If you missed ‘Fiesta Latina’ last weekend — not to worry, there will be another, on June 2, to be exact. But don’t let that make you feel better about missing out on one rousing good time!

The first event in a series of multi-cultural family oriented events slated for the Harrisburg area, The First Friday’s Series, Fiesta Latina was, by all indications, an outstanding event. More than 8,000 people participated in the festivities — which ranged from the burying of a Millennium time capsule to live music and children’s activities to dancing and ethnic foods.

According to Mayor Reed, the evening was a "smashing success"– one that brought the downtown "alive with people and activity" in a way that the downtown hasn’t seen in quite a while, creating business for not only First Friday vendors, but surrounding businesses, as well.

The team-effort of joint sponsors Mellon Bank and the City helped make the entire event run smoothly, with adequate personnel and more than enough entertainment to keep the crowds happy throughout the bustling City streets. Additional support for the First Friday’s Series is also being provided by the Harrisburg Parks Partnership, the Greater Harrisburg Arts Council, the Harrisburg Hilton Hotel and Towers, WHP TV-21/UPN TV 15 and the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

Like Reed, Mellon Bank’s Assistant Vice President, Government Banking, Fred Clark, had nothing but praise for the kick-off event and was more than pleased that Mellon could be a part of the festivities. "David Skerpon, our Regional President, recognizes the role Mellon should be playing in the Commonwealth region for many different multi-cultural facets of our community," Clark said, adding, "Also, we at Mellon want to be known not only for providing superior financial services but also for maintaining an integral role in all of our communities."

Both visitors and downtown workers are invited to attend the remaining events, with plenty of free and convenient parking available in Center City parking garages. As with Fiesta Latina, the events will be held in the first block of North Second Street on Market Square, with that part of the Square closed-off to traffic.

The schedule for the remaining themed-celebrations includes: June 2: African-American Celebration; July 7: All American Festival; and August 4: East Meets West – European cultures meeting the Asian Experience.

Designed to highlight the rich culture of the Greater Harrisburg Region while also increasing after-hours visitation to downtown, The First Friday’s Series is one of the first projects of the Mayor’s Millennium Commission, a civic enhancement task force appointed by the Mayor in late 1999 to undertake a variety of city projects over the next two years.