VIVA LA CULTURA HISPANA !!!! 

     Twenty-nine years ago......five people co-founded the Fiesta Hispano Americana organization in Wharton Texas. They were Lilana Threlfall (Johse) (a coordinator of her Native Nicaragua's 10-day national festival - "Patron St. Santo Domingo De Guzman", Frank Solorzano (a volunteer member for the Houston "Fiestas Patrias"), Liz Moreno, Janie Ybarbo (+) & Bruno Ybarbo. They had a vision to:

       1.) celebrate and promote the independence of Hispanic nations and instill Hispanic Heritage & Culture to the citizens of the surrounding communities.

       2.) To promote education of American citizens of Hispanic heritage and award scholarships to Hispanic students.

      The organization's goal was two scholarships each year worth $ 400.00 each to Wharton County Junior College.

     To celebrate Hispanic Culture, the five decided that the best way to do this was with a "Street Festival" open to the public. A day filled with a parade, a queen pageant, Hispanic dignitaries, ballet folklorico dancers, Mariachi groups, authenic foods, crafts and entertainment for the whole family was created. The group then selected the month of September, the time of the year surrounding "Fiestas Patrias"; the celebration of the Mexican Independence Day from Spain.  

     The organization then added a Fiesta Ball, a formal dance which is held the last weekend of August. The board decided to promote the organization outside the area, they built a parade float and had the queen and her court travel to other cities to participate in parades.                      

    In 1991, to celebrate their 10th year anniversary, the organization added the Little Miss Fiesta Hispano Americana pageant.                                                                                      

    In 1996, to offer boys the chance to participate, the organization added the Little Mr. Fiesta Hispano Americana pageant.                                                           

    In 2004, another pageant was attempted, The Junior Miss Fiesta Hispano Americana. However, the public  showed very little interest and it was discontinued after two years.           

   In 2007, 2008, & 2009 the community showed little interest for the Little Mr. Fiesta Hispano Americana Pageant. The pageant was attempted, however, not enough candidates filled the required numbers needed to have the pageant. Hopefully, one day this pageant will return.                                               

    In 2008 & 2009 the Little Miss Fiesta Hispano Americana pageant was cancelled due to a lack of interest. Hopefully, one day this pageant will return.   

   In 2009, with a slow economy and the lack of major sponsorships, the organization's board decided to simply continue to raise funds for scholarships through a Valentine Dance, the Fiesta Ball, a raffle, and a chicken spagehtti dinner while canceling the Street festival.  New president Joey Pennington and the board will attempt to take the club in a new direction.  The Fiesta Hispano Americana board wants to inform the public of the organization's true purpose... "CONTINUED EDUCATION  OF HISPANICS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL".

   The board wants to engage all generations of the community in spreading the organization's message. The board will achevie these goals with more advertising, involving new business to sponsor events and recruit new members. Additionally, the board will sponsor more educational forums, involve high school students with the organization, & help high school seniors contact WCJC counselors to ask questions about college.

    The Fiesta Hispano Americana Street Festival in 2009 was  canceled due to many factors but most importantly, we had little interests from girls and boys to participate in the pageants. We (the board) are dedicated to bringing back the Queen's pageant and Street Festival bigger and better for 2010.   

   Today, the Fiesta Hispano Americana still has the same goals as those first five founders. The Fiesta Hispano Americana raises  monies for $ 1,000.00 scholarships each year to Wharton County Junior College. 

   This is our fourth year for our website, and big plans are on the horizion.  Soon, you will have to capability to print forms direct from our website.

VIVA LA CULTURA HISPANA !!!!

           Major 2008 Sponsor