Scenes from last year’s LHACC block party.
When is a block party more than a block party?
When it’s a culturally rich event that launched a regional organization and kicks off a national commemoration every year.
The block party, sponsored by the Latino Hispanic American Community Center (LHACC) in South Allison Hill, began in July 2010.
“It started as a celebratory event to mark the opening of our center and was attended by about 250 people,” recalled Gloria Vasquez Merrick, executive director of LHACC.
Now in its fifth season, the block party soon evolved into an annual celebration that marks another successful year at the center. By moving the date to September, LHACC also turned the party into a kick-off event for Hispanic American Heritage Month.
Observed Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year, Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
This year, the block party takes place on Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Derry Street between S. 13th and 14th streets.
Attendance at the block party, which is open to everyone, has grown every year. Last year, about 1,000 people from the community and the region participated.
LHACC aims to empower, promote and advocate for the Latino-American community of greater Harrisburg by offering information and referral services concerning basic human needs, educational needs, housing, financial services, healthcare, employment, transportation, bilingual services, immigration and legal referrals.
The block party represents a different aspect of the center’s mission, in that it brings the community together. It also offers an opportunity for those from the wider area to learn about Latino and Hispanic culture.
Those attending can listen to Latino music played by “Los Monstros,” a local band; eat Spanish foods sold by vendors; watch salsa dancers; dance themselves; and possibly win a door prize—a number of which will be announced throughout the day. This year, children’s activities have been added to the mix.
“We also are working on having a professional mariachi band from Philadelphia to add to the excitement,” said Vasquez Merrick.
Organizations that serve the Latino community have a chance at the block party to do outreach. For example, Hamilton Health Center will hold screenings; organizations such as Highmark, which reach out to the Latino community, will be present. Churches, colleges, private businesses and non-profit agencies also have traditionally set up stands at the block party.
“This is an opportunity for our collaborating/partner agencies and for newcomers to connect with our community. It is a win-win for both the community and those who connect with LHACC to help make a difference,” said Vasquez Merrick.
TheBurg takes part, as well. In conjunction with the block party, the publication has announced the second annual “Lo Mejor de lo Mejor”—“The Best of the Best”— awards. These will be presented at the event to companies and businesses making strides in serving greater Harrisburg’s Latino community.
At 11:30 a.m., there will be a brief program. Mayor Eric Papenfuse or a representative of his office will be in attendance, as will other special guests and signature sponsors.
Due in large part to the success of the block party, Harrisburg’s Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism is teaming up with LHACC this year. “We are excited, since this will help us, the only Latino center in the region, to expand our outreach throughout the greater community,” said Vasquez Merrick.
The annual Latino block party is “quickly becoming one of the most anticipated events in Harrisburg,” said Joyce Davis, Harrisburg’s director of communications. “We are so grateful to LHACC for the services it provides to the Latino community and look forward to strengthening our collaboration and cooperation in the coming years.”
There are so many reasons for people to come to the block party, said Vasquez Merrick. “So mark your calendars.”
The LHACC block party takes place Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Derry Street between S. 13th and 14th streets.
The Latino Hispanic American Community Center is at 1301 Derry St., Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-232-8302 or visit www.lhacc.org.
