Ninth Annual Latino Festival of Monmouth County Scheduled for October 5 in Downtown Freehold

For Immediate Release: September 9, 2013
Contact:
Angel Matos, Chair Latino Festival – 732-213-6370
Lazaro Cardenas, Festival Committee – 732-500-7864

The Latino Festival of Monmouth County will celebrate its 9th anniversary on October 5 in downtown Freehold with seven hours of live entertainment in the Hall of Records Parking lot on Main Street. In an effort to accommodate the growing attendance the festival will extend across to Lafayette Street.

The festivities coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month which runs from September 15 through October 15. The downtown festival will begin at 12 p.m. and conclude at 7 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, October 6.

A copy of the entertainment schedule and announcement flyer is included with this press release.

“This is a day to celebrate the contributions Latinos have made to every aspect of United States society and have a good time in the process,” said Angel Matos, chair of the Latino Festival of Monmouth County. “The sounds of salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and mariachi will echo across the region as we dance the day away.”

Matos continued: “There is also a serious side to the festival. A wide range of community organizations will provide valuable information to members of the public.”

This year the Latino Festival of Monmouth County is proudly hosting the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean County to educate and assist our audience on the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment process.

“Latino enrollment in the health care exchanges is crucial to the plan’s success and, more importantly, will provide health care access to thousands of Latinos in New Jersey that are currently lacking health insurance,” Matos noted. “Each year we highlight an issue of importance to our Latino communities, and there is no issue more important than our health. We welcome everyone, not just Latinos, to stop by and visit the Food Bank kiosk for more information.”

In addition to music, dance acts and information booths, the festival will offer a variety of Latin foods from various restaurants. It will also feature games and fun for the entire family, including face painting, a petting zoo, inflatable rides, and a children’s dance contest.

The Latino Festival of Monmouth County was founded in 2005. It was first held at the Park Avenue School in Freehold. It moved to downtown Freehold in 2008 and now draws thousands of people. It is still one of the few Latino cultural events offered in Western Monmouth County.

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9th Latino Festival of Monmouth County

October 5th 2013 Program (Rain date 10/6/13)

MC Nelson Radhames Rodriguez                                            As Needed…

DJ Fabuloso                                                                             As Needed…

National Anthem   -       Emily Polonia                             11:55 – 12:10 pm

Double Standard Band                                                     12:20 – 12:50 pm

Lou Pacheco                                                                     12:50 – 1:05 pm

Mariachi de Oro                                                                  2:00 – 3:00 pm

Children’s dance contest (and essay contest winners)    3:00 – 4:00 pm

Elcira Gudebski - Zumba Party                                          4:00 – 4:30 pm

Diverse                                                                               4:30 – 5:00 pm

Alborada Spanish Dance                                                    5:00 – 5:30 pm