Feria de los Nin~os: Celebrating Kids and Their Culture

There are lots of big celebrations for children around the Southland but not so many that actually celebrate the accomplishments of children. Feria de los Nin~os (Celebration of the Children), a festival taking place at Hollenbeck Park in East Los Angeles this weekend, does both.

Produced by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation, the two-day event originally ran from 1973 to 1985, drawing 80,000 people at its height, then was eliminated in 1986 for lack of funds. Resurrected in 1994 with new sponsorship, it has been steadily growing, with attractions being added every year. Organizers say they expect up to 30,000 this weekend.

“It’s a Latino cultural event--the only festival of its kind with all the entertainment provided by children, from artists to entertainers and athletes and even a special 2K run,” said Anna Galbraith, festival co-chairwoman and director of the Downey Community Building. “The idea is to bring to light the positive things that happen by highlighting the achievements of kids in the East Los Angeles community who don’t normally get an opportunity to be recognized.”

After an early morning run around Lake Hollenbeck on Saturday, with Olympic gold medalist Valerie Brisco as “starter,” there will be an Xochimilco Boat Regatta, a procession of gaily festooned boats sponsored by local businesses.

“We’ve rebuilt our paddle boats, which childrens’ groups have dressed up with artificial flowers and ribbons and various objects, and they’ll float around the lake like beautiful works of art,” Galbraith said. “And for $3, people can rent them and paddle around on the lake all day.”

The festival will officially kick off at 12:15 p.m. Saturday with an opening ceremony emceed by community activists Erma Nunez and Juan Gonzales of Don Juan Productions.

Prizes to Young Artists and Athletes

Prizes will be awarded to the winners of a local student art contest (the winning artworks will be exhibited) and, in honor of late festival founder Ophelia Portilla, to six outstanding East Los Angeles athletes--including four girls who broke the “gender barrier” by playing football at Lincoln High School.

“All those kids were introduced to their skills at the parks. That’s part of what our recreation department brings about--the possibility to develop those skills,” Galbraith said.

The Feria 2000 king and queen--Maiko Ramirez and Janine Jimenez, both East Los Angeles sixth-graders chosen for their articulation, poise and personality--will lead Sunday morning’s main event, the Defiles de los Nin~os (Parade of Children).

“I’ve been going to the park since I was 4 or 5, and it has really helped me grow, so I’m looking forward to seeing the music and games that the other kids share with their families,” said Jimenez, of Glassell Park, who will wear a traditional white lace dress from Vera Cruz, Mexico, to represent her heritage.

Throughout the weekend, the main stage will feature continuous entertainment, including folklorico groups, mariachi music, the Roosevelt High School Latin Jazz Ensemble, classical guitarist Tizoc Estrada, country-western singer Daveigh Chase, dancers and choral singers.

Visitors can also participate in a variety of activities, including a tortilla-making contest, carnival games and arts and crafts. There will be roving clowns and jugglers, food stands with Latin and American food, and various community information booths. An artificial volcano set up in the middle of the lake will erupt three times a day.

Saturday night’s finale, “Lumanarias on the Lake,” beginning at 7 p.m., features 2,000 candles being set aglow to float on the lake while a roaming mariachi group plays.

“It’s just a great family-oriented day in East Los Angeles,” said Joyce Nishmuro, an organizer who has been with the Feria since its inception, and was recently honored as “Madrinas of the Festival.” “It’s a part of our community that most people don’t see on TV or in the newspapers, and one of the few places for kids to display their talents. They’re all so giddy, with their families there watching them perform. It really shows the best of East L.A.”

BE THERE

Feria de Los Nin~os, Saturday noon to 9 p.m., Sunday noon to 7 p.m. Hollenbeck Park, 415 S. Saint Louis St., Los Angeles. Free admission. 2K Fun Run at 9 a.m. Saturday. Information: (323) 261-0113 or (213) 485-1310.