ORANGE : Banners Go Up to Herald Street Fair

Banners designating Irish, Mexican, Japanese and American streets have been hung above downtown as the city prepares for the 19th Orange International Street Fair on Labor Day weekend.

Last year’s event attracted between 400,000 and 450,000 visitors, and organizers believe that it is one of the largest events of its kind in the state.

This year’s theme, “Peace of Orange,” was chosen to emphasize the organizers’ hope for world peace and to celebrate cultural diversity, said Marshall Feduk, fair spokesman.

Festivities will include a variety of music, dance and other performances on nine stages along Glassell Street and Chapman Avenue.

The culinary traditions of 16 countries will be represented in food booths featuring fare such as Italian sausage and Greek gyros. Between bites, visitors can stroll and shop at 84 arts and crafts booths featuring everything from custom jewelry to handmade dolls.

New to the fair this year are American Indian Street and Afghan street, each featuring native foods and crafts.

At the Children’s Village in the plaza circle, representatives of the Orange Police Department will take the fingerprints of young fair-goers. Children can also create their own works of art in workshops for spin painting and clown and T-shirt painting.

Admission to the fair is free. Visitors wishing to purchase beer must first buy an identification bracelet for $1. Restroom and parking facilities for the physically disabled will be provided.

The celebration will begin Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. Fair hours Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.