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Hispanic festival to put spotlight on healthy families

Beyond the usual fun and entertainment, the Pinellas Park event will feature many free community services to help families.

By CASEY CORA
Published November 18, 2006

The fourth annual Hispanic Family Festival & Community Service Expo comes to Pinellas Park today with a spotlight on healthy families.

"We believe family is the core of our society," said festival coordinator Victor Ramos. "If you have a healthy family, you have a healthy society."

Organizers expect between 3,000 and 4,000 people to attend the free festival, which will be held at the England Brothers Band Shell, 5121 80th Ave. N.

Expect regular festival amenities, like nonstop music, games, ethnic food and face painting for kids. But what separates this festival from others, Ramos said, is the variety of free community services that will be offered.

Family counseling and education, health screenings, and school supplies will be offered to the community.

Ramos said large-size grocery bags stuffed with food will be distributed to needy families.

"It's enough for a family of four to have food for at least a few weeks," Ramos said.

The event is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the United Way, the Florida Hospice of the Suncoast and the Pinellas County Health Department.

[Last modified November 17, 2006, 22:51:23]