About Us


April 2007

A Special Invitation

 

As Principal Recreation Supervisor of the Metro Region, I would like to invite you to become part of the Feria De Los Niños 35th Anniversary Celebration, to be held at Hollenbeck Park in Boyle Heights on September 29th & 30th, 2007.

In response to Community requests to lower crime from the residents of Boyle Heights and the Greater East Los Angeles Area, the Department of Recreation and Parks founded the "Feria" in 1972. This year long Cultural Arts Educational Program culminates with an annual Talent Showcase & Festival. The Feria De Los Niños brings together the community in celebration of the rich, diverse heritage of Latinos, with an emphasis on the accomplishments of children while providing them with a vehicle for success. The youth showcased is some of the finest talent in the areas of dance, music, art, public speaking and athletics.

Designed to serve as a year long Crime Prevention Program, the "Feria" inspires and engages community youth and their families to get involved in positive activities through a network of recreation centers in our local communities. This educational program uses the power of the cultural arts to instill self-esteem, confidence, cultural pride and family respect through the process of creative expression, training, discipline and achievement.  All of these tools, when given to children at a young age, are proven to detour them from being involved in juvenile crime.

The Festival has attracted crowds of over 20,000 spectators in previous years.  The Feria De Los Niños strengthens community pride and family unity in Boyle Heights, while also sharing and celebrating the Latino culture and people within greater Los Angeles.

All Proceeds raised will be used exclusively for the development and expansion of the Educational Program and Festival. Funds will be provided to local recreation centers in Operations East to help pay for teachers, materials, costumes and other needed expenses. Each $1,500.00 of sponsorship can provide 40 hours of Cultural Arts Educational Instruction for 25 children over the course of a 10-week session.

From its inception, the Feria De Los Niños has garnered widespread support and sponsorship from political, business, educational, media and community leaders and organizations, like you.  Your involvement in and support of the “Feria” will make an important contribution toward accomplishing our goal to help make the hopes and dreams of our youth and community a reality.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

GARY BAER

Recreation Supervisor