First Hispanic festival chance to show culture

Judging from audience reaction, the first celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in Spokane likely won’t be the last.

With a couple hundred people watching a mariachi band on stage, attendees said Saturday’s festival at Riverside State Park is an important step in showcasing Hispanic culture in the Inland Northwest.

“They need more of these,” said Doug Wagner, a city councilman in Priest River, Idaho. “People need to understand the culture and the different ways of life.”

Wagner, a New Mexico native who has lived in Idaho for 50 years, said Hispanic cultural events are rare in the Inland Northwest.

The festival, which was organized by the Spokane Hispanic Business Professional Association, featured musicians, dancers and artists.

Eva Castellanoz, of Nyssa, Ore., had a booth where she showed how to create paper and wax floral bouquets used at weddings and other important events in a girl’s life.

“It’s important to know our tradition and it’s important to share with people,” she said. “This is our roots, just like our trees around us.”

Joni Hubbard, president of the business association, said the group already is thinking about next year, especially with a good turnout at the festival Saturday and at a dinner Friday. She added that she was pleased that many participants weren’t of Hispanic descent.

“It’s for everyone,” Hubbard said. “It was just a good opportunity to share this with the community.”

The event was first suggested last year by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, which co-sponsored it with the business association, said Laura Fine-Morrison, contract field representative for the state’s Folk & Traditional Arts in the Parks Program.

“It highlights the parks as a place to do more than camp and hike and picnic,” Fine-Morrison said.