The pageants are back!

Along with the activities of summer come the festivals and the beauty pageants parading little girls and young girls of all ages, something that has become a staple of the season and of the Spanish-speaking community.

These contests are a wonderful experience for the girls and their families who spend a great deal of money and time preparing them for the competition.  That evening is usually filled with fun and good time that everyone (of every nationality) enjoys.

We are satisfied that the directors of Hispanic Week continue going in the right direction, ensuring the use of local YMCAs to conduct their events.

Proof of this was the last Talent Show held at the Y in Lawrence, where the first 150 chairs were filled quickly and they had to go back for more, gathering about 300  people who enjoyed the talent of 28 contestants.

But there are many other groups of different nationalities who seek to be represented during the events of Hispanic Week with the Queen and her entourage still using nightclubs.

These groups argue that by using the nightclubs they save in the rental of the space because the bar owners profit from the sale of alcohol.  Thinking that way, what example are we giving to our children?  That in order to have fun we always have to be surrounded by alcohol?

Nightclubs are not a place to hold children’s activities.  Proof of that is that all events held at the Y are full of good cheer for the entire family.

We applaud the actions of Hispanic Week in this regard.