The Brief
- Montgomery County canceled this year’s Wheaton Hispanic Heritage Month Festival, citing fear and targeting within the community.
- Instead, the county is redirecting festival funds to $2,000 school grants through the new “Arte y Alma” program.
- Officials say the grants will allow schools to celebrate Hispanic culture in safe, welcoming spaces throughout the year.
WHEATON, Md. – The Wheaton Hispanic Heritage Month Festival, which celebrates Hispanic Heritage and promotes a deeper understanding of community traditions, has been canceled due to ‘intense fear within the community as well as targeting of the community,” according to officials.
County Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Luisa Cardona made the announcement during a media briefing with County Executive Marc Elrich on Wednesday.
The Wheaton festival took place for the first time last year. This year’s event was scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 12, at Marian Fryer Town Plaza. …