Latino Festival Returns To Monmouth County This Weekend

Just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month, the eighth annual Latino Festival of Monmouth County will take place Saturday in Freehold Borough. 

Organizers of the event are once again promising something for men, women and children of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

The festival first took place in 2005 and started out with only about 300 people.  It has since ballooned in popularity each year and continues to attract thousands.  The event will take place in the Monmouth County Hall of Records parking lot and one across the street on Lafayette street because of the large numbers expected.

There will be plenty of food, games, rides, activities, music and dancing.  There's also an educational component to spread the word about the culture.  Festival Chair Angel Matos says "these events take almost a full year of planning and we are so excited about this one.  We even have a special campaign with the upcoming Presidential election so you can learn about the candidates and register to vote if you haven't done so."

Matos adds "This is an opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures of the fastest growing community in the United States.  In Monmouth County alone, 10% of the population is Latino."

The town will rock with the sounds of salsa, meringue, reggaeton and mariachi. There will be dance acts and live bands and DJ's playing tunes.  For the kids, they'll offer face painting, a petting zoo, inflatables and a dance contest.