U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J., 5th District) visited the 25th Korean Harvest Festival of New Jersey at Ridgefield Park, saying, "The Korean American community is at the core of North Jersey, and America's greatest strength is its diversity." Local politicians joined him in large numbers, including Bergen County Executive James Tedesco, Assemblywoman Ellen Park and Palisades Park Mayor Paul Kim.
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J., 5th District) visited the 25th Korean Harvest Festival of New Jersey, held at Ridgefield Park late last month, to greet the Korean American community. His office announced the visit with photos on Sept. 30.
"The Korean American community is a vital part of North Jersey, and I work every day to make the 5th District a great place to live, raise a family and do business," Gottheimer said. "I'm proud to celebrate Chuseok together and to be reminded that America's greatest strength is its diversity." His office said he has worked with Korean American community and business leaders in North Jersey on supporting small businesses, cutting taxes, public safety, easing the cost of living and responding to hate crimes targeting Asian Americans.
Many Bergen County Officials Attend
Attending the event were Bergen County Executive James Tedesco, County Clerk John Hogan, County Sheriff Anthony Cureton, and County Commissioners Tracy Zur, Mary Amoroso and Rafael Marte. From the state Legislature, Assembly members Ellen Park and Robert Auth attended. Local officials included Teaneck... Mark Park, mayor of Englewood Cliffs, Paul Kim, mayor of Palisades Park, and Palisades Park Councilmembers Christopher Kwak, Charlie Shin and Frank Donohue. The Korean American Association of New Jersey, the festival organizing committee and the Korean Produce Association of New York also took part.
The Korean Harvest Festival of New Jersey, where the Korean American community enjoys Korean culture together with New Jersey's diverse residents, marked its 25th year. Korean food, music, art and traditional games were featured. This year, the event, originally scheduled for two days, was cut to one because of a storm forecast for late September.
Gottheimer also held a roundtable in Palisades Park on the 6th with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community leaders, business owners, health care professionals and elected officials. His office announced the Oct. 6 roundtable but has not yet disclosed what was discussed.