Hispanic celebration set Sept. 13

The Elmore County Hispanic Organization is gearing up for its second 16 de Septiembre Celebration to be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Carl Miller Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"This year's celebration should be one of the best ever," ECHO President Debbie Brito said.

Motivational speaker Jesse Berain will provide one of the highlights of the day. A former state legislator, one of the few Hispanics to ever hold such a post, Berain has served as the area director for HUD's Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office, has been the director of equal opportunity for the BLM, and has headed the Idaho Commission on Aging.

He is the only person to serve twice as the commissioner for the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, has been active in a large number of youth and community organizations, and has served as president of the Catholic Cursillo movement.

He was awarded the 94th "Point of Light," by former President Bush in 1995.

He will speak on the history of Hispanics in Idaho.

The 16 de Septiembre is a date of great importance for the Hispanic Community. It marks Mexico's Independence Day. Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest, raised the banner of a peasant revolution and led a barefoot army against the Spanish king in order to claim Mexico's independence.

This year ECHO is planning on providing Folkloric entertainment, a variety of food booths and activities for the whole family showcasing the Hispanic culture.

Anyone wanting to set-up a booth for the events in the park should contact Debbie Brito 587-2113 during the day.

ECHO's main mode of operation is based on conducting fundraisers to support scholarships for local students and help the local community.

A family dance also will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The cost is $10 per person pre-paid or $15 on the evening of event. The public is invited. Advance tickets are on sale at Arturo's Bakery in Mountain Home.