It’s hard to believe that it was only nine months ago that Grupo Lol-Bé was established by a group of friends and neighbors from Northeast Portland with roots in the Mexican Southern state of Yucatan. Although the group that ranges in age from age 13 to 39, has been active for years volunteering their time and talents doing everything from starting a youth soccer league, holding dance lessons, and volunteering in their local schools, 2011 marked the year they began to make appearances as a Mayan dance group. Their purpose was clear as one of the founding members Lleny puts it, “Grupo Lol-Bé was started in an interest to teach our children about their culture and to share our culture with others here, in Portland, in the place we and our children call home.” The group encourages young people to learn traditional Yucatecan Mayan dances by holding workshops at schools, neighborhoods, and churches. In addition to performing traditional Yucatecan dances at the 4th annual Community Resource Fair which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 1-5 p.m. (with a break during the performance of B’aktun 13 between 2-3 p.m.), Lol-Bé will also be sharing stories about their traditional costumes and culture. Don’t miss opportunity to learn more about Grupo Lol-Bé and other local organizations during this year’s Community Resource Fair!