11th Annual Hudson Valley Fiesta Latina

By Jennifer L. Warren

MIDDLETOWN – Richard Degroat and Denise Romero both treasure their Latin American roots, and were elated to discover a festival celebrating that deep, rich heritage was coming to nearby Middletown; when they learned the vision behind its purpose, they became even more excited to attend Saturday.

“I love that this festival is helping build a cultural center, helping us bond and for others to learn about us and what we bring to the community,” said Middletown resident, Degroat, who was accompanied at the festival by his three children. “I want to be able to show my kids where we come from-their history and give them more examples of who we are, things that are very important as time goes on and they get caught up in their lives.”

For Romero, who lives in Wallkill, and cherishes her Dominican roots, the creation of a Cultural Center would provide precious gifts, laden with unity, education, creativity and so much more.

“We need a center that we can see our heritage; I support this center because it would be more than just a building, but a place where families can come together, our history and traditions can be preserved and younger generations can learn about the cultures that helped shape America.”

It’s those very priceless gems as well as dire necessity that Ruben Estrada, Chairman of the American Latino Coalition, saw when he decided to change the location of, as well as this year’s overriding mission behind the long-standing Hudson Valley Fiesta Latina. After over a decade of delivering lively cultural music and dancing, along with sumptuous cuisine, educational and entertaining vendors as well as the recognition of community honorees to the Museum Village in Monroe, Estrada-along with his team- wanted the breadth of the Festival to possess a more lasting imprint on the community; he also envisioned the setting reflecting that altruistic, communal spirit. He discovered that ambience at the idyllic Middletown River’s Edge Ranch, along with the blossoming idea of a Cultural Center, whose vision will include precious-elusive 75 safe, accessible, affordable and culturally accommodating housing units for Orange County senior veterans who the Coalition is committed to giving back to for their unwavering service and deeply deserves residences of dignity and support.

“Fiesta Latina is about much more than one day of celebration; we are holding a movement around our culture, our community and our future,” said Estrada. “We want to raise money and awareness for this Center, building something substantial for our children, grandchildren and generations to come to call their own long after we are gone, not only for Latinos but for all to learn about our culture.”

The contagious, authentic, diverse and rich flare of that culture was on full display at Saturday’s Festival. For music lovers, there was an entourage of genres and talent, including opener, Carlos Jimenez, bands: Mambo Dulcet and Orchesta Afinke, culminated by headliner: Brenda K. Starr, whose career was catapulted by her backup singing duties for the iconic Mariah Carey. Bomba Plena, a traditional dance group, delivered joyous, energetic movement, even inciting some audience members to display some of their own moves. Meanwhile, aromatic delights filled the air with such cuisine as; seasoned rice and beans, sweet plantains, the popular Puerto Rican dish: Mofongo, as well as Jamaican, Peruvian and Mexican options, which could be washed down with the colorful, decorative beverages over at Coquito Paradise, carrying a top rating in Orange County. For children, a petting zoo, filled with; sheep, chickens, roosters, llamas, Alpacas, ponies, horses and cows was a popular attraction as was face painting and a Boba Station, offering unique-fun fruit ball drinks. Community focus again surfaced as several law enforcement members were recognized with awards for their valiant efforts directed at keeping others safe and leaving a positive mark. The evening closed out with a bang, as fireworks brilliantly lit up the air.

“The music was very, very good; everyone really enjoyed the musicians, wanting several of them to return next year,” said Christopher Quick, an American Latino Coalition member who was overseeing the music segment of the festival. “We were just all really pleased with how this day and night turned out, as everyone who came seemed to be really pleased.”