An inaugural Latin Fest, to be presented by Corona Extra, will celebrate Hispanic Heritage month this weekend at the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers.
The event will be held Oct. 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
This first-time festival is focused on traditional and folkloric music, arts and crafts and children’s activities. Attendees also will be able to enjoy traditional Latin food from countries including Spain, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and more.
Locally-renowned performers, arts and crafts merchants and diverse food vendors will surround the center parking area of the Shell Factory property located off of U.S 41.
Musical entertainers will include national recording artist “Valerie” and Batey Latin Jazz. Other entertainment scheduled for the weekend is Southwest Florida’s favorite Spanish Clown, Galactin; First Assembly of God’s Praise Band and the Parade of Nations (a celebration of many Hispanic countries). The Fred Astaire Dance Studio will have a demonstration of Latin dance techniques and there will be entertainment on three stages including the main outdoor stage, an indoor stage in Capt’n Fishbones’ Dolphin Room and the children’s stage. Children can enter a Children’s Dance Contest for a chance to win $500 worth of prizes.
Jackie Figueroa of WUVF Univision also will be on hand to meet attendees and enjoy the festivities.
Promoters are hopeful that the festival will draw an estimated crowd of 10,000.
“With over 200,000 Hispanics now living in Southwest Florida, this year’s festival promises to bring great diversity,” said festival coordinator Pam Cronin in a prepared statement. “This will be a weekend for the family to enjoy the day, share traditions and celebrate their Hispanic heritage. We are thrilled to add this event to our ever-increasing list of ‘Fests’ held throughout the year.”
The main purpose of the event is the promotion of Hispanics and their culture. The Latino population is the fastest-growing community in Southwest Florida and the United States. The proceeds will benefit the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s scholarship fund and will help with environmental field trips for school age children.
Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under.
In addtion to Corona Extra/Suncoast Beverage Sales serving as this year’s Presenting Sponsor, additional sponsors include Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Univision SW Florida, Latino 97.7 and WWDT Telemundo.
For more information, call 239.995.2141 x117 or www.shellfactory.com