3rd Annual Cultural Festival in Downtown Harrisburg

Dauphin County Commissioners invite the public to a free open-air street festival celebrating cultural diversity, to be held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, August 6 in front of the Dauphin County Courthouse, on Market Street between Front and Second streets in Harrisburg.

The third annual Cultural Fest will feature an outstanding line-up of live music and entertainment, ethnic food vendors, special family activities, and much more.

The festival will feature live entertainment from local and national performing artists throughout the evening. Entertainment will begin at 5 p.m. on the main stage, where La Nueva Potencia (The New Power) will perform merengue, bachata and salsa music. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., several groups, such as the YMCA Camp Curtin Steppers, Steelton Steppers, McGinley School of Irish Dance, the Chinese Cultural and Arts Institute, Troupe Hayati, Alumon and hip-hop group Survival of the Illest, will thrill audiences with music and dance performances. Jazz and funk band 76 Degrees West will take center stage at 6:30 p.m. One of the nation’s leading R&B and soul singer-songwriters, Leela James, will go on stage at 8 p.m.

From the very first track on her 2005 debut album, A Change Is Gonna Come, Leela James has captured the eclectic and soulful sound of artists like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Mavis Staples and Marvin Gaye. She also has toured as an opening act for the Black Eyed Peas and Macy Gray. James released her latest album, My Soul, on June 1, 2010.

Dauphin County’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Services will offer a host of educational and fun activities, including face painting, games and coloring, which the whole family will enjoy. This year, the theme for family activities will be “Around the World Drug Free.”

Valerie Pritchett, abc27 News anchor and reporter, and Paul Scott, Smooth Jazz 92.7 radio host, will co-host the street festival.

Market Street will be closed from Front Street to Second Street at 10 p.m. on Thursday, August 5 and until the morning of Saturday, August 7. Motorists are urged to avoid the area during this time.

The festival will also feature ethnic food from around the world, including American, European, Indian, Asian, Greek, and African, prepared by area businesses.

This free event will be held rain or shine. Bring your chairs, family and friends.

This year, Cultural Fest is sponsored ...