Shopping in the Streets

Holiday shoppers can get an early jump this buying season browsing through The Holiday Street Festival Sunday in downtown Ventura. The festival will cover 8 blocks--from Ventura Avenue to Fir Street along Main Street, including one block of California Street and one block of Chestnut Street, and ending at Plaza Park. Handcrafted works from more than 500 artists and craftsmen will be displayed, including jewelry, leather goods, fine art, dolls, quilts, wooden toys, holiday decorations and clothing. Musical entertainment will abound at different locations, and food booths will offer a wide selection of culinary offerings. Proceeds from the food booths will support several nonprofit organizations. Santa Claus will be on hand to hear the Christmas wishes of children. His booth will be located at California and Main streets. The Freddie Prez musical singing puppet show will perform every half hour at the same location, and Gabrille the Clown, jugglers and other performers will tour the festival grounds. The festival, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free. For more information, call 654-7830.