By BARBARA HENDEL
BLADE SOCIETY EDITOR

The 15th Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration Nov. 5 at the Erie Street Market netted about $10,000 and a ton of fun.

It was sold out at 365 reservations and festivities started in the morning with the altar exhibits at the center followed by a Mass at church and a reception before the evening event, where guests were in semi-formal attire. It was a day to celebrate the lives of loved ones who have died, so it was a meaningful but happy occasion.

Catrinas, figures with a skeleton face made from corn husks decorated in colorful fancy dresses and hats, were made by artist-in-residence Alberto Marin. Sugar skulls, faces decorated with icing, and heads covered in flowers were made by artist Kirsten Snodgrass.

Families of the first Latino immigrants to the Toledo area were the guests of honor and there was a special altar exhibit made in their honor.

Pan de muerto — a sweet bread made by San Marcos Restaurant, Bakery and Grocery Store — were on each table along with fresh fruit to attract the good spirits of the dead. Wonderful food was catered by Lina Barrera of Comidas del Corazon.

Al Gonzalez, president of the Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center, welcomed the guests and introduced the evening's emcee, Margarita DeLeon.

Seen were Deacon Jose Garcia, director of the Office of Hispanic Ministries of the Diocese of Toledo; Barbara Winter of California, Mary Jane Flores (widow of Judge Joe Flores), Maria Trinidad, Hernan Vasquez, Jewell Lightner, Jane Thoma, Shanda Gore, Todd Tibbits, and representatives from the Spanish American Organization, LatinoFest, and the Toledo Jeep Hispanic Association.

The altar exhibit, which is filled with interesting and creative ways to honor the dead, is on display again 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the Sofia Quintero Art & Culture Center at 1225 Broadway. It is free and open to the public.

Arts school cabaret

The Staff Cabaret 10 Grand for the Toledo School for the Arts will be held at 7 p.m. Friday. The "Living Art Exhibit" themed event includes staffers dressed as famous works of art, an interactive mural, and more including hors d'oeuvres, a costume contest for guests, and a chance to win the $5,000 grand cash prize in the reverse raffle.

Only 200 raffle tickets sold at $100 per couple. For tickets contact: vwerley@ts4arts.org or 419-246-8732, ext. 217.