Hispanic Heritage Celebration Coming To Patchogue

With music, dancing and fun for young and old, the Hispanic Heritage Celebration doubles as a food pantry fundraiser at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Sept. 19.

“It’s really exciting! This is our eighth year doing the show,” said Emily Alvarado, president of Latino Leadership Connect of Patchogue, part of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce.

She predicts dancing in the aisles with the return of Patchogue-based Los Hermanos de la Salsa, a “phenomenal act” that merges classic salsa music with new music including that of rapper Bad Bunny. Also featured will be Sol y Sombra, a world-renowned samba, tango and flamingo team; and the Miss J Experience with a tribute to Mexican American singer Selena.

Eclipse Entertainment can be counted on for new surprises as it presents “fun interactive stuff,” like light-up robots, Dominican folklore diablos, smoke machines and photo booths, said Alvarado.

Tickets are on sale for the event, which runs 6-9 p.m. at 71 E. Main St. Children under 12 enter free, while adults pay $10 general admission or $35 for the VIP balcony experience, offering samples of Patchogue restaurant cuisine, swag bags and discounted drinks.

And it’s all for a good cause. Alvarado hopes to top previous donations of over $3,000 to benefit the ever-in-demand food pantry run by Patchogue-Medford Youth & Community Services. Its director, Samantha Wood, will be one of the evening’s award recipients for her contributions to the Hispanic community.

Other awardees will be Victor Ruiz of Taino Jeep Club Long Island, MaryAnn Nugent of Great South Bay Lioness Club, and Father James Reiss of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

A first-generation Latino and owner of El Matador restaurant, Alvarado said, “It’s a really affordable event for families to go out and do something fun and connect to our culture and our roots.”