TASTES FROM AROUND THE WORLD ON BROADWAY
Long Branch to host Uptown Broadway Festival on September 22nd
L ONG BRANCH – The City of Long Branch will close Upper Broadway between Washington Street and Norwood Avenue on Sunday, September 22nd to host the first annual Uptown Broadway Festival. The diverse mix of restaurants from around the world, barber shops, hair salons, tattoo shop, clothing and accessory stores, and more, will spill out onto Broadway, offering an array of goods to purchase, special deals, and delicious cuisine.
Festivities kick off at 2pm with music from Eco Del Sur. Calpulli Dancers will get the crowd moving on the street from 3:30pm – 4pm. The beautiful sounds from Ana Vee will be showcased inside the Arts & Cultural Center from 4pm-4:30pm and then De Tierra Caliente will close out the day, playing on the main stage from 4:30-6pm.
"Long Branch is fortunate to be so rich in culture and Upper Broadway is a true microcosm of that diversity,” said Mayor John Pallone. “We can take a culinary trip around the world, without leaving Broadway,” continued Pallone.
Kids and adults alike are encouraged to travel around and get their “passports” stamped by the business to receive a free gift. The passport and gift will be available at the Arts & Cultural Center where there will also be arts and crafts activities and face painting. A multi-sports inflatable will be set up near Washington Street.
Upper Broadway Festival fittingly falls during Hispanic Heritage Month, which is being celebrated all of September at the Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center through art, music, classes and performances. Bright energetic palettes and dynamic designs, the artwork in the Hispanic Heritage Exhibition showcases traditional imagery such as flora, landscape, and symbolic icons from Hispanic cultures. Enjoy FREE refreshments by Fruta Loca (located on Broadway), and entertainment by El Paloma Rios and Lucia Del Rosario, at the Opening Reception on Tuesday, September 17th from 6-8 pm. Visitors are welcome to visit the exhibit Monday through Friday from 8:30-4:30 and to share a cherished family recipe for a Hispanic Heritage recipe swap. A FREE meditation class taught in Spanish will be held on September 23rd at 6PM.
It is exciting to have all these amazing businesses come together to bring our community a taste of all that Upper Broadway has to offer, said Councilmember Mario Vieira. “We look forward to a fun-filled day and to making Uptown Broadway Festival an annual celebration in Long Branch.”
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