News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 15, 2022 

Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

The Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Celebrates the Diverse Hispanic Community During Hispanic Heritage Month

RIVERDALE, Md. – September 15th marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County celebrates our Hispanic community. More than 18% of the county’s population has roots in Mexico, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Colombia or one of many other Spanish speaking countries. Come celebrate this rich culture at one of our events that commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month. Some of the programs for 2022 include:

Fall Fiesta 
Sunday, September 18, 1-4 pm 
Lake Arbor Community Center 

Learn more about the diverse Hispanic cultures in Prince George’s county. Enjoy live music, folkloric dances, children and teen areas, information tables and food vendors. Scheduled Entertainment by Joe Falero Band, Alfredo Perez Vazquez and Los Tecuanes (Folkloric Group), Pareja Caporal (Folkloric Dances), DJ & MC: Jack Lighting.

Hispanic Heritage Month Opening Reception
Thursday, September 29, 6 – 8 pm
Publick Playhouse

Enjoy an evening of art, live music, delicious cuisine, and interactive activities that are fun for the whole family! Meet featured exhibition artist Fran Oviedo and receive a free 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month poster. While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up our Hispanic Heritage Month guide featuring a full month of art, music, film, and dance throughout Prince George’s County.

Latinas in Aviation Global Festival 
Saturday, October 1, 10 am – 4 pm 
College Park Aviation Museum and Airport 

Join the College Park Aviation Museum to honor Latinas in Aviation. Watch how pilots featured in the book Latinas in Aviation fly into the College Park airport and share their unique experiences and passion for aviation. This unique event is an opportunity to meet and hear from contributing authors while learning about the magic of aviation. There will displays, vendors, interactives, book signing, children’s activities, music performances and much more. 

Fiesta de la Familia 
Sunday, October 16, 1-4 pm 
Lane Manor Park 

Enjoy live music, folkloric dances, children and youth areas, information tables, and food vendors. Scheduled entertainment includes Elena la Fulana, Grupo Miel (Salsa and Bachata music) and Marimba Princesa Xinabajul (traditional group from Guatemala). Children ages 5-10 can participate in a free soccer skills clinic and win prizes during the celebration. 

For information on more of our scheduled Hispanic Heritage Month Events, visit https://www.pgparks.com/2855/Hispanic-Heritage-Month. 

About the Department

The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, PhotoShelter, and Instagram. The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2022

Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Announces Upcoming Events at Montpelier Arts Center

Riverdale, MD – The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County is pleased to announce the start of Montpelier Arts Center’s 2022-2023 season. We have exhibitions, concerts, and workshops for everyone. Upcoming events include:

Sep 2 – Oct 23

Dreamer’s House and Anomalies in Time: Photographs by Regina DeLuise and Jay Gould

Public Reception: Sep 17, 2-4 pm. Tintype Demo & Lecture: Oct 15, 2-4pm

Light and lens are at the heart of this exhibition. Two photographers working with large format, 8×10 cameras and processes that span the history of the medium. DeLuise’s exquisite photographs explore the passage of time, moments of stillness, and interior space. Meanwhile, Gould’s work embraces the historic collodion process to explore the paradoxes of time, memory, and illusion. Free admission.

Sep 22, 12 noon

Smooth Sounds for Seniors Series: Anita King

National Recording Jazz Vocalist Anita King’s melodic voice has swept across the Washington, D.C. area and brought her to sing in legendary venues across the United States and throughout Europe. Spend an early afternoon with Ms. King as she brings her style, class, and grace to perform many of your favorite jazz songs at the Montpelier Arts Center. Ages 60 and Better; $12/person

Tuesdays, Sep 27 – Oct 25, 7 pm 

Music Therapy with HALO Quartet  

Join this five-week series using music and singing to heal and release. HALO is the first International African American Quartet that leads this workshop through singing, music, and songwriting. Learn how music can help release stress and help you heal. Ages 18 & up; $20/person

Montpelier Art Center is open to the public seven days a week, 10 am to 5 pm. For more information about these events and more, visit arts.pgparks.com, e-mail MontpelierArts@pgparks.com or call 301-377-7800.

About the Department

The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, PhotoShelter, and Instagram. The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2022

Program Contact: Deletta Gillespie, 301-446-3232

Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

CELEBRATE AFRICA FESTIVAL RETURNS TO PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Riverdale, MD – The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County is pleased to announce its plans for this year’s Celebrate Africa festival, happening September 25, 2022 from 12 – 6 pm at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. This award-winning festival is a day full of celebratory events and joyous performances honoring the artistic and cultural contributions of the African immigrant community to Prince George’s County. Celebrate Africa is free and open to the public.   

Darlene Watkins, Chief of the Arts and Cultural Heritage Division of Prince George’s County shares “This will be our fifth Celebrate Africa festival and – with a lineup featuring African comedians, storytellers, dance fitness, musicians and food vendors – this year’s festival may indeed be our best!”  

Celebrate Africa Festival 2022’s lineup includes:   

• Meditating to the spellbinding vibes of Kora music – known as west Africa’s classical music – with master musician and jeli/griot Amadou Kouyate   
• Kenyan comedienne, actor, storyteller, and vocalist Anna Mwhalago‘s hilarious sense of humor will have you laughing out loud as she shares stories about African immigrant experiences in the United States 
• Nigerian-Canadian Singer/Songwriter TolumiDE will charm and delight all with her “Suya Soul” style (a unique fusion of contemporary R&B with African pop) 
• Chopteeth‘s sounds will connect the common groove between the funkiest, most hip-shakin’ West African and American popular music on the planet 
• This year’s fashion show – Red Carpet Africa – will have you swooning over Ghanaian-born designer Afua Sam’s African-influenced fashion designs – spotted at red-carpet events all over the world  
• Performing Arts Center for African Cultures will show you the latest dance moves from across the African continent 
• Listen to the music of the royal courts of 13^th century Manding West Africa with The Uasuf Gueye Trio

Other festival highlights include Storytelling on the River, where you’ll have a chance to lose yourself in centuries-old folk tales and fables while cruising the Anacostia, as well as shopping in the marketplace for authentic arts and crafts from all over the continent.   

Along the way, refuel and feast on delightful African culinary creations from a variety of on-site food vendors, including Hunger Tamer (featuring West African cuisine) and more vendors to be announced. 

For more information, visit https://www.pgparks.com/event_list/celebrate-africa.

Bladensburg Waterfront Park is located at 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD 20710. Patrons traveling by car are strongly encouraged to park at the nearby Colmar Manor Community Park (3200 37th Avenue, Colmar, MD) and ride the shuttle to the festival. 

About the Department

The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, PhotoShelter, and Instagram. The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.