Published in the Lancaster Sunday News, by Sudip Bhattacharya

September 14, 2013

Lancaster's first Latin American Festival attracted its fair share of curious people and political notables, Saturday, including Gov. Tom Corbett.

The festival took place at Binns Park, with a large stage for performers and with food vendors right across the street.

Jaime E. Zabala, president of the Latin American Festival Committee, was rushing from one end of the block to the other around 8 a.m. in directing volunteers to get things off to an early start.

"Everything is coming along the way it was planned," said Zabala, "I'm just going around to check on everything. So I can't sit back and relax."

The festival was conceived after the Puerto Rican Parade, held annually for more than three decades, had to be canceled for financial reasons.

Zabala and others who formed the committee wanted to continue representing their heritage.

The festival was created to showcase the varied cultures within the broader local Latin American community, representing South, Central and North America and the Caribbean.

Being the first of its kind, it was apparent how the festival was very much like a tossed salad, with everything and everyone included.

Wendy Chan, an attorney dealing with immigration and family law, was yards away from a table covered in Latin-American music CDs.

Next to that table was one representing PNC Bank. And across from PNC were men and women preaching biblical principles.

On stage, there were dancers and singers representing their cultures, with politicians such as Rep. Joe Pitts speaking between performances.

Charlie Smithgall, Republican candidate for mayor, walked and shook hands with potential voters. Mayor Rick Gray had a turn on stage, as well.

Upon his arrival, Corbett posed for pictures behind the stage.

"I'm out here to support it and encourage it," he said in discussing the festival. "I'm looking forward to coming back next year." He then took off into the crowd with his smile intact.

While the politicians were all older white men, those attending the festival were a mix white, black and brown, representing all ages.

"It's pretty good," said Victor Nunez, 11, who was at the festival with his mother, Monica Cara, " 'cause I'm part of the Latin region, so it's fun."

"So many cultures, so many people," Cara added, "It's good to see the city supporting it."

Jennifer Campbell, Nathan Campbell and Megan Flinchbaugh are all Spanish teachers in the county. None of them is Hispanic, but they came to learn more about the culture.

"We also speak Spanish to our children to expose them to the culture," said Jennifer Campbell, who brought her 1- and 5-year-olds to the event.

Ed and Ellen Hurston sat down at one of the available benches, surrounded by food vendors and with their own tray of empanadas and pieces of beef skewered on a stick.

They were eager to try what was on their plate. The music poured over them as they ate, while college students arrived, along with more families and couples.

Garialdy De Jesus, who was Miss Festival Latin American 2013, walked to her table after speaking on stage.

"It's very important for the Latin American community to come as one," said De Jesus, wearing her sash and blue gown. "It's an honor to represent everyone."

Her sister-in-law, Aylenee De Jesus, who has lived in Lancaster for 12 years, also was proud.

"I can see the difference from then and now," she said, regarding the Latin-American community coming together.

They were signing up girls for next year's Miss Festival Latin American.

"Hopefully it gets bigger every year," said Aylenee with a big smile.

(Sudip Bhattacharya, "Lancaster's first Latin American festival fills Binns Park with music, food, varied cultures," Lancaster Sunday News, 09/14/13)