COWTOWN: You’ll see a different San Juan...

COWTOWN: You’ll see a different San Juan Capistrano on Fridays. Many downtown workers have started donning their denims, cowboy boots and Stetsons that day to re-create how the town used to look. . . . The new “Frontier Friday” is being sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce and the Fiesta Assn. to boost community pride and awareness of the city’s western heritage. Says the Chamber’s Tom Facon: “It’s just a little thing that makes us different from the rest.”

READ ON: The loss of a state grant almost put an end this year to the literacy program in Huntington Beach--where volunteer tutors are teaching some 200 adults to read and write. But Literacy Volunteers of America’s local chapter raised $12,000, enough to get the city to approve keeping the program going. . . . Says Mary DeSloover, a member of the chapter’s board: “The higher the literacy rate, the better-paying jobs people can get and the higher the tax base.”

MEDIEVAL MIND? If you’ve seen any Jim Carrey movies, you know there isn’t much he won’t try--even jousting with knights. The Medieval Times in Buena Park has been closed most of the past week while Carrey has been there shooting scenes for his latest, “The Cable Guy.” . . . Says Medieval Times publicist David Manuel: “This is the first time we’ve ever closed our doors on the public, but it’s all very exciting.” . . . Motorists beware: For exterior shots tonight, northbound Beach Boulevard will be closed for several hours between La Palma Avenue and the Artesia Freeway, beginning at 7:30.

COULDN’T DUCK IT: Thanks to a marketing idea by the Mighty Ducks, country star Vince Gill won over his audience before singing a note during his concert at the Pond of Anaheim Sunday (F2), by wearing a team jersey. . . . “So is this Ducks team any good?” Gill asked, and was answered with a boisterous cheer. “I like hockey, but I couldn’t tell you where they are in the standings. It’s a free shirt--what’re you gonna do?”