Public Invited to First-Ever Fiesta en la Plaza at Pennsylvania State Capitol to Commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The public is encouraged to come out and commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month at the State Capitol with the first-ever Fiesta en la Plaza, or Party in the Plaza, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26.

The event will take place in the area behind the state Capitol's Veterans War Memorial Fountain and will span Commonwealth Avenue into Soldier's Grove.

The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2012 is, "Diversity United, Building America's Future Today." Maria Montero, director, Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, will deliver the Hispanic Heritage Month message at 12:30 p.m.

Nearly 20 exhibitors from state government and private agencies will be on-site with information about social and human services, employment opportunities and assistance, financial planning and management and cultural community activities.

Entertainment will be provided by eight live performance acts, offering a variety of Hispanic music such as Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Hip-Hop, Musica Del Barrio, Bilingual and Cuban Drummers Dance music. A sampling of cuisine from some of South Central Pennsylvania's finest Hispanic eateries will also be available during the event as well.

The Fiesta el la Plaza is being sponsored by the Pennsylvania Inter-Agency Cultural Celebration Task force which consists of the Governor's Office; the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs; the departments of Agriculture, Banking, Community & Economic Development, Conservation & Natural Resources, General Services, Corrections, Education, Health, Revenue, State, Public Welfare, Labor & Industry, Aging; Pennsylvania Historic Museum Commission, Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission, Pennsylvania State Civil Service Commission, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and State Employees Retirement System.

Media contact: Troy Thompson, 717-787-3197

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of General Services