Recognition of ‘National Hispanic Heritage Month’ Will Include a Series of Special Events, Environmental and Music Festivals in Wheaton

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will join in several special events as the County joins in the celebration of “National Hispanic Heritage Month” from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. The events will recognize Latinos and Hispanic immigrants making important contributions to their communities.

National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States. According to the 2020 Census, the Latino population in Montgomery County increased by 31.4 percent since 2010, making Hispanics or Latinos 20.5 percent (217,409) of the County’s total population.

Throughout the month, County Executive Elrich will be thanking the County’s community partners, businesses and other committed stakeholders.

“We are a County where one in five residents are of Hispanic or Latino descent,” said County Executive Elrich. “Montgomery County is enriched by the contributions, cultures, and compassion of our Hispanic and Latino communities. As a Montgomery County resident for more than 60 years, a former MCPS teacher and a community advocate, I have worked with, learned from, and fought with, these communities on civil rights, worker rights, immigrant rights, and housing rights. As County Executive, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue that work in our government. I wish our Hispanic and Latino communities Happy Independence Days and a joyous month. I encourage everyone throughout our County and region to join us at our Hispanic Heritage Month events.”

Events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month will include:

• Friday, Sept. 15. County Executive Elrich will visit Latino-owned businesses across different areas of the County to highlight the Latino small business community. Visits to Silver Spring include the Downtown Boxing Club and Love & Flour Bakery and Kitchen. In Bethesda, he will visit Tacombi, a national restaurant chain dedicated to investing in community development.
• Sept. 15-Oct. 15. A social media campaign recognizing several Hispanic County employees.
• Friday, Oct. 13. Celebration of Flags, "Que Bonita Bandera.” 5-8 p.m. Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton. County residents and employees are invited to bring or wear the colors of the flags that represent their country of origin to join the celebration of the diversity of communities and cultures that make up Montgomery County.

The County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Wheaton Urban District, the Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District and the County Office of Community Partners have joined to organize a month-long series of environmental festivals in Wheaton celebrating the Hispanic community. The first event, on Friday, Sept. 15, will have the theme “Preparing Your Garden for Winter.”

The environmental festivals will take place from 5-8 p.m. every Friday from Sept. 15 through Oct. 13 at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton. The events will highlight environmental themes each week with exhibitors, local artisans, demonstrations and discussions, music and giveaways. The festivities will begin with a DJ and happy hour, culminating with outstanding live performances featuring local performers and bands on the main stage through the TGIF Encore concert series.

The scheduled environmental events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month will include:

• Sept. 15: Preparing Your Garden for Winter
• Sept. 22: Emergency Preparedness
• Sept. 29: Energy Conservation
• Oct. 6: Recycling at Home
• Oct. 13: Be Part of the Solution

"In Montgomery County, environmental equity is fundamental in all of the work we do here at DEP,” said Jon Monger, director of the County’s Department of Environmental Protection. “As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the community's vibrant culture, let us also rally behind the cause of environmental equity, ensuring progress and inclusivity for generations to come."

The TGIF Encore lineup of outstanding Latin music on Friday nights during Hispanic Heritage Month at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton:

• Sept. 15: Luis Garay Percussion World
• Sept, 22: Ocho de Bastos / Grupo ETNIA
• Sept. 29: Quimbao
• Oct. 6: Ocho de Bastos
• Oct. 13: Verny Varela

To learn more about the County’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, including a complete schedule of events and how to participate, visit MyGreenMontgomery.org.