Library's annual Hispanic Heritage Festival draws more than 2,000

By Tony Pennington

Transcript Staff Writer

The Latin rhythms flowed through the Sunday afternoon air in downtown Norman. Food vendors from Mexico, Colombia and the Caribbean added their spice as dance groups stepped and clapped through traditional moves as varied as the dishes being served. It was a celebration of their culture, and community.

More than 2,000 residents braved the Sunday heat and visited the Norman Public Library's fourth annual Norman Hispanic Heritage Festival. Fast becoming a local favorite, this year's festival not only surpassed last year's attendance, but grew large enough that organizers blocked off a section of Webster Avenue between Gray and Tonhawa streets.

"The festival has taken on a life of its own," said Gary Kramer, public information officer for the Norman Public Library. In the four years the library has sponsored the event, the festival has increased in attendance and activities. "It's become a tradition at the library and it's now expected. I think we have reached our goal of doubling last year's attendance."

This year, the festival featured a South American marketplace and old favorites like crafts for children, an art gallery and the chips, salsa and queso contest. But at the heart of it, according to Kramer, was celebrating cultures.

"We have made a commitment to all families," he explained as the Hispanic festival is one of several cultural activities planned by the library, with celebrations of Black History and Native Americans to occur later this year. "We want all of our customers to feel welcome in the library."

As the traditional dancers of Los Ni?os De Espana Y Mexico displayed their art in colorful dresses, event-goers like Oralia Morris swayed to the music waiting for their opportunity to step out onto the street-turned dance floor. For Morris it was more than dancing. It was sharing.

"I believe this could not only share ideas and how to improve the community," the Venezuela native said. "We are all here to grow as people so the community can have harmony."

Morris' daughter Hosanna, 17, agrees. "The Hispanic festival is very important because it allows people to express where they came from." she said. "It's a way their heritage can stay alive in a country flourishing with so many other cultures."

Costa Rica native Jose Camacho of Norman would like to see the festival grow and become a destination spot for those of every background, especially those of Hispanic heritage as it well help in building a sense of community.

"We need to interact with other cultures," he said. "And have a remembrance of our culture. That's what this is. It keeps our roots alive."

Tony Pennington 366-3541 schools@normantranscript.com