The Hispanic Heritage Celebration returns to the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, September 19, doubling as a food pantry fundraiser with a full night of live music and dancing.

Now in its eighth year, the event is organized by Emily Alvarado, president of Latino Leadership Connect of Patchogue, part of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce. Patchogue-based Los Hermanos de la Salsa headlines, blending classic salsa with newer sounds, alongside Sol y Sombra performing samba, tango and flamenco, and the Miss J Experience paying tribute to Selena.

 Eclipse Entertainment will add interactive extras like light-up robots, Dominican folklore diablos and a photo booth.

The celebration runs 6-9 p.m. at 71 E. Main St. Children under 12 get in free; general admission is $10, and a $35 VIP balcony ticket includes samples of Patchogue restaurant cuisine, swag bags and discounted drinks.

Proceeds benefit the food pantry run by Patchogue-Medford Youth & Community Services, whose director, Samantha Wood, will be honored at the event along with several other community members. "It's a really affordable event for families to go out and do something fun and connect to our culture and our roots," said Alvarado, owner of El Matador restaurant.

Source: The South Shore Press