VIVA LA CULTURA HISPANA !!!! 

     Twenty-seven 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 & 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 forth 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, 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.

     Today, the Fiesta Hispano Americana still has the same goals as those first five founders. The Fiesta Hispano Americana rasies enough money for ten (10) $ 1,000.00 scholarships each year to Wharton County Junior College. This is the inaugural year for our website, and big plans are on the horizion.  

VIVA LA CULTURA HISPANA !!!!

          Major 2008 Sponsor