The 63rd annual Fiesta La Ballona, Culver City’s “Party In The Park” will be held Aug. 23-25, at Veterans Park.
The popular Culver City event celebrating the city’s heritage features live music, food trucks and a variety of food concessions, a beer and wine garden, carnival rides, artisan wares and many family-oriented attractions for all ages.
Veterans Park is located at 4117 Overland Avenue in Culver City. Admission is free.
“Since the 1950s, Fiesta La Ballona has given Culver City residents the chance to get together and celebrate our community’s “first families” – the Native Americans, the Spanish land grant families and the people who planted the roots of our town,” said Mayor Jeffrey Cooper.
Last year, the Fiesta attracted more than 20,000 visitors over the course of the weekend.
“This is the best summer event around. I’m born and raised in Culver City and have been going since I was a child. Now I bring my own children,” said resident Shauna Monroe.
Fiesta attendees can partake of family-friendly activities, an extensive showcase of local organizations, roving performers and a mini taste of Culver City from local restaurants.
“The Fiesta is a perennial favorite for family’s in the area. It’s like having a county fair in town with all the giant carnival rides, live bands that get everyone dancing and great stuff to eat,” said Susan Obrow, Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Culver City.
Fiesta La Ballona began as a weeklong celebration of the region’s early settlers and has evolved into a three-day festival that kicks off the afternoon of Friday, August 23 and closes down late Sunday night August 25.
“I can’t wait to ride the Ferris wheel. Last year my mom wouldn’t let me,” said Sally Connelly.
“But this year she promised I could. And I love riding the ponies too.”
The Fiesta is named after the La Ballona Creek, an 8.8-mile waterway that flows through Culver City.
“While Fiesta started as a chance to celebrate our collective history and has undergone many changes since it began in 1951, today’s Fiesta still offers an incredible way for all of Culver City’s residents to come together to celebrate our city,” said Cooper.
Fiesta hours are 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, August 23; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, August 24; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, August 25.
The Fiesta is produced by the City of Culver City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and the Fiesta La Ballona Committee which helps organize and run the Fiesta along with hundreds of volunteers.
A variety of local sponsors also help fund and support the Fiesta.
“I love Fiesta La Ballona, and I hope everyone will come out to share with us the food, fun and entertainment that makes this event so special,” said Cooper.
To learn more about Fiesta La Ballona or to sign up to be a volunteer, visit www.fiestalaballona.org and find out more by liking the event on Facebook, following it on Twitter, or viewing it on YouTube.
