OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- According to the U.S. Census, Hispanic Americans are the fastest growing segment of our state’s population, contributing to Oklahoma’s economy and increasing our base for economic growth and development. The fifth annual Latino Heritage Celebration will highlight this and the many other contributions Hispanic Americans make to our state’s economy, history and culture.

The celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 3 at the Latino Riverside Community Center, located at 420 SW 10th street in Oklahoma City.

Scheduled to appear are Salsa and Flamenco dancers from the Calderon Dance Studio, Puerta Rican dancers Boriquen and Mexican folkloric dancers Las Estrelles. La Puerta De Oro and Manuel Cruz will play traditional Mexican music.

The keynote speaker will be Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin. Oklahoma City Dance Director and Choreographer Shannon Calderon will serve as Mistress of Ceremony. Honored guests include Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys, Rep. Debbie Blackburn, Oklahoma Office for Personnel Management Director Oscar Jackson and Oklahoma City Police Chief M.T. Berry.

The theme for this year’s celebration is "Many Nations, One Heart." Hispanic Americans are made up of many distinct groups with roots in Mexico, South and Central America, Spain and the Caribbean. They have different cultures, histories and dialects. But despite these differences they all have one thing in common-they are all Americans.

Admission is free and open to the public, however donations will be accepted to help continue this annual event. Buttons featuring the work of Oklahoma artist Bernadette Martinez and other memorabilia will be available for sale. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Arts Council, Salvation Army, the American Association of Retired Persons and the Riverside Latino Community Development Agency sponsor this annual event.

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