News Release

February 26, 2004 Downtown Des Moines

For immediate release

This Year’s Latino Heritage Festival, on

June 12, To Be Bigger and Better

The festival that celebrates and promotes Iowa’s growing Hispanic presence and culture will be held this year on June 12, from 10 a.m. to midnight, on Des Moines’ downtown bridges.

The Latino Heritage Festival will feature entertainment by local Iowa talent throughout the day as well as headline Latino musical artists from outside the state. Other highlights include:

§ Soccer games organized by the Latino Central Soccer League throughout the day. The league will provide workshops for people wanting to learn more about soccer.

§ A wide variety of Latino, and other ethnic food and drink.

§ An entire section devoted to Latino youth, highlighting their achievements in the arts, academics and other talent.

§ Cultural exhibits from various Latino countries.

§ A wide variety of activities, including making of piñatas, paper flowers, etc.

§ Contests for the best tasting tamales and homemade salsa.

§ Student Talent Show

To inquire about activities, food vending, corporate exhibits, or entertainment contact Joann Mackey at 515-255-7228. For information regarding cultural exhibits contact Noemi Oyarzabal at 245-2405. For general information visit our website at www.latinoheritagefestival.org.