A Latino heritage festival at Nay Aug Park on Saturday brought the community together for a colorful celebration of diversity.
A variety of Latino music streamed through the park, attendees ordered their favorite ethnic dishes from food struck and stands, local nonprofits offered information about resources, and people took time to just sit and chat with others attending the event.
The third annual festival was hosted by the Giving Back to the Community Group, with a focus on strengthening community ties and expanding the reach of essential services to everyone, regardless of race, religion or economic status.
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Vendor Ricardo Ordonez looks over flag-themed items at the Latino Fiesta Saturday at Nay Aug Park. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF REPORT)
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Vendor Ricardo Ordonez looks over flag-themed items at the Latino Fiesta Saturday at Nay Aug Park. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF REPORT)
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Elizabeth Rodriguez, the organization’s president, described Northeastern Pennsylvania as a “melting pot,” with Latinos making up a sizable portion of the population.
Saturday’s clear skies and moderate temperatures provided the perfect backdrop for the event geared at bringing people together for an afternoon.
The commitment to community and to unity is especially important in the current political and economic landscape, she said.
Serving others with respect
Ann Williams of Friends of the Poor was on hand to inform and inspire members of the community as they filtered through the event.
Williams said it’s important to get the word out about available resources at a time when many people are struggling financially.
Not only has the organization seen an increase in those getting help from their food pantries, but also an uptick in those reaching out for furniture and home goods.
Williams said the organization goes far beyond simply providing necessary items. Instead, its staff members encourage those they serve.
“One of our main values is ‘no judgment,’” she said. “We treat those we serve with dignity and respect.
Anthony Arnoni, of the Youth Enrichment Project, said the event provided the organization with the chance to provide information about the group’s programs and activities.
In addition, it provided the opportunity to network with other organizations and get a better understanding of what resources are available across the board.
Patrick Gilhooligan, facilities manager at the Recovery Bank, said the organization was on hand to provide a variety of recovery literature written in Spanish, including the AA Big Book and the “12 and 12,” which explains the program’s steps and traditions.
A Spanish-speaking staff member was also on hand to provide information about programming.
Spanish-speaking hybrid meetings are held at the facility on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he said.
Talking trains
Johnny Bibalo, a preservation specialist from the Steamtown National Historic Site, was at the event sharing his love for trains and for history.
Bibalo used a propane tank to engulf a metal locomotive wheel in fire, demonstrating how to change a tire on a train.
“The outer portion is a steel tire on a cast steel rim,” he said. “And as those locomotives run down the track, those steel tires wear. To change a steel tire we use that ring of fire to heat that steel tire up enough to expand it away from the rim.”
The old steel tire can then be removed and another installed to replace it, he said.
Bibalo was also quick to take a minute or two to sing the Johnny Cash hit “Ring of Fire,” with those who stopped by.
“It just fits,” he said, laughing.
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