City Fair Not Loved by Merchants

Over the protests of some merchants, the city’s 15th annual I Love La Habra Fair opened downtown Friday for a three-day run that organizers project will draw more than 15,000.

Business owners’ objections focused on the fact that La Habra Boulevard is being closed to traffic for the event.

“This is terrible,” said Jackie Fogel, owner of MacKinnon’s Stationery store on the boulevard. “The weekend before Valentine’s Day is my busiest weekend, but . . . no one is here because the street’s blocked off, and they can’t get in here.”

Fogel said that she and other shop owners along the boulevard protested the fair’s location this year because they fear it will hurt them financially.

Fair organizers said that one of the goals of the fair, though, is to draw people downtown so that they can see the diversity of businesses that line the boulevard.

“The intent is to bring people downtown so they’ll start shopping here,” said Mark Handler, an event organizer and city planning commissioner. “We also want to . . . promote pride in the city. This is our largest fund-raiser for local charities.”

Kay Jacklin, the city’s supervisor of social services and recreation, said she expects the fair to raise about $25,000 to benefit a number of La Habra-based charitable organizations, schools and youth programs.

Those who turned out for the festivities Friday seemed unperturbed by the controversy. “If nothing else, this event will probably improve business for the shops along here,” said David McQuillan, a 35-year resident who was at the fair with his family.

Attractions include shows, dozens of carnival rides, games, food and more than 75 vendors. Hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. today and 10 to 6 Sunday.