Tickets to Ride

Carnival fans can get their fill next weekend as Maywood and South Gate celebrate the coming of autumn.

Maywood will commemorate its 69th anniversary, Mexican Independence Day and honor the work of labor leader Cesar Chavez.

A carnival featuring various rides and games opens at 5 p.m Thursday and runs through Sept. 12 at Maywood City Park, 4801 E. 58th St. Admission to the carnival is free; ride ticket costs vary. On Friday evening, a banda ranchera performance will be featured from 7 to 10 p.m. on the park’s baseball field.

On Saturday, the city will rename its county library branch in honor of Chavez at a ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. at the library, 4323 E. Slauson Ave. After the dedication, a musical gala is scheduled at the park from 6 to 9 p.m.

Information: (213) 562-5000.

South Gate will present its annual September Festival from Friday through Sept. 12 in South Gate Park, 4900 Southern Ave.

Fair-goers can win up to $40 in free groceries at carnival games sponsored by Albertson’s and Maxx Foods grocery stores. The stores are prepared to give away up to $500,000 in product samples to visitors, a city spokesman said.

The event also features 14 carnival rides, six children’s rides, traditional carnival games and a variety of entertainment.

The fair hours are Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sept. 12 from noon to 9 p.m. Music and free product giveaways are scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $1.

Information: (213) 563-9500.