Nightclub owner Edison Garcia is asking City Council permission to hold two events, one celebrating the U.S. Independence Day and another in honor of Central American Independence Day. Although he had begun a tradition with these two events, last year he was nearly sidelined by another nightclub owner who scooped up Garcia's usual September weekend for a new event. See post here.
Garcia had simply forgotten to apply in time. The two worked with city officials to hold both celebrations in city parking lots across from each other on Watchung Avenue. Crowds of Latinos from many homelands thronged both events, crossing the street by the dozen to take in all the rides, foods, music and souvenirs on sale.
Garcia is asking to use the city parking lots between Somerset Street and Watchung Avenue for both events. He plans to have the Independence Day event on Friday, July 5; Saturday, July 6; and Sunday, July 7 from noon to 11 p.m. each day. The city is holding its Independence Day parade on July 6, according to this application.
The Central American Independence Day celebration in Plainfield dates back to 2009. Since then, U.S. Census results have shown an increase in Hispanic population from 25.2 percent in 2000 to 40 percent in 2010. The event is widely publicized and thousands more from around Central Jersey join the city's Latinos in celebrating. Garcia is asking approval to use the same city lots on Sept. 14 and 15 from 1 to 11 p.m.
His stated purpose for both events is "to keep the community together."
The council will consider his requests at the agenda-fixing session 7:30 p.m.Monday (May 6) in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave., and will vote on them at the regular meeting, 8 p.m. May 13 in the same location.
--Bernice
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