Dauphin County Cultural Fest 2023
Harrisburg residents will have an opportunity to celebrate the region’s diversity through good food and music.
On Saturday, Aug. 17, Dauphin County’s 16th annual Cultural Fest will return to Riverfront Park from 3 to 10 p.m., showcasing and celebrating the variety of cultures in the community.
The free event, hosted by the county and sponsored by Capital Blue Cross, includes vendors, food trucks and free entertainment from various musical performers, including headliner Rakim. Other performances include acts from the McGinley School of Irish Dance, the Dweinnimmenn African Dance Community, the Chinese Cultural & Arts Institute and the YaZmine Dance Studio.
The event is aimed at showcasing ethnic diversity in the Harrisburg area to increase cultural competency, according to county Commissioner George Hartwick.
“We celebrate our differences and view that as our greatest strength,” he said. “This allows us to understand the people that we work with and the folks we work for, which is the community that we serve. The level of cultural competence and representation from the county should be a direct reflection of the people we serve.”
In addition to the fun activities, Dauphin County Human Services will promote local resources throughout the event. These include health resources, mental and behavioral health services, information on housing, educational and recreational program resources and job opportunities.
“A big part of Cultural Fest is to be able to connect with the community in a free event that brings us all together for family purposes, but also to be able to connect people with the help they need in a non-clinical or government setting,” Hartwick said.
Additionally, a children’s corner with kid-friendly, Olympic-themed games and crafts will be available from 3 to 7 p.m.
Free event parking will be offered on City Island and attendees can use the ParkMobile app code “LUVHBG” for four hours of free downtown street parking on the day of the festival.
Large bags and umbrellas are prohibited at the event, with exceptions for medical equipment and parenting bags which must be screened upon entry.
To learn more about Cultural Fest, please visit the county’s website.
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