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Juanita Ortiz (right), 10, cuts pieces of her citrus baked goods contest entry, a lemon cake, for judges Margaret Navarro (left) and Gloria Rivas during the first Citrus Festival on Sunday in Calipatria. "My grandmother baked the cake and I decorated the cake with frosting and squeezed lemon," Ortiz said. (JOSELITO VILLERO PHOTO / January 28, 2013) |
CALIPATRIA — City officials here are looking forward to next year’s citrus festival despite only wrapping up the inaugural event on Sunday.
The event, which ran for three days, was a celebration of the citrus growers’ success and contributions to the local community.
“This was a positive and enjoyable event,” said Romualdo Medina, Calipatria city manager. “Whenever there is an opportunity to bring the community together and have fun it makes it worthwhile. We owe a great amount of gratitude to the Calipatria Chamber of Commerce for bringing the event forward.”
Medina said the event was well-organized and had activities that appealed to all ages.
“For it being the first event I believe it was very successful,” Medina said. “The art, food displays, contests and entertainment appealed to everyone’s interest.”
Although the Friday showers kept event-goers indoors, Maria Nava-Froelich said days two and three of the event were well-attended.
“There were probably between 600 and 700 people who made their way through the event,” said Nava-Froelich, Calipatria Chamber of Commerce president. “We’re all very happy with how it turned out and we’re excited to be planning next year’s event and hopefully making it better.”
In addition to the various fresh-fruit stands, Nava-Froelich said the multiple contests appeared to be a hit with community members.
“We had a tamale contest and a crazy hat for the contest,” she said. “It was a lot of fun.”
For the full list of winners, read the online edition of the Imperial Valley Press.
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
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