Union County Declares 2025 Hispanic Heritage Family Fun Day & Awards Ceremony – County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invitations residents to hitch in a day of music, tradition, and recognition as a part of Hispanic Heritage Month, themed “Defining | Culture and Influence.” The annual Family Fun Day returns to Warinanco Park in Roselle on Saturday, October 4th, from 2:00 p.m. to six:00 p.m., bringing households collectively for a day crammed with celebration, group satisfaction, and the presentation of the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Awards.

“Family Fun Day is a celebration that brings our entire community together,” stated Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “As a Cuban-American and the first Latina to serve on this Board, I know how powerful it is to see our culture reflected in public spaces, shared with neighbors of every background. It’s about joy, music, food, and family — and it’s also about honoring those who are shaping a stronger future for Union County. This day reminds us that when we celebrate our heritage, we celebrate the unity and progress of our whole community.”

This free occasion will characteristic stay cultural performances, music, arts and crafts, inflatable actions, a photograph sales space, and group organizations providing sources and giveaways. Latin-inspired meals vans will even be on web site, with free vouchers distributed whereas provides final.

“For me, this celebration is deeply personal,” stated Commissioner Sergio Granados. “My family’s journey from El Salvador to Union County taught me the value of resilience, opportunity, and community. Family Fun Day captures all of that — a space where families can enjoy themselves while we also lift up the residents, leaders and organizations who make a lasting difference. This event is proof that our heritage is alive not only in the traditions we share, but in the commitments we make to each other every day.”

The spotlight of the day would be the Hispanic Heritage Awards Ceremony, honoring leaders whose contributions have left a mark on Union County and past, together with:

Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, New Jersey’s twentieth Legislative District — The Angel Estrada Community Leadership Award. Assemblywoman Quijano has represented the twentieth District since 2008, turning into the primary lady and Latina to function Speaker Pro Tempore within the General Assembly. A lifelong champion for working households, she has led landmark laws on paid household go away, wage theft protections, hashish legalization and expungement, and gun security, whereas additionally advancing LGBTQ equality, animal rights, and protections for weak communities. Known for her hands-on dedication to residents, she continues to battle for social, racial, and financial fairness

Norlandy A. Aguirre, Owner, Norlandy’s Beauty Salon & Facial — Community Advocacy Award. Norlandy Aguirre Lizcano is a famend Colombian stylist and cosmetologist with greater than 40 years of expertise. He based Norlandy’s Beauty Salon & Spa in Elizabeth, NJ, incomes worldwide awards and recognition for excellence in magnificence and buyer care. Beyond his skilled success, he has been a devoted advocate for the Latin group each within the United States and Colombia, at the moment serving as Social Manager in La Celia, Risaralda, Colombia. His management and repair proceed to encourage and uplift these round him.

Flor Gonzalez, President, Latin American Coalition — Trailblazer Award. Flor M. Gonzalez is a trailblazing group chief and the primary Hispanic Certified Housing Commissioner within the United States. For many years, she has devoted her life to public service, housing improvement, and advocacy, making a profound impression throughout Union County and past. As President of the Latin American Coalition since 1995, she has spearheaded packages in ESL, American historical past, citizenship coaching, and group help, serving to numerous households discover their footing and thrive. She at the moment serves as Chairperson of the Plainfield Advisory Commission for Hispanic Affairs and co-chair of the Union County Human Relations Commission, persevering with her tireless work to empower underserved communities, help youth and households, and strengthen civic participation. Her management has earned quite a few awards, together with the Union County Woman of Excellence Award, Outstanding Community Leadership honors from the New Jersey Senate and Assembly, and recognition from nationwide organizations for her dedication to advocacy and progress.

Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) Colombian District — Business Leadership Award. Accepted by Mariver Arcure, this award acknowledges the NPP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and revitalize Elizabeth’s Colombian District. Administered by the NJ Department of Community Affairs in partnership with the City of Elizabeth, this system helps small companies, improves public areas, and preserves cultural and financial id. With a five-year grant, NPP helps create a vibrant, inclusive, and economically resilient neighborhood that displays the satisfaction and potential of its residents

The occasion highlights Union County’s dedication to celebrating cultural variety and honoring those that contribute to its progress.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs yearly from September 15 by October 15, with occasions and packages throughout the county highlighting the wealthy traditions and lasting impression of the Latino group.

For a full schedule of Union County Hispanic Heritage Month occasions, go to www.ucnj.org/hhm.