Lange visits Mexican shelter

Cancun, Mexico — Actress Jessica Lange met with community leaders and children Friday at a shelter in Cancun in her role as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Lange, 55, who starred most recently in “Big Fish” and “Normal,” spent much of the day learning about a local program in which hotel workers and cab drivers are trained to report suspected cases of child abuse.

“It is a wonderful collaboration between the private sector and the government,” she said.

Nelson chooses Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas — Willie Nelson will stage his famous Fourth of July Picnic at the Fort Worth Stockyards this year.

“Fort Worth is one of my old hometowns,” Nelson told reporters and fans Friday at a news conference. “I’ve played all of the beer joints here.”

The daylong event will be on a 27-acre concert field dubbed the North Forty. Besides Nelson, performers will include other country music icons such as Merle Haggard, Ray Price, David Allan Coe and Kris Kristofferson.

Organizers expect about 25,000 people.

Estefans receive spirit award

New York — Emilio and Gloria Estefan have been selected by the Latin Entertainment Industry Group for City of Hope as its 2004 Spirit of Life Award honorees.

The award will be presented Nov. 18 at a gala dinner in the Miami area. Proceeds from the event will benefit City of Hope’s research, treatment and education programs for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

The Spirit of Life Award is presented to individuals who have made a notable contribution to their community and profession.

“It is with great pride and reverence that we accept this honor,” said Emilio Estefan. “I am intimately aware of the important work of this organization and that people in Miami, and everywhere, benefit from its mission and resources.”