PLACENTIA : Festival of Cultures Budget Approved

The City Council approved a budget of $6,500 for its first Festival of Cultures.

The festival, to be held June 2 on Santa Fe Street, will offer entertainment, food and crafts of various cultures.

Originally the council approved spending up to $18,000 to cover gaps in sponsorship, but through anticipated income and donations the city’s expenditure was lowered to $6,500.

“We have had the generous donation of $2,000 in services towards the sound system,” said James Soto, director of recreation and human services, “and as other funds become available those will be taken into consideration as well.”

The festival will be similar to the city’s Heritage Days, Soto said.

Priority for space will be given to nonprofit clubs and organizations using the event as a fund-raiser.

A portable stage will be used for music and dances. A beer garden, on Main Street south of the Santa Fe intersection, will be operated by the Chamber of Commerce.

Responding to concerns from Councilwoman Maria Moreno, Soto said the beer garden would be contained within a roped-off area with a police officer in the vicinity. “It will be handled much as similar events in Orange and Fullerton are,” Soto said. “There will be no drinking on the streets.”