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| By Erin O'Connor Staff Writer WEST SPRINGFIELD Miss Latina US 2006 to be crowned at the Eastern States Exposition (Big E) on September 29 on the Comcast Arena Stage as part of the Fair's entertainment and cultural program. "It is a historic opportunity to embrace the far reaching Hispanic culture that is now a crucial and growing part of our region," Wayne McCary, president of the Eastern States Exposition, said. "Recently the Eastern States Exposition informed me of a great opportunity with marketing opportunities and the contestants will make visits into the community,"Carlos Gonzalez, president of the Latino Chamber of Commerce said. The Pageant will take place over a three day period starting on Sept. 27 during National Hispanic Heritage Month and will include Latina contestants from across the Country. "Young Latina women who are from around the Country will be here competing in September. Their own success makes them great role models for women of every origin," said Acirema Alayeto, president and founder of Organizacion Miss America Latina, Inc. Competitions for swimsuit, evening wear and national heritage costume will take place at the Fair precluding the final competition and coronation of Miss Latina US by the reigning Miss Latina US 2005, Melissa Quesada. "The women are truly exemplary members of our community," Quesada said. Quesada, from New Rochelle, NY is currently a J.D. Associate at a New York law firm focusing on entertainment law. She received her Doctorate in Jurisprudence from Hofstra University School of Law. Members of the Pageant planning committee considered various sites for the Pageant before choosing the Big E. Factors contributing to their decision included the large Hispanic population in the area, the fame of the Fair, and the geographical location of New England . "All the stars lined up," Charlie Dunn, vice president of marketing for the organization, said in reference to the decision. "There are over five million Hispanics living in the Springfield and surrounding perimeters," Dunn said. "This will be the first U.S. Pageant back in the U.S. after celebrating abroad for many years," said Alayeto. The Pageant was in countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico to honor Latina women from all over the world she said. The Pageant will also be celebrating its 25th anniversary in September at the coronation of the next Miss Latina US. Organizacion Miss America Latina, Inc was founded in 1981, and is based in Miami. It is the oldest and largest producer of Latina pageants worldwide. The Pageant will feature 25-30 contestants representing Latin women from areas all across the United States ranging between the ages of 18 and 27. The winner of this Pageant will go on to compete in the international Miss Latin America Pageant featuring contestants from Chile, Columbia, Puerto Rico and other countries. The current Miss Latina, Quesada will be representing the U.S. in competing for the international title this June at the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort in Riviera Maya-Cancun, Mexico. There is currently no Miss Latina Massachusetts Pageant that exists.The closest Miss Latina to represent this area is from the Rhose Island area. "We are working with local organizations in setting something up," Alayeto said. Women and adolescents in the area who would like to participate in the Pageant can go to the web site www.missamericalatina.com. Interested parties in setting up a pageant can call the marketing office at 561-632-3241. |