Laureen Martinez, Orange County Communications Division, Assistant Manager
(407) 836-5301 or Laureen.Martinez@ocfl.net

Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orange County Government Kick Off Hispanic Heritage Month

Orange County, FL – Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs announced today the collaboration between Orange County Government and the Hispanic Heritage Committee of Greater Orange County (HHCGOC) to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month 2014, celebrated from September 15 through October 15. This month-long observance of Hispanic traditions and influence in the United States was enacted into law in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. As a part of this effort, Orange County Government and the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division will serve as the hosts to several events organized by HHCGOC throughout the month. All activities are free and open to the public.

“We are privileged to live in a community of such rich diversity. People from all around the world have chosen to make Orange County their home, contributing their traditions, customs and culture to our region,” said Mayor Jacobs. “We are so proud to partner with the Hispanic Heritage Committee to recognize and celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by citizens of Hispanic descent in Orange County and throughout American history.”

Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on Wednesday, September 17 with a reception featuring performances and an exhibition highlighting the works of local artists. This outdoor reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the shaded north lawn of the Orange County Government Administration Center, located at 201 South Rosalind Avenue in downtown Orlando. The reception will also inaugurate the month-long exhibition of unique artwork by local painters, highlighting the influence of Hispanic culture in Central Florida. The works will be featured in the Administration Center’s atrium, which is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The celebration will continue with Orange Fiesta in the Park on Saturday, September 27 starting at 11 a.m. This family-friendly event will be held at Downey Park, located at the intersection of East Colonial Drive and Dean Road. Guests will enjoy food from a variety of food truck vendors, live music performed by local talent, and access to resources made available by multiple community organizations. Children will be able to play in inflatable games and cool off in Downey Park’s splash pad.

As a part of Orange Fiesta in the Park, Mayor Jacobs will lead a special tribute honoring the newest recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal, the veterans of the U.S. Army 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers. Festivities will also include an awards ceremony for winners of HHCGOC’s student art contest, as well as an Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull look-alike contest, with the opportunity for participants to win concert tickets for their October performance at the Amway Center.

The Hispanic Heritage Committee of Greater Orange County is a volunteer-based organization founded in 1999 with the purpose of providing opportunities that promote and highlight the contributions made by individuals of Hispanic descent in the community.

Event Details

Orange County Hispanic Heritage Month Reception

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Orange County Government Administration Center
Address: 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando 32801
Admission: Free
Featuring: Musical performance, dance, and food

Hispanic Heritage Art Exposition

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2014 – Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Time: Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Orange County Government Administration Center
Address: 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando 32801
Admission: Free
Featuring: Artwork highlighting Hispanic culture in Central Florida

Orange Fiesta in the Park

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2014
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Downey Park
Address: 10107 Flowers Ave., Orlando 32825
(Intersection of E. Colonial Dr. and Dean Rd.)
Admission: Free
Featuring: Special recognition ceremony for the 65th Infantry Regiment Borinqueneers, Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull look-alike contest, live music, food, information booths and children’s games

About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.

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