festival | Julie Moree's News Watch

As previously reported, the University of Southern California invited thousands of various authors in nearly every genre to a

And still more books were available for as little as five dollars at various stands throughout as well as authors who offered festival sale prices for new and recent books that they released in the past year.

In addition, the students of USC’s medical department offered complimentary health screenings including vision and dental this

year.

Check out the video below, for exclusive interviews with various authors including a book by the director from the “I Love Lucy” sitcom.

The next festival of books is scheduled for April 13 and 14, 2019.

February 26, 2018

75th Annual Camellia Fest in Temple City

Rides filled the Temple City Park over the three day weekend from February 23-25 as residents descended for the 75th Annual Camillia Festival in Temple City.

There were test your luck games where one could win a variety of different size prizes.

And on Saturday was the primary day complete with a pancake breakfast and parade.

The local performing arts advertised their upcoming production of the Little Mermaid with a roadshow performance.

Iconic songs including Part of your World and Poor Unfortunate Souls teased the full length productions.

February 21, 2018February 21, 2018

72 Years of Dates in Indio, Calif.

Fair season kicks off early in Indio, Calif as residents travel down southeast to the largest Date Festival to enjoy ten days of music, fun and of course the popular date.

Inside the Taj Mahal, it was the highlight of the festival as the popular Date was displayed for all to see the various types as well as being able to sample and even take unique styles home by the box which can not be down at the regular grocery store. The most popular, Medjool Dates were the prominent, but people could also learn about the other types as Chef Matthew from Mario’s Place showed different recipes each day to create taste creations with the Dates.

Animals were also another much see with unique to Riverside, Hendrick’s Camels and Ostrich Races which are held daily in the Grandstands and pets showed off their skills with Marvelous Mutts as they performed for the fun with frisbees, as well as splash dogs.

Camel Racing

Ostrich Chariot racing

Ostrich Racing

zebra racing

Marvelous Mutts

And of course the Fair concludes each day with their highly anticipated salute to america and Nightly musical pageant by the students of the local high schools.

And the Queen Shaharazad and her royal court was

alive and active at all parts of the fair including the Queen’s Gallery of photos judged for the past year.

And the court made an appearance at the performances including the Santana Tribute band that rock the Magic Carpet Stage at 5 p.m before the nightly pageant.

The Fair is open until February 25, 2018 from 10- 10 and is located in the city of Indio just south of Palm Desert in Southern California. Don’t miss the excitement especially if you’re in the area.

December 10, 2017December 10, 2017

97 Years on Christmas Tree Lane

Of course no festival is complete with out the one and only Santa Claus

Local Girl Scouts offered hot chocolate and other items to people as they shopped.

Located outside of the Altadena Public library, they had a booth with older books and dvds/cds for purchase on behalf of the library.

One of a kind candy creations enticed crowds.

Stunning glass jewelry and plates captivated crowds.

As always food trucks provide hunger relief as people shopped.

And Yetis could be adopted for a fun christmas option.

The stag was represented in these one of a kind wreath arrangements.

For those so inclined, they could be a part of the celebration by joining the select group of volunteers that decorated every year.

T-shirts could be purchased as a memorable keepsake.

Festive jewelry attracted all for the holidays.

October 9, 2017October 9, 2017

31 Years Of Avocados in Carpenteria

Of course people were intrigued by the ever popular deep fried avocado.

Or the could take home their own salsa plant.

There were also Avocado Shrimp cocktail for just seven dollars.

Avocado soap showed the various ways the the fruit can be useful.

Various vendors were set up along the festival selling unique one of a kind jewelry.

And a one piece jumpsuit by Bali Cremi had spectators marveling over the unique fashion.

Of course Avocado Oil was right at home at the festival.

Various types of avocados including the reed and daly were on display so one could see what types are grown in Carpentaria.

And hass avocados were available for purchase for as low as 6 for 10 dollars.

A giant fair wheel marked the entrance of the festival.

And slot cars keep children entertained for hours.

Local businesses like the Laughing Buddha Thrift benefited from the festival by opening its doors to people who walked down the street.

Handpainted portraits of avocados fit right in outside the thrift store for people to purchase.

July 24, 2017

Festival of Love in No Ho

On July 23, 2014, the residents came out to Valley Plaza Park for a day of cultural dancing at the Vardavar Festival. For just five dollars, one could go into the area and sit in the shade while enjoying various groups dancing various styles from traditional Armenian to more contemporary forms.

There were also food trucks, jumpers for the children and of course the event ended with a water balloon fight meant to cleanse the soul.

All the proceedings collected went to the Armenian Genocide foundation.

June 25, 2017June 25, 2017

Cultural dancing in SFV

Calligraphy was on display for the community to learn how to read Japanese.

And the historical society had images from the decades.

The iconic bonsai tree was in one of the building to purchase and take home.

Communal dancing was the highlight of the two day festival.

Of course Sushi was the popular food of choice for many.

Kids were entertained with being able to decorate their own mask in the arts and crafts area.

All were encouraged to participate whether one knew the steps or not.

A drum circle kept time as dancers circled the hard top floor.

Of couse cultural dancers dressed the part as they danced with all.

Various collections of Japanese Dolls enticed people to marvel at in the air conditioning.

Even a hello kitty was dressed for the occasion.

And those that wished could simply sit and reflect on those long past.

There was a little gambling as residents predicted the outcome of a ball toss.

Whatever color the ball landed on won all the coins.

Inside residents could do a little more betting with a friendly game of bingo for a dollar a card.

Or they could do a little more shopping at the Flea market inside.

April 10, 2017

14th Annual Day of the Horse in Chatsworth

Sponsored by the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, the Historical Society and Congressman Mitchell Englander of the 12th district, crowds came out to Stoney Point Ranch on Sunday April 9, 2017 from 11-3 for the annual Day of the Horse.

Riders take practice jumps in the field before performing for crowds.

Mustang demonstrations in the center showed crowds maneuvering procedures.

And This Mustang was tame enough to ride in front of crowds.

There were also therapy horses for crowds to understand the proper uses of the horses.

There were 11 different Miniature Therapy Horses at the Day of The Horse in Chatsworth.

A Spotted Mule was showcased in the Parade of Horses so that people could see.

This picture was one of 400 submitted for this year’s festival and took Best of Show

Residents could enjoy free hot dogs and hamburgers compliments of the Kiwanis of Chatsworth and there was fun activities for the kids including making their own

Stick Horses to take home as well as

decorating personalized horseshoes.

In the center of the ranch riders showed off their skills with various tricks, jumps and training methods for different breeds of horses including trained mustangs.

Mustang basic menuevers

Mustang Tricks and jumps

Stoney Point Equestrian Riders

July 3, 2016

8th Annual Fireworks in San Pedro

This year’s 8th Annual Cars and Stripes Forever on the Port of Los Angeles brought the community to San Pedro on Friday July 1, 2016 for a night of classic cars, music and of course a complete fireworks show.

The fireworks included various pop and patriotic songs that were fitting for the lights over the port of Los Angeles.