Post by casualreader on Sept 22, 2008 15:37:37 GMT -5
Freehold Voice Dudes and Dudettes:
Its my favorite time of year -- Its Latino Festival time. I missed this article the other day in the Asbury Park Press but an old friend just sent it to me.
I think it will be one of the best festivals ever -- I and my girl will be going. I missed most of it last year but this year I am going to make sure I spend two or three hours there.
Freeholder McMorrow seems very excited too.
For those of you who wish to see Casual -- here is a hint -- I will be wearing a thin leather mask that will only reveal my eyes and lips. I will also have a sombrero on. I particularly want to see all you white folks out there.
Let us make it a dreamy celebration of black, brown and white melded together in harmony in Freehold Borough. The way it should be -- the way it could be.
Come up to me and say "Hi" -- I don't bite. Buy me a taco and a chalupa -- let us talk about all the good times in the borough.
Casually Dreaming of Mexico
Here is the link -- www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809180492
Music, dancing to be the highlights of Latino Festival
By Joseph Sapia • FREEHOLD BUREAU • September 18, 2008
Get listed here FREEHOLD — In its fourth year, the Latino Festival of Western Monmouth is moving to Main Street.
The outdoor festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Monmouth County Hall of Records parking lot. The hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m..
"This is the first year we're having the festival in the downtown area," said Lazaro Cardenas, a festival co-chair. "The purpose is to expose residents to Latino culture. It's not a one-fits-all culture. It's very rich."
Hispanic cultures to be represented this year include Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Spanish, Peruvian, Colombian, and Argentine, Cardenas said.
"While the focus is on Latino culture, we want everyone to participate in the daylong festivities," Cardenas said. "I see this as an opportunity for everyone in this area to immerse themselves (in Latino culture)."
The festival will include musical and dance entertainment, adult and children dance contests, and food.
Returning to the festival will be the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre, which specializes in flamenco dancing; Latin rapper MC Alvare; DJ Lady C; and Xochipilli, a Mexican folk dance troupe.
The festival will include pony rides, inflatable slides, clowns, face-painting, and a poster contest for children in area schools.
The festival is organized by the Monmouth County Chapter of the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey, working with the festival committee.
With the festival being held in the heart of the downtown, it will get more exposure and a bigger site, said Barbara J. McMorrow, a member of the county Board of Freeholders.
"It's grown in the last couple of years," McMorrow said. "It gives them more exposure and I think it'll present the opportunity for all members of the community to come to the festival."
Last year, about 2,000 attended the festival, held in the South Street area at the St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church and School parking lot, Cardenas said. The first two festivals were held at the school complex on Park Avenue (Route 33 Business).
If there is inclement weather, the festival will be rescheduled to Oct. 11.
"This is a very important day for the Latino community of western Monmouth County," Cardenas said. "The Latino community has contributed so much culturally and economically to the region that it is only right that they have a day to celebrate their accomplishments.
"Walk around downtown Freehold and you will see a large percentage of the businesses are Latino, especially in the "Little Mexico' area, the area around Throckmorton and Main (streets)," Cardenas said.
"They've been so successful, they needed to go to a larger site," McMorrow said. "It's been grass roots, growing every year."
ON THE WEB: Visit our Web site, www.app.com, and click on this story for the a link to the Latino Leadership Alliance, and to join in the online conversation about this topic in Story Chat.
