De Queen's Fiesta Fest celebrates area cultures

Folkloric dancers are seen at a Fiesta Fest in De Queen, Arkansas. (Submitted photo)
Folkloric dancers are seen at a Fiesta Fest in De Queen, Arkansas. (Submitted photo)

DE QUEEN, Ark. - Saturday's Fiesta Fest in downtown De Queen celebrates the cultures that call Southwest Arkansas home.

Organized by the UA Cossatot Foundation as a fundraiser to support student scholarships, Fiesta Fest runs from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. with carnival rides, vendors, music, games, food and cultural celebrations on the city's downtown square.

Two afternoon cultural presentations involve dancing and both the local Hispanic and Native American cultures.

Dustin Roberts, director of development at the UA Cossatot Foundation, says this is the foundation's largest community event.

"Our focus is bringing the Southwest Arkansas community together. It is a community even that the entire Southwest Arkansas community can enjoy. It's also a scholarship fundraiser, so the proceeds from this event will go for scholarships for UA Cossatot students," Roberts said.

This year, cultural performances will include Choctaw dancers at 4 p.m. The Choctaw Nation has a strong cultural presence in nearby Southeast Oklahoma.

"Then at 4:30 p.m. we're going to have a local group do the folkloric dancing, which is a traditional dance that some of our Hispanic community is involved in," Roberts said.

Dancers will come from De Queen's St. Barbara Catholic Church. Folkloric dancing refers to traditional Mexican dances with ballet elements. They vary according to the region where they are practiced. The beautiful costumes and dress also vary according to the regional influence.

The foundation aims to increase these celebrations with any cultural groups that want to participate. "We would love to celebrate a variety of cultures," Roberts said about Fiesta Fest's goal.

Kids can check out the bounce houses and carnival rides, while everyone can enjoy the deejay music, even a robot on stilts, said Roberts, describing it as a party atmosphere. UA Cossatot student ambassadors will present a 5K Glow Run that begins at 7:30 p.m. with two divisions: 15 and under, 16 and over. Registration is now $25.

The more than 30 vendors participating will provide tasty treats and things to peruse and buy. "We have a couple of snow cone and ice cream trucks. We have people selling jewelry, clothing, different essential oils and Scentsy products. We have a couple other sales booths where they're selling pottery," Roberts said.

Informational booths will also be on hand, as will a health fair with the offices of Dr. Randy Walker and De Queen Health and Wellness.

"They're partnering and they're going to be providing some health services, including free COVID-19 shots there at the event," Roberts said.

(For more information, visit Facebook.com/uacossatot or Cccua.edu/about-ua-cossatot/ua-cossatot-foundation/foundation-events/fiesta-fest.)

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