PEOPLE & PLACES 1
2
3
hispanic heritage fiesta Photography by LAUREN ROUSE
1 Hannia Preciado, Ingrid Castro, Isaac Abels and Bleyner Bonelo Basto.
Lively music, festive cheers and the rich aroma of Latin cuisine filled the air during the 11th annual Hispanic Heritage Fiesta Sept. 21, 2024, which was held at the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center for the first time. The Hispanic Liaison hosted over 90 nonprofits and businesses alongside 14 arts and crafts booths, which included featured work by artist Mario Salazar. Latin bands and folkloric dance groups echoed through the rolling meadows with upbeat rhythms and energetic performances as the parade of traditional outfits and quinceañeras drew applause and excitement from the crowd. Twelve food vendors offered classic dishes like tacos, tamales and tostadas while children enjoyed games, crafts and a video game truck. The celebration concluded with a raffle for seven impressive prizes donated by the community. cm 4
5
6
7
20
C H AT H A M M AG A Z I N E
WINTER 2024-2025
2 Aaron Jimenez, 7, and Edith Jimenez. 3 A mojiganga. 4 Talardi Art & Craft’s Ben Gill and Natalia Salazar. 5 Daisy Camacho Monter, 9, Litzy Camacho Monter, 15, Katelyn Reyes Sanchez, 15, and Gisele Lopez Hernandez, 16. 6 David Tompkins, Janet Kosinski and Buster. 7 Daniel Ramos, 13, NC Mosaics’ Carlos González and Diana Ramos, 16.