2008 Woodie Awards
MSU hosts cultural event with authentic Latin music, food, games, and 'baile'
George Pike
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Today, on campus, students can find a celebration of fun, events, food, dancing and prizes.
Nuestra Fiesta Latina, which is being put on by the Multicultural Student Union (MSU), begins at 11 a.m. in the Grove and ends in the Pacific room in the Werner Center at around 1 a.m. This is the second year that MSU is conducting this event.
Nuestra Fiesta Latina was created as a way to offset the difficulties of sponsoring a Cinco de Mayo event, according to MSU. Because of Cinco de Mayo falling on a specific date and possibly running into other programs, MSU wanted to create a celebration of their own.
This is one of five major cultural programs that MSU sponsors throughout the year.
Anna Hernandez Hunter, the Multicultural Student Union Director, believes there is something for everybody at the Nuestra Fiesta Latina.
“The event includes activities for all ages, entertainment, traditional food and a ‘baile’ (dance) to end the day,” she said. “Attending any of our programs allows you to experience various backgrounds and experiences and gives you an opportunity to enhance your cultural awareness.”
Last year the Nuestra Fiesta Latina had middle school and high schools come to Western in buses to celebrate. This year, according to Hunter, “Gervais middle school will bring about 30 students, Taft middle school will come with 50 students and Warrenton High School will be represented by 45 students.”
Activities such as face painting, loterias (Mexican bingo) and piñata making and breaking will kick off the event this year. All kick-off activities will take place at the Grove from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.
Various contests such as jalapeño eating and the “Grito” (Mexican yell) will also happen in the Grove. The Woodburn High School Mariachi band and Los Gallos de America Mariachi band will entertain the crowd. Ballet Folklórico Infantil and singing performances will be showcased on stage as well.
In addition, vendors will provide concessions. Among the vendors, Monmouth Mexican restaurant El Ranchito will be included.
Dancing will take place in the Columbia Room in the Werner Center from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Salsa, merengue and cha-cha dancing will be featured. Azucar Entertainment will be giving the dance lessons to those interested.
At around 6 p.m., the Pacific Room in the Werner Center will bring the smell of traditional Mexican food. Louis Taqueria of Woodburn will serve the food for $5 a plate. Chicken tostadas, pork tamales, rice, beans, chips, salsa and drinks are part of the deal. Food will be served until 8 p.m. Hunter believes everyone is in for a treat with the food.
“Their food is delicious,” Hunter said.
The $5 will also earn you a ticket for a prize. The prize is a Pendleton blanket that is valued at $165.
The dinner entertainment includes Mariachi Tequila Sunrise, Woodburn Ballet Folklórico, singing performances, and Azucar Entertainment.
Concluding the day full of events is a Dance “Baile” at the Pacific Room. D.J. Vasquez will be on hand to broadcast the music. The “Baile” begins at 9 p.m. and will go until 1 a.m.