Hide Article Text (OCR)
Mexican Tleritaf) fiesta alessonculture1funBy ALICIA HORTONPort Arthur News Staff WriterLara Ybarra was crowned the 1997 Miss Mexican Heritage at the 29th annual Mexican Heritage Fiesta sponsored by the Mexican Heritage Society at the Port Arthur Civic Center.Upon receiving the honor, Ybarra said she was, “shocked.”“I’ve always dreamed of this,” she said. “I’m proud of my heritage. I’ll serve my reign to the best of my ability.” Ybarra received $750 scholarship, a trophy and a gold charm.Monica Vital was awarded Miss Congeniality. Tanya Soto won the second runner-up title and a $200 scholarship and Nina Canizaleswon the title of first runner-upand a $100 scholarship. Vital, Soto and Canizales also received a trophy.President of the MHS, Leola Menchaca, said the fiesta’s purpose is to celebrate Mexican Independence Day to continue the tradition of our heritage.“This is to teach our children and great-grandchildren about their ancestral roots,” Menchaca said. “It is also a time for every-body to get together to enjoy good music and good food.”Menchaca said the society anticipated as many as 800 people to attend the event. Money generated from the fiesta goes towards scholarship and community projects.U.S. Rep., Nick Lampson made a guest appearance and Port Arthur Mayor, Robert Morgan, read a proclamation designatingSept. 15-Oct. 15 as Mexican Heritage Month.Mason English, a first grade student at Ridgewood Elementary School in Port Neches said this was his first time attending the fiesta but he will return next year, “because of the music. The music makes it tun.”His grandmother, Vi Hernandez of Nederland said she has been attending the fiestas for thepast 20 years.“I come to see the children and listen to the music, Hernandezsaid.“I’m her for a multi-purpose reason,” Franciso Molina, Sr., of Nederland said. “Mostly for entertainment for my wife and myself and our niece,” was a “candidate for the queen.”We came, “most importantly, for our four grandchildren to learn about their Mexican heritage,” he said. “We get away from the original roots and concepts. Even if it’s just once a year, I think this is a good event to have to teach,” children “about their heritage.” Lacey Flores, a first grade student at Odgen Elementary School in Beaumont said, “the dancing made, “ the fiesta “fun. When I grow up I want to dance in the fiesta.”Flores’ sister, Danielle, a third grade student at Odgen Elementary School said she enjoyed the dancing as well.The other fun part about the fiesta Danielle said, “was we got our faces painted and colored a flower pinata.”The sisters also added that the authentic food was good — betterthan Taco Bell.Some of the local entertainment was presented by The Folkloric Dancers who performed The Wedding Dance for the state of Puebla in Mexico; children singers fromFranklin and Washington Elementary Schools who sung Decolores in Spanish, a song that stresses the beauty of spring, the colors of the rainbow and focuses on the colors of humanity; and the Texas Lighting Cloggers from Port Arthur.Winners in the Art Show Advance category was Terry Erwin with first place for “Ashes to Ashes” and second place for “Rio Grande City”; and Ozzie Vela with third place for “Frigid Morning.” In the Art Show Peg Morgan won Honorable Mention with “Portrait of Woman.”In the Professional category of the Art Show, Doris Webb won first place for “Window Scene” and second place for “Group of Jars.” The fiesta will continue 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
Newspaper Details
Port Arthur News
Port Arthur, Texas, US
Sun, Sep 14, 1997
Page 11
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
VA, USA 30 Aug 2020
Other Publications Near Port Arthur, Texas
Port Arthur Community Post
Port Arthur News Community Post
Port Arthur News
Port Arthur Daily News
