PIÑATAFEST INFORMATIONText Box: Piñatafest is a cultural celebration that coincides with Mexico’s Independence day (September 16) from Spain.    The founders of this celebration in Roswell were the fore-fathers  of the Roswell Hispano Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. R.G. (Bobby)  Villegas, one of the original founders and first President of the Roswell Hispano Chamber of Commerce was also the director for fundraising for the children’s network.  He presented the  idea to the board of directors for a celebration event to raise funds and promote the city’s businesses.  

The first year, the event was called the Charreada Rodeo.   This was the Mexican version of the American Rodeo.  The following year, Mr. Villegas presented a new plan to the board of directors for approval.  The new plan was to combine the Charreada Rodeo and activities of the Piñatafest and call it the Gran Charreada which was even more successful.   Due to some issues with the rodeo aspect of the event, the Board of Directors decided to drop the rodeo part and continue with the Piñatafest activities.

Piñatafest was implemented to create a more family oriented event.  Part of this plan included involving the schools and children.   Board of Directors members of the Roswell Hispano Chamber of Commerce met with the RISD personnel and presented their plan to have a student competition for the best piñata.  Mr. Villegas made trips to Mexico to pick up supplies and delivered them to the schools so the students could begin to make their creative piñatas.  

It was important to the Roswell Hispano Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for this celebration to be held downtown.    In addition to celebrating a cultural event downtown,  this event would also help to promote the local downtown merchant’s businesses.

This event has been  successful and has grown each year. It has become a staple event of  the Roswell Hispano Chamber of Commerce and is held annually to help draw the family, businesses and community closer together in the hopes of developing a strong community.

Today, the Roswell Hispano Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is working hard and striving to create more history and a unified community for our future generation.
Text Box: BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PIÑATAFEST CELEBRATION
Text Box: Who is responsible for organizing the Piñatafest event?
The Roswell Hispano Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is ultimately responsible.  However, they have a Piñatafest Organizing Committee that reports to the Board of Directors.


When is the Pinatafest event celebrated?
It starts the evening of the 2nd Friday in September and runs through Sunday evening.


Q.	Where is the event celebrated?
The majority of the event takes place on the lawn of the Chaves County Courthouse located on North Main St. between 4th and 5th Streets.  The Car Show portion of the event takes place on Pioneer Plaza; across (West) from the Chaves County Courthouse.

What does the Pinatafest event consist of?
The event consists of various types of vendors. Vendors in the past have included: a variety of foods (includes Mexican, BBQ American, Corn Roasting etc.), clothing, knick knacks, arts & crafts, toys, jewelry,  pony rides, games, kid’s bungalows, face painting, caps, sunglasses, informational booths, snow cones, beverages, etc.  

	It has included live entertainment featuring local groups as well as other high profile groups.  Entertainment in past events have  included Mariachi music, Tex Mex music, Norteño music, Country & Western,  other types of music, folklorico dancers, other type of dancers.  We consider any type of entertainment to be featured.
	
	The event also features a Parade on Saturday morning and trophies handed out for different categories.

	It includes a car show on Saturday with different prizes awarded in several different classes.

	We also have a number of piñata breaking sessions for kids arranged  by different  age groups.

	Previous events have included a number of different contests such as: the jalapeño eating contest, biscochito cooking contest, the salsa making contest, karaoke contest.  We are open to any suggestions that can better the event.

	One of the main attractions of this event that has become a tradition, is the Sunday mass service performed by Catholic Bishop Ricardo Ramirez of the Las Cruces Diocese.

	Each year the Pinatafest Committee strive to improve the event to attract as many individuals  as possible.  They are opened to any  suggestion that will help improve the event.  If you have any ideas, you can call the RHCC office at 575-624-0889 or e-mail your ideas to director@roswellhccc.org.


Text Box: QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE PIÑATAFEST EVENT
Text Box: ARE YOU INSTRESTED IN BEING A VENDOR AT THIS EVENT?
Text Box: If you are interested in participating as a vendor in the next Pinatafest Event (September, 2010).  You can download a copy of the application by clicking the “Forms” link, copy it, complete it  and send it to:

Roswell Hispano Chamber of Commerce
Attn:  Pinatafest Committee
327 N. Main Street
Roswell, NM  88201

As much as possible we will assign vendors spaces on a first come first serve basis.   To view layout of  vendor spaces, please see layout map below.  

Booth numbered 1-9 & 44—47 are trailer spaces only.

Booth prices are as follows:
Non-Profit Organization Informational Only    $ 50.00
Informational Only 				           $ 75.00
Booth Not Requiring  Electricity		           $125.00
Booth Requiring Electricity		           $150.00
Basic dimensions for all booths except trailer spaces are:  12’ x 15’.
For information concerning availability of vendor spaces and general information, please contact the RHCC office at 575-624-0889.  You can also contact us by fax or e-mail.  Send e-mail to: director@roswellhcc.org or fax to 575-624-0538
Text Box: PROGRAM ADVERTISING
Text Box: Interested In Advertising Your Business? 
Each year the Piñatafest Committee creates a Piñatafest Event Program.   This is an excellent way for a business to advertise their business.  The committee prints and distributes approximately 1,500 copies of the program during and after the event.  

The dimensions of the event program book the past four years has been 8 ½“ long by 7” wide.    The committee felt this size booklet would be more convenient for individuals to carry instead of an 11” long by 8 ½”  one.  However, this is a matter of discussion each year.  Regardless of the size of the booklet, this is still an exceptional way to advertise.  Advertising costs are as follows on a 8 ½” long by 7” wide booklet:
	Inside front cover (color)	  (8”L x 6 ½” W)				$200.00
Outside back cover (color)  (8” L x 6 ½” W)				$350.00
Inside back cover (color)	(8” L x 6 ½” W)				$350.00
Any Inside Full page (black & white) (8” L x 6 ½” W)			$150.00
Half (½) page (black & white)  					$100.00
	(Dimensions could  be 8”L x 3¼” W or 4” L x 6 ½” W)	
One-Quarter (¼) page (black & white)				$ 75.00
	(Dimensions could be 4” L x 3¼” W or 2” L x 6 ½” W)
Business Card Ad	(2” L x 3⅛” W) (black & white)			$ 30.00

Each year the committee also discusses providing different advertising packages to business.  Once this is determined for the 2010 Piñatafest event, information will be updated. 

If interested in advertising in the 2010 Piñatafest Event Program, you can contact the Roswell Hispano Chamber of Commerce at 575-624-0889.  We can also be reached by fax at 575-624-0538 or by e-mail: director@roswellhcc.org.  

!!PARADE ENTRY!!

Another great way of advertising during the Piñatafest event is by participating in the  Piñatafest parade that is held Saturday morning.  It generally starts at 10:00 am and runs South on Main Street from 11th St. to 3rd St.  Entry for the parade is absolutely free of charge.  You also have the opportunity to compete for trophies in the different type of categories being judged each year.  So, don’t miss out in this great opportunity. 
For additional information, please call the Roswell Hispano Chamber of Commerce office.   You can also make a copy of the application by clicking the “Forms” link.  Copy it, complete it  and send it to:

Roswell Hispano Chamber of Commerce
Attn:  Pinatafest Committee
327 N. Main Street
Roswell, NM  88201
Text Box: FOR CAR SHOW ENTHUSIASTS
Text Box: Mr. Felipe Rodriguez joined the Pinatafest committee and has been responsible for the outstanding Piñatafest Car Show under his direction. The Car Show is held on Saturday on the Pioneer Plaza.  It is generally held behind the old Conoco Station located on the corner of Main St. and 5th St.  The Car Show generally runs from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm. 

If you have a vehicle you have been working on, this is a fantastic way of showcasing your piece of art while at the same time competing for prizes in the different categories.  

If you don’t have a piece of art to showcase but love to see someone else’s piece of art, there is no charge for stopping by and viewing the beautiful cars, pickups, motorcycles and bikes in display.

For more information, you can contact the Roswell Hispano Chamber of Commerce.  You can make a copy of the application by clicking the “Forms’ link.  Complete it and  can send it to:
Roswell Hispano Chamber of Commerce
Attn:  Piñatafest Committee
327 N. Main Street
Roswell, NM  88201

Layout of Piñatafest Vendor Spaces On The Lawn Of The Chaves County Courthouse.