By Joseph M. Morgan

joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) will host the 13th annual Summer Latino Festival: A Celebration of Latino Culture on Saturday, June 4, 2016, from noon until 4 p.m. on the NACC campus.

The event, free and open to the public, will feature a Mariachi Band, live DJ, authentic dancers, delicious Latino foods sold by local restaurants, photo booth, Latino merchandise for sale, as well as free soft drinks and ice cream treats.

For children, there will be arts, crafts, games and activities including a climbing rock wall, inflatables, face painting, giant Jenga, Mexican bingo, piñatas, pony rides, trackless train, and puppet show.

“The Hispanic community is a very significant part of the Northeast Alabama area,” NACC event organizers said. “They contribute to the economy and culture of our area.  As part of the college’s mission as a community college, one way to reach out to this part of the community is to offer a day of fun activities, ethnic foods and music.”

In the summer of 2004 the first Summer Latino Festival was held on the NACC campus.  This June, 2016, is the 13th annual festival hosted.  “This day is as much fun for local citizens and NACC students as it is for the local Hispanic community,” NACC organizers said. “In bringing the two cultures together, the best that we have to offer can be shared. NACC wants the Hispanic community to know that they are welcomed to our campus as potential students and that their families are welcomed to all the events that are sponsored.  This festival has helped both heritages understand and appreciate one another.”

Tresha McClain, chair of the festival committee at NACC said that attendence has increased each year.

“This past year there were approximately 1,500 people on campus to enjoy the games, pony rides, and arts and crafts,” McClain said. “One of the most popular activities each year has been free family photos. We have free refreshments for everyone, as well as local Mexican restaurants selling great food.

“Our staff, faculty and students have taken on this project as part of their commitment and our outreach to the Latino community.   This has truly been an education in understanding cultures for most of our staff. Each year our numbers grow in the involvement of our employees. The fun that is had by both cultures has made this annual event one that our campus looks forward to each year.”

The Summer Latino Festival will be held this Saturday on the NACC campus located on Alabama Hwy 35 between Scottsboro and Fort Payne.  NACC said that everyone is encouraged to attend and bring a lawn chair to enjoy a Latino cultural explosion at NACC. For more information, about this year’s event, visit: www.nacc.edu