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Damaris Patino was crowned Queen of the Diez y Seis de Septiembre Celebration on Saturday night, September 12th. This event was hosted by St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the City of San Saba.
On Saturday, September 12th, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in partnership with the City of San Saba, hosted a Diez y Seis de Septiembre Celebration in Risien Park. A beautiful day in a shaded, nicely manicured setting, the community enjoyed and partook in festivities reflecting the culture of Texas descents.
The entertainment was kicked off with the singing and performance from San Saba’s own, hometowner, Linda Cisneroz Soto; continuing on with other singers; and DJ music by Luis Vega. Dancers with the Round Rock Ballet Folklorico stunned the crowd with awesome traditional dances. As the day progressed, the smells of funnel cakes, popcorn, roasted corn, gorditas, and taquitos (street tacos) captivated you to enjoy some delicious cuisine, with a cold, iced beverage to compliment your food. And standing by in case you needed them on this warm day, were volunteers at the first aid booth.
Delightful children running and playing in the park, while watching folks trying to seize a chance in winning a dessert at the Cake Walk booth, made for a pleasing day.
Trying your luck in the raffe and supporting the beautiful young ladies, the queen candidate who worked extremely hard selling those tickets, moved your excitement. Congrats to the lucky winners: JoAnn Humphries of Abilene - outdoor gourmet 4-burner griddle; Macrina Esquivel of San Saba - Samsung 55” Smart TV; and Fernando Vasquez of San Saba - lawn mower.
A fun surprise for the crowd paraded through the park just be fore sundown. We were delighted when the shiny, huge trucks with special accessories to motorcycles to antique cars rolled through the park, then opened their doors and hoods to let the crowds get a close up look of the unique vehicles.
The day was coming to an end when our local Corazon Latente Band took the stage to kick off the evening dance. The great music from the band got people on their feet, showing their fancy steps, and having a great time for the remainder of the night.
Just a little past dark, the Celebration queen candidates were introduced. After they had a chance to walk around the park visiting with the crowds, the moment arrived. Damaris Patino was announced and crowned as Queen of the Diez Y Seis de Septiembre Celebration. Rocio Argote, 1st runner up; Kristi Macias, 2nd runner up; and Irene Jimenez, 3rd runner up were announced as the Queen’s Court. All the girls received a crown and a small gift of appreciation for all their hard work.
St. Mary’s Church and the Festival Committee expressed their gratitude for all the volunteers who made this day’s event possible. A heartfelt thank you to all the friends in the community that supported the activities of the festival and contributed to the success of this celebration. There is already discussion of how to make this celebration grow with more activities, fun and fellowship. We look forward to establishing a tradition that grows each year. Watch for us next year and join us in celebrating this culture of Texas descents.