A cooperative effort between Wapato Spanish and Central Valley Spanish churches resulted in an extraordinary event on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2007, to help Hispanic worthy students at Yakima Adventist Christian School (YACS).

Nearly 200 people attended the second annual Fiesta Mexicana at the school gym. They shared great food and enjoyed fun entertainment provided by our Hispanic brothers and sisters. Meals were served buffet style with a choice of vegetarian tacos, enchiladas, or flautas. There were homemade taco shells and hot (and very hot) sauce as well as rice, beans, salad and dessert. Traditional Mexican drinks, such as agua de horchata and agua de limon were available too.

In addition to satisfying guest's appetites, attendees also enjoyed traditional guitar, piano and singing. One highlight of the night was a contest between "gringos." After hearing a charro, an authentic "Mexican yell," the gringos were asked to do one as well. After several yip-yip-yip’s, hee haaa’s and even buc-buc-buc’s, Wayne Wasiczko won the competition with his interpretation of a charro. He donated his piñata prize to the fifth- and sixth-grade class.

This year’s fiesta raised over $2,600 for the YACS Hispanic Worthy Student Fund. We are all looking forward to next year's event.