOUTH IMPORTANT TO SUSTAINING CULTURE & HISTORY

The festival planning committee of Fiestas del Llano’s Fiestas Patrias Festival knew that it would be important to encourage interests from youth in the community. As such, this year a variety of students ranging from elementary to college have actively been involved in the planning, and execution of the 2003 festivities.

“By getting youth involved we (Fiestas del Llano, Inc.) encourage them to take an interest in the culture, as well as allow them to sustain this celebration,” said Christy Martinez, Festival Chair.

Among the groups involved NHI (National Hispanic Institute) will sale bricks that will be placed in the courtyard of the Hispanic Culture Center. Cadets of the Youth Corp will help to set-up tents prior to the festival; the Dunbar Junior High Spanish Club will serve as ushers at the pageant; and a few individual children will help in general volunteer activities throughout the festival.

Many local children will be featured performers of ballet folklorico, a new flamenco troupe, as well as a new youth mariachi group. In addition, artwork by local children will be featured during the art exhibit.

Many college groups will also be very active in this year’s festivities. The Inner Greek Council of Texas Tech University will have a variety of Hispanic Student groups will collectively help with set up, parade activities, and by providing service time during the event.

Several student groups will also be allowed to hold fundraisers within the festival to assist in their programs and scholarship endowment programs.

The four-day multi-arts, multi-event festival will be held September 11-14 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

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