Thousands crowded the streets of Junction Boulevard between Roosevelt Avenue and 41st Avenue in Corona on Sunday, September 26 as they sampled the attitude, food, music and cultural delights of Latin-America.
“This festival gives us something positive to do with our children as a family,” said Kaity Vasquez, who was accompanied by her husband and three children. “It also gives us a chance to meet people from different Hispanic backgrounds.”
The Family Festival presented by Councilmembers Julissa Ferreras and Daniel Dromm featured free medical testing and information, and community resource stations, where festival goers found information regarding jobs, immigration, domestic violence relief, housing and more.
“We are here to educate the Hispanic community on how they can protect their families for the future and create a structured financial budget,” said Gloria Martin from New York Life.
Fun activities were also available for all ages, like kid zones, rides, face painting, art, puppet shows and horseback riding.
“This is great,” said Jose Serrano, community organizer and Corona Studio coordinator of the Queens Museum of Art. “There are so many Spanish speaking families from Queens united and the kids are enjoying themselves as they make a beautiful mess!”
Families also stood and watched as numerous Latino musicians entered the stage and played a variety of folkloric music.
“I am having a great time with my family,” said Carlos Capa, who attended the festival with his wife and daughter. “Hopefully events like this will take place more frequently because it connects us to our music, our customs, our food and our people.”
As the festival came to an end, families left smiling and appreciating a lot more their Latino culture.
“I love the balloons, the prizes and the games, everything is great!” said Ashanti Fiore, who was accompanied by her mother.
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