Rest Stop Officially Dedicated To Celia Cruz In Forked River

LACEY, NJ — The Parkway is a little sweeter today, thanks to the official dedication of the Forked River Service Area to salsa legend and 2013 New Jersey Hall of Fame inductee Celia Cruz.

The Cuban American icon, known for her catchphrase "¡Azúcar!" meaning sugar, is honored at the rest stop for her contributions to music. The announcement of the dedication came in a news release on Oct. 18.

"We are pleased to officially dedicate the Celia Cruz Service Area," New Jersey Hall of Fame Chairman Jon F. Hanson said in a release. "We thank the Murphy Administration and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority for their help in making this happen."

The dedication is part of an initiative to dedicate all nine Garden State Parkway service areas to the icons inducted in to the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF).

Frequent Parkway travelers have likely already noticed the new signs, as they've been up since earlier this year. But they might not know Cruz's legacy. Read More: Who Is Celia Cruz? NJ Parkway Rest Stop Honors Queen Of Salsa

According to NJHOF, the service area features a timeline of the Grammy-award winner's illustrious 60-year career, as well as a "Wall of Fame" which includes pictures of the "Queen of Salsa" throughout her life and career. Included in this display are personal artifacts including a pair of shoes made especially for Cruz by Willie's of Hollywood, a multi-colored sequin stage costume worn by Cruz at various concerts in the 1990s and a silk and rhinestone encrusted turban with a ponytail hair piece.

"We are thrilled to see this project launched and we support the New Jersey Hall of Fame's mission to honor our great state and its exceptional citizens who have contributed so much to the world,'' said Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, lead sponsor of the NJHOF.

As with the other service areas, this stop will also feature other New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees. The Celia Cruz Service Area will feature inductees specifically related to the category of Public Service, including General Norman Schwarzkopf, Buzz Aldrin and Clara Barton.

"The New Jersey Hall of Fame's mission is to celebrate the wide-ranging talent within the great state of New Jersey," said Hall of Fame President Steve Edwards. "We hope this exhibition helps inspire the next generation of leaders and citizens."

According to NJHOF, the Parkway renovation is part of the Hall of Fame's statewide network of exhibits and poster installations, including recent displays at New York Penn Station and Immigration Hall at Terminal B in Newark Liberty International Airport. The exhibits feature pictures and inspirational quotes from inductees. They were done in partnership with NJ Transit and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.