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Going to a ‘Fiesta in the Park’

By EMILY BALDWIN
ebaldwin@TheCitizen.com

Four years ago, staff members of the Peachtree City Library began noticing the rapid growth of the Hispanic community in Peachtree City. Mary Haas knew that it was important for the community to reach out to this growing segment of the city’s population. So she offered to have the library host a celebration of Hispanic culture and enlisted members of the Hispanic community to plan a taste testing and a few other events during National Hispanic Heritage Month.

What began as a simple indoor tasting event ended up being a party that couldn’t be contained indoors. Displays were brought, dancing and music occurred and 200 people showed up to partake in the event. The upsizing of the initial event was a sign for things to come. The second year brought 400 people, and last year brought over 1,200 people out to celebrate the lively and colorful Hispanic culture.

The 4th annual Fiesta in the Park is Saturday, Sept. 24. The event, which will take place from 2-5 p.m., will be held at Picnic Park behind the soon-to-be-reopened Peachtree City Library.

This year's event looks to be the largest yet and is sure to bring out the crowds. Planning for the event began seven months ago with Mary Haas and Nancy Jurchenko from the library. Peachtree City’s adult ESL students and members of the local Hispanic community have also spent numerous hours preparing for the fiesta.

Sixteen Hispanic countries are represented in this year’s celebration. Led by the Peachtree City Library, the event is a joint offering of many local schools, businesses, and community organizations.

As in past years, this free family event will provide plenty of opportunities to engage your five senses as you sample the food and take part in the fun. Visit cultural displays, play games and win prizes, make crafts, enjoy the music and other entertainment, or put on your dancing shoes and enter the dance contest. Come meet the clown and enjoy a special surprise. Prizes for the various games will be provided by The Friends of the Library.

Starr’s Mill Panther Pride Band will kick off the festivities at 2 p.m. with a rousing rendition of “America” from “West Side Story.” A salsa band from Atlanta, La Serenada, will entertain attendees compliments of Peachtree National Bank and Clothes Less Traveled thrift store which are providing funds for this year’s entertainment. Those attending will also have the pleasure of seeing a courtship dance performed by a local dancer.

Coca-Cola, El Ranchero, La Hacienda, Latin Zone, McDonald’s, Publix, and several individual volunteers will provide food and beverages. The Hispanic community will provide displays about the history and culture that they so proudly bring to the city. Additionally, the City of Peachtree City, Fayette Community Care, The Girl Scouts, and Peachtree City Library Corporation have all provided support for this wonderful event.

This event is free and open to the public and is sure to be a good time for all. So, come on down to the park on Saturday and enjoy the festivities.