Community briefs for October 28, 2004

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004 | 8:48 a.m.

Fundraisers will be celebrated

The Las Vegas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will recognize six local individuals and organizations for their contributions to philanthropy during its 13th annual Southern Nevada Philanthropy Day luncheon 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in Bally's Skyview Room.

Honorees will be presented with awards in these categories:

Philanthropist, volunteer fundraiser, corporate giver, service organization, media supporter and professional fundraising executive.

For reservations, contact Jennifer Schwartz at 269-9992.

The luncheon, open to the public, is $50.

Library to host Indian festival

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District will present the Native American Festival 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road.

The festival is a family event featuring dance and artisan demonstrations, films, children's activities, food and a craft market with jewelry, pottery, carvings and more.

For more information, call 734-7323.

Day of the Dead festival scheduled

Clark County Parks and Community Services will present Life in Death: The Day of the Dead in Las Vegas, a two-day festival featuring displays, an art exhibit, performances, craft sales and food vendors from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive.

The event will explore cultural traditions relating to the Mexican festival of El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead).

The festival will feature many ofrendas, altars built by families and other groups in memory of deceased relatives or other beloved individuals.

Performance both in the park and in Winchester Theater each day will feature Mexican dance troupes and readings of calaveras (skulls), which are satirical poems, usually humorous, written to commemorate people who are still alive.

Authentic Mexican crafts will be offered for sale and a variety of food vendors will be available, and there will be free samples of the special Day of the Dead bread which is made only once a year, as well as demonstrations of sugar skull making.

Call 455-7340.

As part of Hispanic Heritage Monday,

the North Las Vegas Library will hold a Halloween party 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the library, 2300 Civic Center Drive. There will be stories, games and crafts. At the end of the program everyone will get a chance to break a pinata full of special treats. Call 633-1070.