THPRD Celebrates Latino Culture With First Fiesta en el Parque on Aug. 19
The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District will debut a new festival in August with Fiesta en el Parque, a celebration of Latino culture, food and fun.
Fiesta en el Parque will offer a variety of free activities including music, dance, games and crafts from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 19, at Evelyn M. Schiffler Memorial Park in the heart of Beaverton’s Latino community. Guests will also be able to buy food and beverages from local vendors or pack a picnic.
“We’re jam-packing all kinds of fun into four hours,” said José Esparza, a community engagement specialist for the district who is organizing Fiesta en el Parque.
Esparza hopes at least 2,000 people enjoy the festival, which he expects to become an annual summer event. Everyone is welcome.
Besides being packed with fun, Fiesta also is part of THPRD’s ongoing effort to better connect diverse communities with the district’s many programs, Esparza said. About one quarter of the people who live in the Beaverton area identify as Latino.
As part of the planning process for Fiesta, Esparza sought ideas from local Latinos, including business and organization partners and students and parents. Their input largely shaped the festival, including its Sunday afternoon schedule to allow more families to attend.
The fun will include summertime favorites such as bounce houses, soccer activities and lawn games. Kids also can create Lucha Libre wrestling masks and decorative paper flowers at craft stations.
Metropolitan Youth Symphony will have an "instrumental petting zoo" at their booth at Fiesta. They will provide instruments that kids can learn how to hold and play while supervised by symphony representatives.
Parking is limited near Schiffler Park, so THPRD has arranged free shuttle service from Beaverton High School.
Volunteers will include Intel employees and Beaverton and Westview high school students.
Entertainment Schedule
2 pm Welcome and Announcements
2:10-2:40 pm Los Tata Qeris Alegres de Michoacan – Danza de Los Viejitos
3-4 pm Colectivo Son Jarocho de Portland
4:30-6 pm El Bajio Band
About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 250,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, 95 park sites with active recreational amenities, nearly 70 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and about 1,500 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.
| Contact: Bob Wayt Director – Communications 503/614-1218 (direct) 503/686-5134 (cell) |
Date: July 26, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Click here for official release (PDF). |