CANOGA PARK : Center Seeking to Revive Annual Fiesta

Administrators of the Guadalupe Community Center in Canoga Park are attempting to revive the old local tradition of holding an annual fiesta in celebration of Mexican Independence Day.

The fiesta is scheduled for Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. at the center at 21600 Hart St. Admission is $15 for adults and $7.50 for children. Tickets went on sale at the center this week.

Anastasia Rose, administrative assistant for the center, said longtime residents of Canoga Park still remember the yearly bashes in the 1940s and 1950s that reflected the neighborhood’s Latino flavor.

“We are trying to revive what was once here at the center,” Rose said.

The purpose of the event, Rose said, will be to raise money for upkeep and improvements to the aging community center building and to fund new programs.

The center will provide a complimentary shuttle service to the fiesta from the Topanga Plaza parking lot every 15 minutes during the evening. The fiesta will feature a full-course Mexican dinner and entertainment from the mariachi musicians, local folkloric dance troupes, and singing and square dance groups.