CAPA Holds FESTIVAL LATINO, Returns To Ohio 8/15, 8/16

The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) will present Festival Latino. The long-running festival, previously presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, was recently discontinued as part of City budget cuts; however, this change enables the largest Hispanic event in Ohio to return in 2009.

"I've called on all our residents to step up during these difficult times, and CAPA has answered the call," said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. "I thank the board and staff of CAPA for allowing Columbus to continue to enjoy Festival Latino at a time when public dollars are scarce."

"When the City approached us about the festival, we were thrilled to be in a position to respond," stated CAPA Board President Mike Petrecca. "We are honored to present the 14th annual Festival Latino and look forward to bringing the best of traditional and contemporary Latin-American culture to Columbus."

The 2009 Festival Latino will return to Genoa Park, but will move to Saturday & Sunday, August 15 & 16, from 11am-8pm each day. Admission will be free. The festival will feature Ohio-based Latino bands and dance companies, as well as national music acts which reflect the diversity of central Ohio's Latin audiences. The festival will continue to provide a variety of family entertainment and delicious Latin cuisine. American Family Insurance will return as presenting sponsor for the event.

"We consider it a privilege to sponsor Festival Latino again in 2009," said Louis Besses of American Family Insurance. "The festival's continued dedication to and enrichment of the Latino community are just some of the reasons why we come back every year."

The festival will be coordinated by a steering committee of local Hispanic leaders to help shape the festival and ensure its success.

"Festival Latino has brought great music, great food, and a diverse audience to downtown Columbus for many years," stated Luis Alcalde, chair of the Festival Latino steering committee. "The steering committee is grateful and excited that Festival Latino will continue, and with the help and dedication of its members, will make certain this will be a truly great event."

To share a suggestion or comment about Festival Latino with the steering committee, members of the community can call (614)719-6744 or send an email to festival@capa.com.