Celebrate Hispanic heritage in Western North Carolina from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Aging Community Center in Sylva.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in recognition of the historical and cultural contributions of Hispanic Americans. The annual observance is now a 31-day period beginning on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15.

Prepare yourself for authentic food cooked up by chefs from a range of Central and South American countries; a salsa dance workshop; activities planned for the children, educational experiences, and dancing to diverse Latin American music.

Cooks from Mexico, Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia and Venezuela are all lined up to make lots of food. Local Mexican folkloric dance groups will also perform. Last year, 400 people attended.

Sponsored by Bridging Jackson Communities, a nonprofit organization, along with student volunteers from Smoky Mountain High School, Southwestern Community College and Western Carolina University.

Suggested donation of $5 for adults; kids under 10 are free.