Agenda - 09-07-1999 - 9d - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 LA FIESTA DEL PUEBLO El Pueblo, anon-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the Latino community in Orange County and promoting cross-cultural understanding, has contacted Orange County, to assist with the sponsorship of La Fiesta del Pueblo. La Fiesta will be held September 18th and 19th in Chapel Hill at Chapel Hill High School. Katie Pomerans, the Chair of La Fiesta del Pueblo committee, has advised us that they have also requested funds from both Chapel Hill and Carrboro (see attached). The attached budget indicates a shortfall of $34,544.00, the conference committee hopes that corporate sponsorship (which is lagging behind last years' contributions), in-kind donations and the revenues generated from La Fiesta will cover the deficiency. La Fiesta, which is five years old, has grown tremendously. Because of the success of La Fiesta, both Durham and Wake Counties have expressed strong interest in moving La Fiesta to their respective counties. Hispanic leaders have expressed the desire that La Fiesta remain in Orange County; however, the time and expense are getting beyond their means. Durham and Wake counties have extended offers of a monetary nature as well as in-kind services to La Fiesta's committee to "sweeten the deal." Orange County is working with El Pueblo and the Hispanic/Latino community to keep La Fiesta in Orange County. Some background on the festival: La Fiesta del Pueblo began in 1993 with a small group of people getting together to organize a festival to share the Hispanic culture with the community. The first Fiesta was held at the Lincoln Center in Chapel Hill and was attended by 3,000 people. Last year, La Fiesta was held at Chapel Hill High School and more than 30,000 people attended. This year, La Fiesta will, once again, be held at the Chapel Hill High School and is expected to draw more than 35,000 people. La Fiesta has grown to be the State's largest Latin American cultural expositions. La Fiesta is much more than a "Party" where people enjoy dancing, music, food, soccer tournament and carnival rides, La Fiesta now attracts more than 100 business and community organizations. La Fiesta includes a Job Fair that offers opportunities for companies from around the State to recruit Spanish speaking and bilingual employees to help maintain their competitive edge. A Health Fair provides information on disease prevention, nutrition, childcare and other topics to the Spanish speaking population. This year, La Fiesta del Pueblo '99 will include a children's carnival with games, rides, animals and other children's activities as well as community information, language lessons and other attractions.