Oxnard's Santa Clara Chapel to host 60th Fiesta this weekend
Thousands of guests are expected at Santa Clara Chapel’s 60th annual Fiesta for a weekend of carnival rides, games, food and live music in north Oxnard.
“The beauty of our event is there’s a variety of activities,” said Fiesta committee member Estela Martinez.
The chapel is located in the El Rio neighborhood, but within Oxnard city limits, at 1333 Ventura Blvd. It's part of Santa Clara Parish, which is based in south Oxnard.
Doors to the free event open at 5 p.m. Friday, noon on Saturday and around 1 p.m. after Sunday Mass. The party ends at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday. Food will only be available until an hour before closing, Martinez said.
Parking costs $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday and Sunday.
While kids are looking forward the carnival rides and games, Martinez said food and music are a big draw to the party.
Hungry guests can eat pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers and Hispanic food as local bands perform mariachi, country western and other music from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.
On Saturday afternoon, organizers will honor those who first started the Fiesta 60 years ago with a presentation looking at the history of the event. Martinez said founders used the Fiesta to raise money for religious education so their kids wouldn't have to be bused outside of the community to receive their sacraments.
"We're losing a lot of pillars that started this," Martinez said. "We want to invite their families back and get them involved with our parish."
On Sunday, parishioners will also honor retiring associate pastor Rev. Charles Llueras.
Organizers raise tens of thousands of dollars each year through the event to maintain the aging chapel and fund its ministry.
Revenue from past Fiestas have replaced the roof and flooring of the chapel, which was built in the 1800s, Martinez said. Organizers hope to raise about $75,000 this year.
Brian J. Varela covers Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo. He can be reached at brian.varela@vcstar.com or 805-477-8014. You can also find him on Twitter @BrianVarela805.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Santa Clara Chapel to host 60th Fiesta this weekend
