Lansing - Chicanos and Latinos from across the state gathered in front of the Capitol and throughout Lansing on Wednesday to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

The event featured food donated from local merchants, informational booths about higher education and U.S. Army recruitment, live bands and dancers.

"This day highlights our contributions to the state of Michigan and to the nation," state Sen. Valde Garcia, R-Howell, said. "America is a melting pot and Hispanics are now the largest minority group in America. It's important that all Americans get to know Hispanics and what we've done for the community and the nation."

Garcia launched the celebration with a presentation to the Senate formally recognizing the month.

"It's a celebration to promote cultural awareness," Garcia spokeswoman Karen Szczepanski said. "This is the fifth year of the celebration, so people come from all over."

High school students from across the state came to the event to hear speakers such as Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Attorney General Mike Cox, Garcia and Texas state Rep. Joaquin Castro.

"We want to join with all Americans in making this a greater country," Garcia said. "The more we know about each other and the more comfortable we are with each other, the greater acceptance into the community we will see and that in turn will make this a greater nation."

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in Michigan from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The event was an effort of both the Hispanic Legislative Caucus and Michigan's Commission on Spanish-Speaking Affairs.

Garcia founded the Hispanic Legislative Caucus in 1999 along with former state Rep. Belda Garza, D-Detroit. Since the founding of the caucus, Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated at the Capitol every year.

"It's very educational," said Marylou Olivarez Mason, executive director for the Commission on Spanish-Speaking Affairs. "We need to educate the community about Hispanic heritage and remind our youth to continue celebrating it."

The day-long celebration culminated at the Holiday Inn South-Convention Center, 6820 S. Cedar St. in Lansing, with a dinner honoring individuals throughout the state who have contributed to the Hispanic community. Areas of recognition included art, business and education. In addition, two students were awarded scholarships from the Hispanic Legislative Caucus for similar achievements.

The dinner featured live music by Claudia Ocuña and speakers such as Castro, San Antonio City Councilmember Julian Castro and keynote speaker Albert Zapanta, chairman of the Reserve Forces Policy Board.

For more information about the month, visit michiganhispanicheritage.com