OJAI : Mexican Fiesta Raises $4,000 for Scholarships

Bright colors, rich foods and great sounds of the 28th annual Ojai Valley Mexican Fiesta drew some 1,200 people to Ojai’s Libbey Park on Sunday for the closing day of the two-day fund-raising event.

The festival raised an estimated $4,000 for a scholarship fund to help young Ventura County Latino residents attend college, fiesta committee President Tony Sanchez said.

“We are very pleased with the turnout,” Sanchez said. “It’s great to see the community get behind what is such a good cause.”

Sunday’s crowd brought the weekend total to nearly 3,000 people, Sanchez said.

Throughout Sunday, the crowd swayed to the vibrant rhythms of a variety of Mexican music while feasting on homemade tamales, enchiladas, tacos and cold, frosty drinks. Colorful pinatas suspended by ropes overhead vied with the musicians on stage for the attention of children.

The day’s events also sought to expose people to authentic Mexican culture, said Peter Aguirre, organizer and master of ceremonies.

“It’s so important to preserve our heritage,” Aguirre said. “Events like this go a long way in helping our community showcase our roots. The gratifying part has been to watch this event grow year after year.”

Aguirre said the event will benefit an estimated 20 college-bound students.

“It’s not a full ride, but the program does provide scholarship funds during all four years of their college program,” he said. “With the cost of tuition these days, those funds can really help.”

Veronica Diaz, owner of a Ojai pest-control business, echoed those sentiments. As mariachis sang in the background, she sold cold cans of soft drinks for the scholarship fund.

“This is an important event for our community because it brings people together,” Diaz said. “I believe in this day and age, that’s important.”