After a long extended wait, competitors can finally toss on their dresses and pull out the dancing shoes, The Mexican Heritage Festival has finally arrived.

Celebrating the day when Mexico won its independence from France, Port Arthurans plan to eat, dance and compete during this year’s one-day-only Mexican Heritage Festival from 10 a.m. until 12 a.m. Saturday at the Robert Bowers Civic Center.

Visitors and participants can engage in any of the fun events this annual event has to offer. Some of the main festivities include beauty pageants, a children’s costume and tamale eating contests, and performances by Mariachis “Sol de America” dancers.

For about 40 years the celebration continued to be a success until one year ago when Hurricane Ike forced festival planners to cancel the event, Cecelia Esqueda, Heritage Festival event planner, said,

“Hurricane Ike hit when we were having our fiesta,” Esqueda said. “It came at such an unfortunate time, because participants practiced so hard all day every day during the summer.”

One year later, the event is back in full swing, said Esqueda, and participants have been working diligently to ensure this year’s event will be a success.

A series of events like the pageant competitions according to Esqueda, spurred much excitement to current and future contenders, making the event an exciting weekend festivity for many guests and participants to enjoy.

There are a total of five pageants, each of which a new winner is crowned as the new queen in different categories based on one’s age. The categories include Miss, teen miss, little miss, tiny miss and Mr. Jovencito.

“I have been a participant for about 20 years now,” Esqueda said. “My daughters and my granddaughter Cierra Wiltz have also competed in the pageants. This year my granddaughter, who was crowned last time, will give up her crown.”

During the little miss pageant, each contestant represents a state in Mexico and gives an introduction wearing dress with their state’s color.

Another feature during this year’s Heritage Festival is the performance by Houston’s Mariachis dancers who will tap their heels to the tune of “Sol de America.”

“There’s a lot of family fun, it’s just something to do all day long,” Esqueda said. “And it is even something for fun for children to do.”

Tickets are: $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens and children 11-17 years of age. The event is free for children 10-years-old and under.

For more information about the Mexican Haritage Festival please contact Tony Ramirez (409) 504-3791.

rbrown@panews.com