Costa Mesa Celebration Brings Joy (Again)

By Chris MacDonald

Costa Mesa, Ca was the site of the first music concert to draw more than 100,000 spectators (The 1968 Newport Pop Festival) and to help the city celebrate its 60th Birthday, it brought back Eric Burdon and the Animals, to perform on almost the exact spot where they helped make rock history 45 years ago.

The city is full of fascinating history, going back to Indians, farmers, the Santa Ana Army Base (built in WWII), South Coast Plaza (one of the World's most famous upscale retail centers), the Segerstrom Center for the Arts (where the top musicians and entertainers perform) and so much more. So they decided to shut down one of their main streets, Fair Drive (between Fairview Ave. and Newport Blvd., across from the OC Fairgrounds) and put on a three day birthday party (June 28-30) to show what they are about.

"We're a vibrant, dynamic, eclectic city with a lot going on," said Mayor Jim Righeimer. "We've never had a street festival this big and we thought it was time to celebrate our community."

For the amazing street festival, organizers created an Art Walk (with prominent painters performing, like Bill Anderson, Alice Leggett, Linda Wissler and Albert Stanchfield), OC Tastefest (with 30 restaurants), a Classic Car Show and Music Concerts (on three stages). On one of the stages, dancers in WWII uniforms did a sensational job showing off tap and other nifty dances made famous in the 1940s. Community groups also had booths, where they explained everything from energy conservation to safety tips. There were food vendors, rides and more.

"This event is really helping bring the community together," said Frank Gutierrez, owner of Mesa Art and Chairman of the Costa Mesa Cultural Arts Committee. "We're celebrating our community and becoming more united. It brings joy to see 40 top artists, all painting on 48 by 48 wood panels. Their fantastic artwork will later go on sale, with a percentage going to the cultural arts and a percentage to the artists. Some art will be donated to schools."

Rick Francis, Costa Mesa City Assistant CEO, said "For a city so fragmented over the past few years, this celebration is great for bringing everyone together to have fun."

"This really makes people aware of what a nice community this is and what we have going on," said Gladys Refakes, a Costa Mesa Historical Society Board Member, volunteering at her group's booth. "It's especially important for people who haven't lived her long to see the great strides we've made in the past 60 years. Since WWII there are new universities, lots of nice sports facilities and small industries, like surfboards."

For more information on Costa Mesa and the celebration, go to costamesaca.gov

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