Community members dancing at Salsa on the Square. (Photo Alice Van Etten/The Gettysburgian)
By Liv Smith, Staff Writer
Gettysburg celebrated its 17th annual Salsa on the Square on Sept. 26 on Carlisle St. in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The night was accompanied by warm weather, music and dancing under the sunset.
The event was organized by Project Gettysburg-León (PGL), an organization that connects Gettysburg with its sister city, León, Nicaragua, in partnership with Gettysburg College’s Center for Public Service, to celebrate the Latinx culture of the local community.
Volunteers from the community also helped set up the event, including Gettysburg College students and organizations, school staff and local community members.
“We decided to volunteer ‘SUITS’ for set up because community involvement is at the heart of what we do,” commented Dillon Beidleman ’26, president of SUITS, a new club at the College. “Salsa on the Square brings people together, and we wanted to support that energy by lending a hand behind the scenes. It’s a great way for us to serve, connect and be a part of something bigger than ourselves.”
The event was opened with a welcome speech given by Gettysburg Mayor Rita Frealing, followed by music featuring artists such as DJ Solalinde, Danza Tenochtli and Hector Rosado and his “Orquesta.”
A performer at Salsa on the Square. (Photo Alice Van Etten/The Gettysburgian)
There were various local food vendors such as Taco Trap House, Casa de la Cultura, Tacos Monarcha, Papa Louie’s and local High School Latinx clubs. Attendees had a multitude of food choices ranging from tortas, tamales and tacos, and drinks such as horchata and fresa.
There were also activities for both local students and kids to get involved in, such as a sawdust painting, organized by Gettysburg College associate professor and Director of the Sunderman Conservatory, James Day.
Program Coordinator Mason McFarland ’27 commented on the event, saying, “We come together every year with the help of PGL and Gettysburg College to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the Latinx Community, and everyone has so much fun and is invested in doing something for their community.”
McFarland continued, saying, “We just love doing Salsa on the Square no matter what, and it keeps coming together because the town and local schools really love the culture and community building it brings.”
He also remarked on the expanded size of the event.
“It has already gotten this big with the help of Gettysburg students, and we see it growing, especially in the case of the New Oxford High School students who were not here the prior years,” he said.
Community members dancing at Salsa on the Square. (Photo Alice Van Etten/The Gettysburgian)
