COUNTYWIDE : Latino Fair Could Draw Up to 500,000

Las Fiestas Patrias de la Calle Cuatro, a family-themed cultural fair celebrating the independence of Mexico and several Central American countries, is expected to draw as many as 500,000 people this year, organizers said.

Billed as the largest Latino celebration in Southern California, the Santa Ana festival will open Friday and feature 150 exhibition booths offering free food and merchandise. There is no admission fee.

Highlights of the three-day festival include a Sunday parade down Main Street and appearances by comedian Paul Rodriguez and boxer Oscar de la Hoya, winner of a gold medal at the most recent Olympic Games.

About $500,000 worth of free food and prizes will be given away during the fair, according to event producer Ray Garza.

“Last year we were not so much focused on kids, but this year we want to make sure the kids benefit,” Garza said.

To that end, the festival will include an entire block devoted to children, including Latino cartoon characters Ito and Ita and carnival games and rides.

Garza added that the festival “tends to bring out the kid in adults as well.”

The festival will be held on 4th Street between Ross and French streets.

Events will begin each day at noon and continue until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and until 9 p.m. on Sunday.

The parade, whose route stretches along Main Street from Washington Avenue to 3rd Street, will run from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Emphasizing the family-oriented nature of the event, Garza pointed out that no alcohol will be served during the festival.

Councilwoman Lisa Mills said the event helps build a positive image for Santa Ana.

“It’s an important event for the city because it promotes cultural diversity and brings awareness that the city is made out of a lot of unique and important people, no matter what race. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the city,” she said.

Last year, the event attracted an estimated 350,000 people, according to Garza.

It was also shown on Televisa, the largest programming network in the world, where it was viewed by 300 million people in 13 countries.