Ives Park In Danbury Celebrates Sounds, Sights, Tastes Of Ecuador

DANBURY, Conn. — The popular Ecuadorian Festival made its return to Ives Concert Park in Danbury, running from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, as the area's Ecuadorian community came out to party.

Kelly Pelaez, Queen of Ecuador Civic Center in Danbury, at Sunday's Ecuadorian Festival in Danbury.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

The Ecuadorian Festival at Danbury's Ive's Concert Park on Sunday draws large crowds.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

The Ecuadorian Festival at Danbury's Ives Concert Park draws large crowds.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Edison, Eddie, Paola and Raquel Castro of Danbury enjoy the entertainment at the Ecuadorian Festival.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Visitors at the Ecuadorian Festival watch live entertainment.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Two men watching the band draped in an Ecadorian flag.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

There is plenty of live entertainment at Sunday's Ecuadorian Festival.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

From left: Rosa Patiuo, Grace Ullaguari, Maria Arias and Rosy Arias of Danbury enjoy the weather and the live entertainment at the Ecuadorian Festival.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

The concert area is a sea of umbrellas as people look for an escape from the heat.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Families enjoy the food and entertainment at Danbury's Ecuadorian Festival.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Two young girls pick out face paintings at Sunday's Ecuadorian Festival.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

There were many vendors selling clothing and other goods at Sunday's Ecuadorian Festival.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A girl takes a ride down the slide at Sunday's Ecuadorian Festival.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

There is plenty to eat and drink at Sunday's Ecuadorian Festival at Ives Concert Park.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A large crowd gathers around a volleyball game.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Large crowds gather to watch live music at Sunday's Ecuadorian Festival.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A group of men take a break from a game.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Umbrellas are the popular accessory of the day.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Skip Pearlman

08/10/2015 5:00 a.m.

The festival featured cultural activities, including many types of food, drinks, games, vendors, children's activities, and live music — featuring El Chaval, Bachata Heightz and Gerardo Moran.

"I think this is amazing," said Kelly Pelaez, the Danbury Civic Center's Queen of Ecuador, who moved from Orinte, Ecuador, to the U.S. seven years ago.

"Every year we do this, and it's nice to see all the Ecuadorian culture together," Pelaez said. "I like the food, and there's good music. We are a big community, so it's nice to see all the people here together at the festival every year."

"It's a very popular festival," said Maria Arias of Danbury, who moved here from Ecuador 11 years ago. "We come to celebrate every year, and we have a great time. We come to see the music, some people play dodgeball and other sports. And there's lots of food."

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