Latino Cultural Fest to replace Salsa y Salsas

When Carson City's chapter of Nevada Hispanic Services was shut down earlier this year, the organization's hallmark fundraiser Salsa y Salsas was in danger of disappearing as well.

A committee of concerned community members formed to prevent that from happening.

"We didn't want Salsa y Salsas to die," said chairwoman Leticia Servin.

The Comunidad Unida Latina was organized by the Community Council on Youth, which took over some Nevada Hispanic Services duties when offices closed in February.

The committee decided to save the festival but change its name.

After 12 years as Salsa y Salsas, the celebration will be called Latino Cultural Fest and will be held in the parking lot of the Gold Dust West Casino rather than at the Legislative Plaza.

Servin said there was some confusion with another salsa event in Reno, and they also wanted to broaden the appeal from just one type of food or dance.

"Here is an event that's going to be fun for everyone - Latinos, Anglos, Native Americans, not just Mexicanos," she said. "Latinos are growing everywhere. We need to know how beautiful our culture is."

She said the committee is operating on a small budget this year, but hopes it will grow in coming years with community and business support.

"We want the festival to continue to be a place for the community to come together," Servin said. "We contribute a lot to a community."

In a letter sent out soliciting business sponsorships, Servin wrote, "Our Latino Cultural Fest will bring together many community organizations and presenters to provide arts, ethnic food, community networking, safety information and educational information."

The festival will run noon-8 p.m. Sept. 12.

For more information, call the Comunidad Latina Unida office at 885-1055.