Janine Marnien
LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE -- Fiesta Days, a La Canada Flintridge event that
has been around longer than La Canada Flintridge, celebrated its 29th
anniversary over Memorial Day weekend with a parade, croquet tournament
and vintage car show.
But the event was more than just a weekend festival. Themed "Come
Together," this year's Fiesta Days was a celebration of the many faces
that make up the city.
"It is a coming together of our whole community," said Eileen Ferber,
vice president in charge of membership for the La Canada Flintridge
Chamber of Commerce and Community Assn.
Fiesta Days is organized each year by the La Canada Flintridge Chamber
of Commerce and Community Assn., and is sponsored by local businesses.
A memorial service was held to honor those who have given their lives
in battle. A parade followed Monday's service, grand marshaled by police
and fire officials in light of the Sept. 11 tragedy, which helped inspire
this year's theme.
Sunday featured the Lanterman Open House and croquet finals. Residents
could take a tour of the landmark house and watch their neighbors battle
each other in a croquet match.
City Councilman Steve Del Guercio and his son triumphed in the
parent-child croquet match. But the importance of the event wasn't found
in the win, Del Guercio said.
"Fiesta Days really defines the community," he said.
About 500 attended the French toast breakfast, and 500 showed up for
the barbecue Saturday. Three were more than 120 parade entries.
Approximately 3,000 people enjoyed the parade Monday, and 1,200 visited
the Strawberry Fields Country Fair at Memorial Park, said Capt. Sal
Chavez of the county Fire Department.
