The 108-acre theme and water park once again celebrates the culture of the Carolinas’ growing Latino community with the return of Celebracion Latina, a two-day event sponsored by DeporVita.

Vozarron de Corazon features six semi-finalists performing on July 15, where the field will be narrowed to three finalists who will compete for the title on July 16. The competition seeks contestants who have a great voice and the talent to become a star. The preliminary competition will be held June 9 – July 9 throughout North Carolina. More information on how to participate is available by calling 919-484-0225

“Celebracion Latina is an exciting event that offers a number of dynamic experiences such as Vozarron de Corazon for the Latino community,” said Bob White, general manager of Paramount’s Carowinds. “It’s two full days of great food, entertainment and time spent with the family.”

Festival guests can dine on authentic Latin cuisine such as arroz con pollo (Spanish chicken and rice), tacos and pupusas (similar to a tortilla) as well as other traditional dishes.

Performing artist Tonny Ferrer, who has been described as a cross between Julio Iglesias and Jose Feliciano, will be on hand performing songs from his latest album Entre Suenos. Comedian Louis Thomas also will bring some of the biggest Latino stars to life with his irreverent impressions and flashy comedic style.

Paramount’s Carowinds and the event organizer, Ruiz Agency, will donate $2 from each ticket purchased to fund Hispanic youth scholarships throughout the Carolinas. The educational scholarships are set up through Diamante Inc., organizers of the 10th annual Latino Diamante Awards and youth scholarships in North Carolina.  

"After the success of last year's event, we are looking forward to more Latinos discovering Celebracion Latina this year,” said Diogenes Ruiz, president of Ruiz Agency. “It is the only family-oriented event of its kind in the Carolinas and as the event continues to grow, so will the Hispanic youth scholarships funded."

Nickelodeon’s® Dora the Explorer™ and other NickToons™ will be on hand to celebrate with the younger members of the Latino community, and Walter’s Pals, the friends of BI-LO’s picky produce expert, will stop by to help teach kids about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. Additional festivities include authentic salsa dancers, Maricahis in traditional costumes and a drum performance honoring the history of Latin music. All Celebracion Latina activities take place in the Carolina RFD section of the Park, next to the Nickelodeon Flying Super Saturator™.  

Paramount’s Carowinds is open to the public during Celebracion Latina and the event is free with park admission. Guests can enjoy more than 60 world-class rides, attractions and shows, including the newly-expanded, Australian-themed water park, Boomerang Bay.  

Tickets can be purchased online at www.celebracionlatina.com, in English by calling 1-800-888-4386, in Spanish by calling 919-424-0225, or at the park during the festival. Ticket prices are $28.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 3 to 6 and seniors 55 and older. Advanced tickets also can be purchased at select Compare Foods stores in Charlotte and Raleigh. Discount coupons are available at participating Bojangles and BI-LO locations.

Additional sponsors of the Celebracion Latina, helping fund Hispanic youth scholarships through their participation in Celebracion Latina, include Bojangles, BI-LO, BellSouth, Founders Federal Credit Union, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, GMAC Insurance and GMAC Financial Services.

The Park currently is open for daily operation through Aug. 23, and weekend-only operation resumes Aug. 26 – Oct. 29. The Park also is open Sept. 4. The Park is closed to the public on Sept. 23, 24 & 30 and Oct. 1.  

Paramount’s Carowinds is a division of Paramount Parks, a leading developer and operator of world-class theme parks and location-based attractions, entertaining more than 13 million guests annually.  Paramount Parks is a unit of Viacom Inc., a leading global media company, with preeminent positions in broadcast and cable television, radio, outdoor advertising, and online.

For more information on this story please visit the Paramount's Carowinds Press Room.

For more information on the park please visit Paramount's Carowinds.