ARCHDIOCESE — Volunteers, exhibitors and, of course, guests, are invited to attend the annual Cincinnati Hispanic Festival, held at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds Sept. 8-9.

Known for its authentic Hispanic flavor, the festival offers a diverse array of activities and attractions. There will be food and music from a multitude of Latin American countries, games, arts and crafts and a variety of exciting entertainment options including a "soccer-style" dunking booth and the crowning of the Hispanic Queen of this region.

COURTESY PHOTO

Latin dancers from throughout Central and South America were on stage last year during the Cincinnati Hispanic Festival.

"Our participation in the festival is aimed at helping the Hispanic/Latino community help itself. We do this by providing screenings and health education in areas important for this population," said Becky Montenegro, Bienestar Program Manager at Santa Maria Community Services.

Last year’s festival saw record-setting attendance with approximately 25,000 people taking part in the event, making it the largest annual Latino Festival in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

"The festival is managed and staffed exclusively by volunteers and its proceeds are used solely for the benefit of the Hispanic community by way of the services offered at the Su Casa Hispanic Center," said Comboni Father Bill Jansen, director of the festival. "Currently, the organization provides educational resources and programs including workshops on financial literacy and how to purchase a home, ESL, GED and computer science classes and summer school and sports programs for youths. Other programs available include employment, medical and legal referrals, tax preparation assistance and a wide range of other topics," said Father Jansen.

This year will also see the return of the Copa Su Casa, a soccer tournament featuring teams comprised of over 170 local players. The trophy and prize for the 12-team soccer tournament made up of the first and second place teams in the local Latin leagues will be awarded. The final championship game will be played on Sept 8 at 9 a.m. at the opening of the festival. The playoff games are scheduled for the weekends of Aug. 25-26 and Sept. 1-2. A Copa MVP will also be named and trophies presented to the winning team members.

For further information about the festival including how to become a volunteer, sponsor or exhibitor, please visit www.cincinnatihispanicfest.org or call Ana DeWitt at 513-948-1760.