Keyport enjoys tastes and sounds of Latin America BY LAUREN PIRO Correspondent PHOTOSBY CHRIS KELLY staff Armando Rentas, of Highlands, dances to the sounds of Grupo Caribe at the Spanish-American Festival in Keyport on Saturday. KEYPORT - Latino culture embraced the Keyport waterfront Saturday, as the Spanish American Club celebrated its annual festival. The aroma of Peruvian chicken, empanadas and barbecued pork wafted with the bay breeze through the park as Spanish-language music played in the background. Vendors were on hand with fare that boasted the names of countries like Puerto Rico and Mexico so attendees could proudly celebrate their heritage. It was a day of laughter, friendship and dancing for many who stopped by. DJ Lady C La Comai de NJ provided music for the day, along with bands Proyecto Clemente, Grupo Caribe, and Que Bochinche. Much of the event focused on children's activities, including a three-legged race and a dance contest. The club also took the time to honor its local scholarship winners, Jose Gonzalez, Iris Arroyo, Desiree Tyler and Jovanny Rodriquez. Girl Scout Troop 1698 also received recognition for the community service work they completed this year. New Brunswick's Karen Nicolas, 11, performs with the Xochipilli Mexican Dancers. "It is a good thing to recognize the youth, especially in Keyport, where there is a large multicultural [population]," said Tom Gallo, a Keyport resident who enjoyed hearing of the students' accomplishments. Continuing the theme of honoring the community, the main focus of this year's festival was a senior tribute. Licensed nurses were available from Royal Senior Care to offer medical advice and a free blood-pressure screening to senior citizens. The Keyport Senior Center and the Keyport Cultural Harmony Program, offering adult English classes, were also present at the event. Each senior citizen was even presented with a rose from the club as a small gesture of gratitude and honor. The event was coordinated by Carlos and Virginia Maldonado, each of whom spoke with gratitude of the large volunteer pool they received this year for the event. The Spanish American Club sponsors many community service events throughout the year, including community cleanups, a high school job fair and a 5K run. Alive with cultural fervor and the love of a community united, the festival was seen as a tribute to and embodiment of a Keyport growing stronger. "I've lived in Keyport all my life," Gallo said. "I come to this and all the festivals." Holmdel residents Pam and Larry Colonna expressed their enjoyment in finding the festival as well. "We saw it in the newspaper," Pam Colonna said. "It's our first year coming." The festival, which is in its ninth year, has attracted more and more people each year. Mayor Robert Bergen recognized the club's constant effort to bring together Keyport as a whole with service and culture. "They are always there to help out Keyport," he said.