In an economy where families are watching their wallets, the Culver City community celebrates the diversity and heritage of the Heart of Screenland in the 62nd annual Fiesta La Ballona, Aug. 24-26, at Veterans Park. Admission is free.
Staging family attractions that offer safe, free and fun experiences at every corner of the park, Culver City's "Party in the Park" features bands, booths, regional cuisine, rides, activities and so much more coordinated by the Culver City Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Community Services and over 150 volunteers.
"There's free stuff happening all over the park to engage and entertain you all day. We guarantee there's something for everyone. It's the best deal on the Westside," said Fiesta La Ballona marketing committee member Kimberly Knab.
Live bands, community acts and roving performers deliver continuous entertainment all weekend, beginning late Friday afternoon with the Swing Set for seniors followed that evening by Fiesta Palooza, showcasing the area's top teen bands.
Culver City Fire Department relay races and bucket brigade pit service clubs, schools, Culver City Council and Culver City Board of Education against each other in the "Contests in the Park" site at the Disney Stage.
Fiesta guests stay cool in the new Culver City Fire Dept. mist zone.
It's a dog's world at the Culver City Police Dept. K-9 demo by the "Stage in the Park" scene.
More than 100 booths in the "Shop in the Park" venue offer unique educational, shopping and dining experiences for Fiesta La Ballona guests.
The Exchange Club beer and wine garden taps flow with regional and imported beers.
Some 25 food booths and trucks offer value-priced regional cuisine by the large dining tent at the "Dine in the Park" place. Participants can expect a messy good time under the dining tent in the free Essential Chocolate Ice Cream Eating Contest.
Early risers will loosen up in free morning fitness classes at the main stage dance floor. Besides aerobics to promote health and fitness lifestyle activities, "Wellness in the Park" includes the Robert Rainey Memorial Jog to the Baldwin Vista Scenic Overlook, laps at the Municipal Plunge, community bike rides and the Kiwanis Club Carbo-Load Breakfast.
Local tennis and paddle tennis pros lead clinics, exhibitions, and contests for youth and adults at the Tennis and Paddle Tennis-Fest at the tennis courts.
Fiesta La Ballona guests will indulge in the creative arts by participating in free workshops led by gifted local instructors every half hour, 12:00-5:00 p.m., in the "Arts in the Park" zone. Learn yoga and Pilates, arts and crafts, hip hop and international dance, and dabble in the martial arts.
Enjoy storytelling, navigate an obstacle course, and pitch a tent in other interactive attractions.
Vintage Culver City police, mail and movie studio service vehicles motor into Fiesta La Ballona at the "Classics in the Park" attraction on the Veterans Park softball infield.
Guests will read posters describing a bygone era, be photographed with dressed-up characters, and sit inside several antique vehicles, including Culver City Model A Ford Screenland Police car, Culver City Post Office delivery vehicle, Old MGM service bikes, Helms Bakery Olympic coach.
The Culver City Rotary Club will imprison offenders inside the historic Pokey jail.
The Aquacade at the "Plunge in the Park" locale offers free afternoon swim games, Aqua-Lilies synchronized swimmers, boy vs. girl match races among state-ranked swimmers, and a water polo match between rivals Culver City and Beverly Hills high schools.
You and your bike are pampered in "Cycle City" with bike decorating, bike wash, repairs, tech workshops, safety skills course and bike parade. The Palms Cycle bike, stroller and skateboard valet keeps your carriages secure. Ride the Culver City Fire Dept. five-man bike in the "Contests in the Park" zone.
Pitch a tent and learn outdoor skills Sunday at the Culver City Boy Scouts' Scoutarama. The Culver City Girl Scouts celebrate their parent organization's 100th anniversary by helping Fiesta La Ballona become a zero-waste event through recycling.
Fiesta La Ballona goes green with Eco crafts and classes on recycling and organic gardening. Waste bins will be labeled for compostables, recyclables and trash.
Surpassing the white-knuckle excitement of the Rock 'o Plane ride, the new Zipper makes its debut at Fiesta La Ballona along with more new attractions in the "Carnival in the Park" scene for kids of all ages.
Assemblymember Holly Mitchell, State Senator Curren Price, Culver City Mayor Andy Weissman, police and fire chiefs, Culver City Council, Culver City Board of Education members and more dignitaries will network throughout the festival grounds.
Cathy Zermeno, the first president of the Culver City Historical Society and former Fiesta La Ballona chairperson, will receive a perpetual trophy as historical society awardee at the opening ceremonies of Fiesta La Ballona, Aug. 25, 11:45 a.m. on the main stage. Former Culver City High School Coach of the Year Dave Sanchez will be honored as Grand Marshall
The Culver City High School Centaur, magicians, unicyclist and juggler will greet the anticipated 20,000 guests.
“Numerous volunteers have been working all year to “develop community” at Fiesta La Ballona by providing an environment where participants can interact with local organizations, agencies, and businesses; meet and renew acquaintances; have fun in a safe venue; celebrate the city’s heritage and diversity; and experience local creativity and community enthusiasm,” said event chairman Mike Cohen.
Fiesta La Ballona (www.FiestaLaBallona.org) is held August 24-26 at Veterans Park, 4117 Overland Ave. Culver City.
Mike Cohen is the Chair of the Fiesta La Ballona Committee.
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