Josh Shapiro’s campaign will co-host Allentown’s popular “Fiesta on Hamilton” event as he seeks support for a second term as Pennsylvania’s governor this November.
The free street festival, which premiered last May, will return 1 to 7 p.m. May 17 to Hamilton Street between 8th and 12th streets, featuring performances bymerengue singer Milly Quezada, salsa artist Charlie Cruz and bachata group Optimo. Other sponsors of the festival include La Mega radio station, the City of Allentown, Allentown Chamber of Commerce and Valley Health Partners.
“In partnering with La Mega on Fiesta on Hamilton, the Shapiro for Pennsylvania campaign will participate in one of the Lehigh Valley’s largest celebrations of Latino culture and work directly with local small businesses, restaurants, musical performers, creators, cultural leaders, and local officials to keep bringing our communities together,” states a news release from Shapiro’s campaign.
Shapiro is facing a challenge from GOP state Treasurer and Army veteran Stacy Garrity in the gubernatorial election.
Latino voters are a highly courted swing voting bloc in Pennsylvania — there are an estimated 580,000 Latino voters in the state, and Allentown’s population is over 50% Latino.
Fiesta on Hamilton was announced shortly before the cancellation of the popular Allentown Dominican Parade in 2025. Parade organizers said they could not afford outstanding costs from the prior year’s event, which led them to call it off.
In addition to the headlining acts, this year’s festival will include a second stage dedicated to showcasing local artists and performers, along with a family health fair, Latino food and more.