Sunday, September 30

Eighth Annual Frederick Latino Festival

Time: 12:00 PM-5:00 PM FCC

The eighth annual Frederick Latino Festival will be held on September 30, 2012, from noon-5 p.m. at Frederick Community College. The exciting and fun-filled festival offers local businesses, food vendors, community service organizations, non-profits, government agencies, crafters, and artisans a venue for sharing information about goods, services and opportunities in Frederick County.

State Farm Insurance will sponsor the festival for the third year at the gold level. Verizon Wireless will return as a bronze sponsor.

All proceeds from the festival benefit the Progreso Latino Scholarship Fund which is managed by The Community Foundation of Frederick County. This scholarship is available to Frederick County high school and college students who demonstrate academic promise and financial need; students with a Latino heritage receive first consideration. Five well-deserving Frederick County students received scholarships to the colleges of their choice this year.

The Latino Festival takes place on the quad between the FCC Library Building and the Field House. This year’s new feature will be a karaoke contest in both Spanish and English for aspiring singers. Latin American food vendors will offer delicious food prepared on the spot, and artists and crafters will display items for sale. Disc jockey Sergio will serve as master of ceremonies between musical performances. Children’s activities will include free pony rides, face painting, clowns, and an obstacle course.

According to Beverly Hendrix, FCC director of diversity, the festival grows each year.

"What began as a celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month has now become a major community event," she said. "People consider it an ‘exclamation point’ in the farewell to summer. Fun for all ages is guaranteed."

Volunteers are also needed to market and advertise the festival. Anyone interested in helping make the festival a success should contact Ms. St-Johns at 301.624.2834 or

The Latino Festival was founded by Buena Gente Magazine, Frederick Community College, and the Hispanic Business Foundation of Maryland. For more information, contact Beverly Hendrix at 301.624.2711 or