Uncertainty surrounding status of Central American Independence Day Parade & Festival

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During the public portion of the Tuesday, May 14 Islip Town Board meeting, a concern brought forward by Central Islip resident Elvin Fuentes stood out above the rest.

Fuentes, who is a director of the Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce, voiced his surprise and concern after receiving a letter from the Department of Parks and Recreation, which denied the chamber’s request to hold their annual Central American Independence Day Parade & Festival on Sept. 15.

The Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been active for over 11 years. The chamber aims to promote, strengthen, expand, and unite the businesses and services offered by its members, including Salvadoran entrepreneurs and Hispanic business professional members within the community.

The Central American Independence Day Parade & Festival has been held since 2003, even preceding the establishment of the Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce, and has been led by various organizations over the years.

Last year, on Sept. 16, the parade began at 12 p.m. on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Spence Street in Brentwood. At 2 p.m., the festival began at the Brentwood Recreation Center, located at 99 Third Avenue, where talented performers wowed the crowd of attendees. All who attend are united by their vibrant culture as they celebrate the rich heritage and history of Central America.

At the board meeting, Fuentes expressed his disappointment that in the letter denying the chamber’s request to hold the parade and festival, the Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce did not receive a reason for the denial. Yet, Fuentes remained hopeful that the town could reconsider the denial.

“The Central American Community is a very extensive community; we’re very proud of our heritage,” Fuentes addressed the town board. “We would love the Town of Islip to join us in that moment, celebrating with all the constituents of this town in that event. So, we hope that we can come to a resolution at some point.”

Islip Town supervisor Angie Carpenter responded to Fuentes’s concerns after he concluded his remarks.

“I spoke with councilman Guadrón earlier today,” shared Carpenter. “I do believe it was location specific that was problematic, but we’re going to be meeting with the councilman and the parks commissioner, and we’ll come up with a resolution. Fortunately, we have plenty of time—it’s not until September.”

Suffolk County Legis. Samuel Gonzalez, who represents the 9th Legislative District, also spoke out during the public portion of the meeting. Gonzalez shared that after speaking with the Suffolk County Police Department’s Third Precinct, ambulances, and firemen, they all were in agreement that no incident had occurred in the past at the annual Central American Independence Day Parade & Festival.

“This denial letter, for whatever the reason—I don’t think it is the correct reason,” expressed Gonzalez. “And so, as a community and as a group, we now once again have to repeat history and retain legal counsel, and we probably will have to move forward with it. It’s sad because the people that lose are the people that live in this wonderful town.”

In speaking to the Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce in the days following the meeting, it is clear that the group hopes to continue hosting the long-standing parade in Brentwood and is committed to working with the town in order to do so.

“Year after year, we strive to improve and exceed our expectations for the Central American Independence Day Parade & Festival by ensuring spectators feel welcomed, safe, and proud to attend. The event has primarily been held in Brentwood because an overwhelmingly large percentage of its now 65,000-plus residents are of Central American origin. It is only fitting that it continues to be hosted there,” shared a spokesperson for the chamber. “At this time, we are looking to proceed with an open dialogue with the Town of Islip to find a viable solution that fits everyone’s needs.”

Since the meeting, Islip Town has stayed true to the assertion that they will work with the involved parties to come up with a resolution regarding the parade and festival. A meeting attended by Carpenter, Guadrón, and the parks and recreation commissioner Thomas Owens was held, followed by an additional meeting with the SCPD Third Precinct, to discuss the logistics of the event.

“An event of this size requires logistical support from the police department, including street closures, etc., and all the parties are working on it,” shared a spokesperson for the town.