Mayor Jacobs with children celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrated at Orange Fiesta in the Park

Community & Services

Blanchard Park recently hosted the third annual Orange Fiesta in the Park, a family-friendly event hosted by Orange County and the Hispanic Heritage Committee of Greater Orange County (HHCOGOC) celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Guests at the event enjoyed live music performances, Latin cuisine, games and Fiesta in the Park’s first-ever children’s soccer tournament. Amidst the fun, citizens had the opportunity to learn more about Orange County community partners and service agencies that were also present at information booths.

“My 8-year-old participated in the soccer tournament and had a blast,” said Oviedo resident Dilmarias Diaz. “It’s good for Latin people to get come together to celebrate our heritage. This was such a fun event.”

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs provided a warm welcome and presented awards to the winners of the annual poster art contest and the children’s soccer tournament, which took place during the fiesta.

“In Orange County we have many reasons to celebrate diversity, especially in the Hispanic community,” said Mayor Jacobs. “From extraordinary culture, arts, academic achievement and leadership, our Hispanic citizens have an incredibly positive impact on our community.”

Citizens also learned about pedestrian safety and Mayor Jacobs’ new Walk-Ride-Thrive! initiative.

In addition to engineering changes on our roadways, Mayor Jacobs urged that increasing citizen mindfulness of their surroundings is crucial to increasing pedestrian safety throughout Orange County.

Bike helmet fittings were also provided at Fiesta in the Park as well as information cards highlighting tips on how to remain safe while on the road – whether walking, cycling or driving.

The HHCGOC was proud have an impressive turnout of more than 1,000 Orange County citizens and guests for yet another successful Fiesta in the Park.

“We want to give thanks to all the vendors that participated and the leagues present for the inaugural soccer tournament,” said Mercedes Fonseca, HHCGOC member and aide to District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke. “We would also like to give a special thanks to all the residents who came out to Fiesta in the Park.”

The Hispanic Heritage Committee of Greater Orange County is a volunteer-based organization founded with the purpose of providing opportunities that promote and highlight the contributions made by individuals of Hispanic descent in the community. All proceeds from food sales during Fiesta in the Park will go toward scholarships for Hispanic Students.

This year, Orange County kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 annually, with a celebration at the Orange County Regional History Center on Sept. 9. The celebration included cultural dance performances, Hispanic food and the unveiling of special Hispanic artwork, which is on display at the History Center and the atrium of the Orange County Government Administration Center throughout the duration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Photos from Orange Fiesta in the Park may be found on Flickr for use by the media.

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