[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         A TRIBUTE TO THE ANNUAL ELIZABETH WATERFRONT FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Annual 
Elizabeth Waterfront Festival. This 3-day cultural celebration will 
take place in my district on May 24-26, 1997, along the spacious 
Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park in the city of Elizabeth.
  This weekend's festivities celebrate the enormously positive 
influence of Hispanic culture on the lives of the people of Elizabeth. 
The Elizabeth Waterfront Festival proudly exhibits the rich cultural 
traditions that Hispanics have brought to the city, and to the Nation. 
The artwork, music, dance, and cuisine at the festival represent the 
cultural mosaic of Elizabeth.
  The Elizabeth Waterfront Festival recognizes the role business can 
play in helping people achieve their true potential and highlights the 
diversity that exists within the Hispanic community. Its success 
exemplifies the beneficial influence public-private partnerships can 
have on a community. In cooperation with the city of Elizabeth, 
sponsors of the festival include major companies such as Anheuser-
Busch, AT&T, Bustelo Coffee, HBO en Espanol, Best Foods, and Coca-Cola. 
Melly Mell Productions is once again producing the festival whose local 
sponsors include the Elizabeth Center at 13A, Twin City Supermarkets, 
Mega 97.9 FM Radio, Telemundo 47, TKR Cable of Elizabeth, Union County 
College, and First BankAmericano.
  The Elizabeth Waterfront Festival observes the cultural and economic 
role that the Hispanic community plays in Elizabeth and it illustrates 
all that the city has to offer. Locating the festival on the waterfront 
was an inspired choice to highlight Elizabeth's business community 
since the city of Elizabeth's strategic location on New Jersey's 
coastline makes it a preferred destination for ships carrying goods 
from all over the world.
  It is an honor to have such an exceptional event take place in my 
district. The festival brings our community together, reflecting 
positively on the city of Elizabeth and New Jersey. I am certain my 
colleagues will rise with me and recognize this wonderful celebration 
of culture, community, and diversity.

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