| Fall Fiesta Brings Generations Together | |||
| By Juanie Prisbrey Moapa Valley Progress Published Oct. 21, 2009 St. John’s Catholic Church was the site of the annual Fall Fiesta held on Saturday. The event was not only the church’s fundraiser, but a chance for the community to share in a day of family, fun, food, and entertainment. In the past, the food was the main attraction, and this year was no different. The aroma of delicious Mexican food lingered in the air all day. Volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare |
 A traditional Mexican hat dance is performed on the stage by members of Ballet Folklorico at the St. John’s Fall Fiesta on Saturday. |
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| and serve authentic recipes such as carne asada tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and taquitos.
Many would say that the food was the backbone of the fiesta, but it is the people who make this event truly special. It was clear that everything was rooted in tradition and the common thread was the bringing together of generations. Delia Rubio, who sold snow cones, cotton candy, and popcorn said, “My grandmother started making taquitos and running the bake sale a long time ago, and now we have taken it over.” Rubio said she felt proud to carry on the family tradition. Edith Gomez’ enchiladas have been a popular favorite for many years. “Everything is made from scratch,” said volunteer Mary Dominguez. “This is as authentic an enchilada as you can get.” |
 Jennifer Ramirez serves carne asada tacos at St. John’s Fall Fiesta held on Saturday. |
Dominguez even found time to sneak away from her own food booth to purchase enchiladas for her family members.
When Isabel Tamayo and her dancers, Ballet Folklorico, took the stage, again the merging of generations was evident. The children and adults performed the Mexican dances and the beautiful costumes and music reflected the traditional culture of Mexico. While each dance held its own meaning, the high energy and intricate footwork were common in all the numbers. The dancers took the stage together at the end, and the youngest dancers stole the spotlight. |
| Shoppers browsed and purchased items from Grandma’s Attic yard sale and Betty Trombley’s gift shop. The silent auction area was filled with a busy excitement throughout the day as potential winners kept returning to try and outbid others for their treasures. They had plenty of goods to choose from; there was something for everyone. A variety of items were up for auction: a garden basket, family movie night complete with a $25 gift certificate to Redd Hills Cinema, candles, a barbeque grill, and a quilted baby blanket with matching pillow case, just to name a few.
Raffle tickets were purchased throughout the day by those hoping to walk away with one of the three $500 cash prizes. After the three lucky tickets were drawn and the activities slowly wound to an end, children took to the stage and danced to popular music provided by the DJ. All proceeds from the event will go to support St. John’s Catholic Church. The Fall Festival was a fitting end to National Hispanic Heritage Month, which was September 15-October 15. |
