by Carly Baldwin, Jersey Journal Photojournalist
The vibrant and diverse community of the Jersey City Heights came alive today for the “Everything Jersey City” festival. Central Avenue is packed this afternoon with street vendors, musicians, food stands and families.
The festival, stretching from Hutton Street to Congress Street, is the first of its kind. Organized by Hudson County and the Central Avenue Special Improvement District Management Corporation, event organizers hope to make “Everything Jersey City” an annual tradition.
Three generations of Jersey City Heights residents: Carmen Melendez, center, with her mother, Rosa Flores, and her three children, Joseph, Crystal and Joshua.
The festival goes ’till 6 p.m. tonight, with entertainment performances by The Teenagers, the legendary doo-wop group of “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” fame, Surati Indian dance company, and The Eammon Ryan Irish band, among others.
Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, who grew up in the Jersey City Heights, with the Riverview Neighborhood Association.
Erica Rambay and Kevin Gonzalez from Salsa Fever on2 dance academy are giving free salsa lessons this afternoon.
Jersey City Police Lt. Edgar Martinez, with his two sons.
Yum…biting into an alcapuria, a Puerto Rican snack of fried plantains stuffed with meat. From gyros and sausage and pepper sandwiches to shish kebabs, batidos and sweet pastries, there’s lots of delicious street food to be had today.
…and a rock climbing wall for kids!