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The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga toasts the South's growing Latino population with the second-annual "Festival de las Aguas"
on August 10 and 11.

Bands showcasing a variety of Latin sounds -- mariachi, salsa, and island music -- liven the plaza, along with Latino performers and artists. The aquarium teamed with several area Latino businesses, including La Buena radio, to provide entertainment and to offer special aquarium discounts for the fiesta.

Sponsors of "Festival de las Aguas" are. . .
"La Buena" radio, Comcast Cable, Mello-Yello and Allied Arts. Plaza activities are free of charge
and open to the public.

The festival begins at 11 a.m. and will feature live bands,
a dance group and giveaways. Here's the day's lineup:

"Origin" blends traditional Cuban sounds with the popular rhythms of Latin dance music and salsa. They will play under the tent at noon and 3 p.m.
The six-piece mariachi band, "Mariachi Los Rancheros," will play at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. They'll stroll through the plaza, playing to the crowds.
Half-price coupon to the Aquarium, IMAX and Creative Discovery Museum available at area BI-LO's for children ages 3-12. (All children must be accompanied by at least one paid adult. Coupon good for Aug. 10 & 11 only)
LaBuena radio station (Z93.1 FM) will do live remotes from the festival on Saturday and Sunday.
Mayfield will be on hand to distribute samples of their new flavor, "Ensalada de Fruita" on the plaza.
Coca-Cola will distribute samples of their Mello-Yellow flavors.
Comcast will have giveaways from HBO Latino and Discovery en Espanol plus
information on Latino Music and Networks.
Storyteller Colleen Laliberte will share traditional Latin folktales on the plaza and in the auditiorium throughout both days of the festival.
The Mexican Folklore Ballet, a group of young women ages 8 to 12, will perform traditional Mexican dances while wearing costumes on both Saturday and Sunday.
Amigos de la Raza will have bilingual volunteers on site both days to assist. This group is a non-profit organization designed to educate and foster a better understanding of Latino culture. They are available to help translate the behind-the-scenes tours if necessary and help answer any questions our visitors might have by serving as translators.
The Creative Discovery Museum will host a craft table for children on the plaza.
Education staff and volunteers will host live animal encounters (weather permitting) and other educational programs on the plaza throughout the day.
Seymour the Seahorse will make appearances at the plaza, entertaining children and adults alike.
The first 500 children to tour the Aquarium on Saturday will receive a free plush seahorse at the end of their tour.

Environmental Learning Lab Activities
for Festival de las Aquas, August 10 & 11
(The Environmental Learning Lab is located in the
IMAX Theater Center across the street from the Aquarium).

Pinatas in the Garden for children 12 and under
Sat. 11AM, 1PM, 3PM, 5PM
Sun. 2PM, 4PM
Brazilian Rainforest Theme
Rainforest Display with resources
Rainstick craft
Rainforest interactive on touchscreen kiosk
Rainforest Computer Scavenger Hunt worksheet - ages 12-adult
(fill out for chance to win free IMAX tickets)
Rainforest Coloring Contest -
     Category I ages 7 & under
     Category II ages 8-12
     (win free plush animals from the rainforest)

For more information, call 800-262-0695

Some great information and links at All Things Latin.

Mexico Online - The online guide to Mexico.

An Internet hotlist on Spanish resources ¡en Español!- for kids and teachers.

Yahoo! en español - Yahoo! guide to Spanish speaking communities around the world.

HispanicOnline.com - a great news and entertainment resource.

Latino Beat - daily online Latino news and information service.

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is the largest freshwater aquarium in the world. Built with private contributions, the Aquarium inspires wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Admission is $12.95 per adult and $6.95 per child, ages 3-12. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org or by phone at 1-800-262-0695.