Hispanic Chamber breathes new life into history

 By LPR Staff

Editor/POST-REGISTER

With an expanded series of events and additional services to the community, the Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HCC) is proud to announce the 29th annual Diez y Seis celebration on the Caldwell County Courthouse Square this weekend.

The celebration, which marks the 205th ann

iversary of Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s call for the Mexican people to fight for their independence, is celebrated throughout Mexico and her former territories in America. Marked by a weekend of music, dancing and fun, Lockhart has embraced the cultural keynote with a partnership between the HCC, local businesses and the City of Lockhart.

“We couldn’t put on such a great event without our business sponsors,” said Rene Rayos, the current president of the HCC.

To thank those sponsors, Diez y Seis will include special VIP parking near the festival grounds, as well as a VIP tent, where sponsors can gather to enjoy the music and street dances.

Growing in strength and popularity, the Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce credits its success not only to a new Board of Directors with fresh eyes and fresh ideas, but the business and family history behind the organization.

“Several of us on the Board have had generations of guidance from our peers and family members that have served leadership roles within our community and we are taking the next step to lead as well,” Rayos said. “We are embracing a tradition and using current ideas to brighten the organization and membership as a whole.”

Those new ideas, along with a fresh face on Diez y Seis, include adding the popular Cinco de Mayo 5K, and expanded benefits to the HCC Education Fund.

Elected annually, the HCC Board of Directors includes a mixture of “old” and “new” leadership. Rayos, who has served for several years as the Education Chair, has advanced to the presidency, and is backed by a team of six other board members who bring a broad range of life and business experience to the HCC.

“We all came together to help the business community,” Rayos said. “We’re trying to involve everyone as a whole, from the membership to the businesses, by [utilizing the website and social media].”

Beginning on Friday, evening, the Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will team with the City of Lockhart and a wealth of business sponsors to bring the community together to celebrate both culture and unity. The Diez y Seis celebration kicks off on Friday evening with a welcome from Rayos, as a carnival begins and several food vendors light the fires, and arts and crafts booths set out their wares.

At 9 p.m., a street dance begins featuring Tejano Music Award winners, Los Desperadoz, who will entertain until midnight.

On Saturday, the festival reconvenes at noon, with a full day of food, music and fun, capped by “El Grito,” performed by Sen. Judith Zaffirini’s representative Josie Pappas at 5 p.m., and Tejano superstar Roberto Pulido, who takes the Main Stage at 9 p.m.

For more information on the Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit www.caldwellcountyhcc.com. For a full rundown of events for this weekend’s Diez y Seis Celebration, see the special Visitor’s Guide inside today’s Post-Register.