Bradley Fitzgerald

Contributing Writer

This past Friday, Sept. 27, ESU hosted the 11 annual Pocono Latin Fest. Held every year to advocate for Hispanic Heritage Month, the 5-hour festival featured live music, authentic Latin foods and tables for local businesses and campaigns. Especially in recent years, The Pocono Latin Fest has become a staple marking the beginning of Family Weekend at ESU.

“I think it’s a great partnership. We have great support from ESU. We’ve had an army of supporters and helpers help set up for the multiple events tonight.” said Edwin Prudencio, Founder & Organizer of the Pocono Latin Fest.

This year’s festival displayed various events, such as a fashion show, dance performances, a traditional-Mexican band, an R&B duo and an Ecuadorian singer. Kicking off the event was a ceremony of flag bearers carrying all the flags of Latin and Hispanic countries throughout the world.

Several businesses had set up tables across the College Circle. One of them was NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, a non-profit organization from Scranton. “I love the opportunity to be here, especially to educate the Latin community about home ownership.” said representative Fernanda Proaño.

Local political groups had also set up tables to promote voting for their respective causes.

“As a Latino myself, I am very grateful for the opportunity to be here. Latinos are one of the fastest growing demographics in the U.S. We make up 19.1% of the United States.” said Carlos Cubas, Vice Chair of the Monroe County Democratic Committee.

“The importance of this year’s election lies in the fact that democracy is at stake. I don’t understand how someone could vote for Donald Trump. Young people, like the ones at ESU, can help save it [democracy].”

The Monroe County GOP was at the Latin Fest as well. “It’s awesome. We’ve been blessed to interact with all the different kinds of people here a couple years in a row.” said Heidi Sweetser-Cohen.

Tom Marchesani, Vice Chairman of the Monroe County Republican Committee, was at the event advocating for the GOP to turnout at the polls in November.

“Between all of us, we all have a choice. I believe the best choice is to have Donald Trump and the Republicans be elected. If Harris gets elected, we are going to have a very difficult time restoring when she’s done.” 

He was also avid about young people voting this election cycle.

“I’m Gen X. I got to vote for Ronald Reagan in 1984, and that was a wipeout. It feels similar. I hope young people can show up at the polls and save us.”

With all the dancing going on, ESU made sure to have plenty of food choices. Food trucks like Taco Town, Savory Eats Loaded Fries and Al’s on the Go were plenty busy making all the delicious diverse foods available. Events for the little ones, like winning prizes at carnival games, kept plenty of kids busy. 

ESU Police was present patrolling the event area. “[I’m] just making myself visible in case a situation comes up. It’s customary in situations like these.” said an ESU Police Officer

Even with some technical difficulties and rain, the party went on into the night. The booming of the speakers at Abeloff Center could be heard around campus. DJ’s and MC’s led the crowd with all the songs played and introduced many different kinds of dancing throughout the night. 

The 2024 Pocono Latin Fest gave a significant impression on what was to be a memorable Family Weekend at ESU.