Celebrando Mexico comes to Mills Park

Food, sports and music with a distinct south-of-the-border flavor will be just some of the activities offered from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday at Mills Park and the community center.

"Celebrando Mexico," or "Celebrate Mexico" is sponsored by the Latino Parents Committee and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce as a way for local youth and families to mark the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which started Friday and ends Oct. 15.

And it's precisely the type of event that will allow singer Diego Diego to continue providing young people with a "positive message," he said.

"Yes, you can achieve dreams," Diego said. "I had positive role models, and I want to continue that example."

Diego is coming from Southern California to entertain the fiesta-goers. He's originally from the Yucatan Peninsula. His pop songs contain upbeat lyrics.

Among other expected guests is the Consul of Mexico, who will lead the crowd in a traditional El Grito ceremony.

Mexican Independence Day is today. "El Grito" is the re-enactment of Miguel Hidalgo's cry for natives to rise up after three centuries of oppression by the ruling Spaniards. The original Grito, which occurred at Dolores Guanajuato in 1810, is a cornerstone of the independence celebration.

A large group of volunteers have been preparing for this celebration for months, said Leticia Servin, president of the Latino Parents Committee.

"It's an event put together by the community for the community," she said.

This is its second year. The first celebration was at Centennial Park in 2005 and drew an estimated 2,000 people. That number is expected to be substantially higher this time and why the event required "a bigger place," Servin said.

Local girls also have been selling tickets for prizes. It has provided them a lesson about salesmanship and the three top sellers, broken into age groups, will be named as queens and receive prizes, Servin said.

Entry to the event itself is free.

Soccer also will be a big part of this event, and there will be several youth matches during the day. Other activities include folklore dancing, the Mexican version of Bingo and a game called "Musical Sombreros," where hats are quickly passed around instead of participants walking around a circle of chairs. A variety of arts and crafts, and workshops also will be offered.

Any money raised will go back to the schools for such programs as "Latinos Hacia la Excelencia," or "Latinos for Excellence," which recognizes outstanding Latino students.

The Latino Parents Committee is involved in a variety of activities around the city that aid Latino families, especially with education issues. It is seeking status as a nonprofit organization.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

If you go

WHAT: Celebrando Mexico

WHEN: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Mills Park and Community Center, 851 E. William St.

INFORMATION: 443-0976