Fort Stockton Community Theatre’s Barrio Fest - A Celebration of the Hispanic Culture in Fort Stockton - will provide third-graders with a morning of educational experiences on Friday, Sept. 16, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the FMH Meeting Hall, the Nelson Street Theatre, and other learning sites in the theatre’s neighborhood. The Barrio Fest weekend will provide cultural, historical, and educational activities so people will become aware of the then-and-now of the Hispanic Culture, and the impact the Hispanic community has made in all facets of economic and social development.

J.B. Gallegos and his staff at the historic Comanche Tortilla Factory will show students the process of making tamales. While in the factory, the students will learn how to make corn husk dolls from Cary Acosta, and Juanita Gonzales will show children quilt blocks depicting family stories so students learn the importance of preserving family histories.

Mario Rodriguez will tell his own personal story of serving in the U.S. military, and students will see memorabilia from other veterans, learning the pride of service to the country by Hispanics.

Ilda Gonzalez will demonstrate the Loteria game, and Nikki Ponce will show students how to make pinatas and explain the history of that iconic party game.

Ballet Folklorico students taught by Emma Morales and Omar Guerrero will perform on the stage of the Nelson Street Theatre. Delia Galindo, Steven Walker, and Ricky Gonzales will display dresses, art, and food typically associated with quinceaneras at Chunk Arts Studio on First Street. The Folklorico dancers and the quinceanera exhibit will be present throughout the week-end so that students can bring their families to share these experiences.

The traditions involved with Dia de los Muertos will be explained by Elida Carrillo so students can learn the differences between the commercialized depiction in Disney’s Coco and the realities of families remembering their loved ones who have died.

Representatives from the Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin will be on hand to pass out bilingual books, emphasizing that learning to read is the key to success in any culture.