Fiesta raises funds for 10 scholarships
By BURLON PARSONS bparsons@journal-spectator.com

Staff Photo by Burlon Parsons 2007 to 2008 Fiesta Hispano Americana Queen Amanda Heffner greets her public after being crowned Saturday evening. She is assisted by Little Miss Fiesta Destiny Mrnustik. More photos page B1.

There may have been a couple of showers that kept a few people away, but Saturday's 26th annual Fiesta Hispano Americana has been deemed a success by its promoters.

Amanda Heffner of Wharton is the new Fiesta Queen and Destiny Mrnustik of Boling is the new Little Miss Fiesta.

The group's first car raffle was also a success selling about 95 percent of the 450 tickets at $100 each.

Fiesta President Felicia Compian says that after all of the expenses the money earned should fund 10 scholarships, each valued at $1,000. And that will still leave some money for next year. She said her first year as the fiesta president has been a busy but rewarding one.

"I think we had a good turnout. There were a lot of people at the event," Compian said. "There were some, along with a few vendors who looked at the weather forecasts and did not come. But we had one new vendor who said he really wanted to do it again."

A shower came right at noon and delayed the Fiesta Parade by just a few minutes. Heading up the parade as its marshal was long-time fi- esta president Bruno Ybarbo.

Although another shower arrived later in the afternoon, things went off as planned. Folks flocked to the square to enjoy the food, local band, folklorico dancers and mariachi singers who entertained Saturday afternoon.

Compian says she will serve a second year and would like to see a few changes to the festival. "One change would be a day added to the festival," she said. "I'd like to see a cook-off on Friday evening with some type of entertainment."

She says the group really needs to get some more corporate sponsors for next year. "With more corporate sponsors we could give more scholarships," Compian said.

She says she would also like to see the Fiesta Scholarships promoted more in the local school districts.

With new ideas and a few changes, Compian says Fiesta Hispano Americana can make more of an impact with the Hispanic students here.