Fiesta La Ballona August 24, 2007

Fiesta La Ballona has week day events (August 20-23th) held at various locations and culminates in a weekend event (August 24-26th) held at Veteran's Park, 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City. The weekend event begins Friday evening and runs through Sunday evening.

The weekend event features:
Free Admission to Park
Live Music (2 Stages)
Vendors
Carnival Rides & Games
Community Stage Performances
Petting Zoo
Pony Rides
Food Court
Beer and Wine Garden
K-9 Demonstrations
Walking Entertainment
Free Parking
Parking is available in a number of lots including Sony Studios, across Overland at the former Courthouse parking lot, at the Armory and at the Senior Center.

A Brief History of the Fiesta La Ballona...
"Fiesta La Ballona Days" began in 1951 as a week-long celebration of the region's early settlers. People went to events - and even to work! - dressed up as Native American Indians, rancheros, señoritas, cowboys and cowgirls. The early fiestas evoked pride among the descendants of the "first families" and offered the entire community a playful opportunity to connect with its history.

Recollections from Clarita Marquez Young:
"The Fiestas began in the early 1950s. Their purpose was to celebrate the Spanish 'first families' from the time of New Spain, Mexico and into the time this was the U.S. I never missed a Fiesta. They were the spice of my life! I rode in the parade, and so did my mother, Senaida Ybarra, and grandmother, Maria Jesus Ybarra."

Recollections from Julie Lugo Cerra, Honorary Culver City Historian:
"Floats, marching bands, scout troops, and mounted horsemen in festive costumes moved down the boulevards to lively music. The Fiesta Queen rode with her court, and other floats included the Downtown Merchants Association and local service clubs. Because the Fiesta was established to honor local history, descendants of the old families were privileged to ride in the parade. "On Saturday there was a 'Kiddie Parade' at Vets' Park. Parents made 'floats' from wagon bases and kids in costume pulled these decorated tributes to our parents' creativity through the park. One of the nights, there was an Aquacade at the Plunge. Synchronized swimming, clowns, and water ballet thrilled the cheering spectators. Other nights offered a Barbecue, a Square Dance, and a Teen Hop. A Thieves' Market at Culver Center benefited charity. "There was a Queen's luncheon, a hobby show in the Armory, and an antique car show, too. One day of that week, generally Friday, everyone was expected to 'dress.' That was the day the 'pokey' drove around town, and those without costumes were 'arrested' and given a ride in this jail on wheels. One who always made me smile was the manager of the water company, Firley Cleveland, dressed in monk's robes!"

As the community changed so did the Fiesta...
In 1985, the fiesta was reinvented as a "Festival of the People" and the one-day event took on an international flavor. Five or six years later it became a weekend fair in May.

In 2003, the Fiesta was once again revived by offering events during the entire week with a culminating festival in Veteran's Park. In 2004 amusement rides were added to attract families to the event. In 2005 the Culver City Lion's Club opened the first Beer and Wine Garden. The Fiesta La Ballona continues to be a celebration of the past, present and future of Culver City showcasing both its warmth and its sophistication. It continues to offer people a place for food and fun and sharing.

Official Website: http://www.fiestalaballona.org/