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September is the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, and for the past several years, the Ponca City Development Authority (PCDA) has held a family friendly, citywide festival. This year’s Hispanic Heritage Festival will take place downtown on Grand Avenue and at the Ponca City Library, featuring music, food, dance and shopping. The event will be on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 3-7 p.m.
The festival is an event designed to bring the community together. It all started with an idea PCDA had been dreaming about for years. “The Hispanic Heritage Festival was an idea we wanted for years,” said Kat Long with PCDA. Events like this are important for building a welcoming and fun community.
When planning began for the first festival in 2022, Kat volunteered to help connect local business owners. Some of the first few business owners she brought together were Ana and Harold Camacho, Mercedes Avila (owners of Enrique’s), and Mauricio and Alhena Torres, who own Tonkawa Foundry, along with many others. Now, many more are involved.
The first festival was held at City Central. PCDA donated the space and decorations, and local restaurants provided the food. Even some families brought their traditional recipes to share with the community. The Ponca City Library, a longtime supporter of Hispanic Heritage Month, pitched in with crafts, programs and volunteers. Together, they created a celebration that has grown bigger every year, which is why they’ve moved the party outside to Grand Ave.
Attendees will get a chance to see internationally known flamenco guitarist Edgar Cruz. He is an Oklahoma native who has performed around the globe with his amazing talent … “He’s played several times in Ponca City and loves coming here,” Kat said. “This year we booked him far enough in advance to fit the festival schedule.”
Edgar Cruz performs more than 300 shows a year across the United States, Europe and South America. So, it’s really exciting that he will be performing at this year’s festival. Since 1995, he’s been a headliner at Nashville’s Chet Atkins Guitar Festival, and he’s played many of Oklahoma’s top art and music festivals since the late 1970s. Known for his lightning-fast finger work and precision, Cruz has built one of the largest and most versatile repertoires in the state. His set lists range from classics like Malagueña and Classical Gas to Bohemian Rhapsody, Hotel California, Beatles favorites, original works and Latin and Spanish standards.
The colorful costumes and traditional dances of Ballet Folklorico Xochipilli from Oklahoma City will return this year. They first came to Ponca City in 2023, and event organizers are excited to have them back. They take their name from the Aztec god Xochipilli, the “Prince of Flowers,” a symbol of beauty, art, music, dance and love. In Aztec tradition, Xochipilli is the patron of the arts and festivities. Ballet Folklorico Xochipilli shares the timeless spirit of their culture through dance. They always put on a great show; so, you definitely won’t want to miss them.
Local singer Kristhel DelPrincipe (Alt) will also hit the stage again this year. “She had the audience clapping and dancing last year, and we asked her back this year. She is a talented performer.” Kat said.
If you have ever attended a past festival then you know to come hungry. Local vendors will serve up authentic dishes and sweet treats, including the delicious desserts from Antojitos Loquitas. The festival also offers a growing number of craft vendors selling unique handmade goods.
For the kids, the Ponca City Library will host hands-on crafts and games. Past projects have included papel picado (colorful cut-paper banners) and hojalata (tin art), and this year’s activities promise just as much fun.
While the music, dancing and food make for a great Saturday, Kat says events like this do something even bigger for Ponca City. “These types of celebrations are important to the community. It is a way to create “stickiness” to Ponca City. You stay where you and your family feel welcome and accepted.”
Mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 13, from 3-7 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, your appetite and be ready to have a great afternoon with family and friends.
Follow PCDA on Facebook for updates and full event details.
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