Zipper Ride Debuts at Fiesta La Ballona

It’s one of the most anticipated events of the year. Culver City’s festival to end all festivals – Fiesta La Ballona – will begin in just over two weeks.

From now, until open day, Culver City Patch will highlight many of the great events at the 62^nd annual festival, courtesy of the Fiesta La Ballona Organizing Committee.

We start with a look at some of the great rides that will be on offer, selected by the Fiesta La Ballona Youth Committee.

Surpassing the Rock 'o Plane ride in white-knuckle excitement, the new Zipper returns to Fiesta La Ballona after a long absence.

"The Thunderbolt, Gravitron, Chute, and Sizzler are popular rides, and the Zipper will up the excitement level," said rides chairperson Niko Vlahakis, a Culver City Middle School student.

The bumper cars ride also makes its return to Culver City.

Vlahakis and Co-Chair Autumn Walters chose several other new attractions in the "Carnival in the Park" venue, blending major and spectacular rides with kiddie rides to attract all age groups. 

Children's rides include Berry go Round, Jalopy, Merry go Round, Happy Pond, Granny bugs. 

Vice Mayor Jeff Cooper and the City Council will take the honorary first ride on the Giant Wheel, on Fri. Aug. 24 at 5:30 p.m.

"I hope that's not the one that makes me dizzy," said Cooper with a smile.

Ride ticket discounts are offered through presales and all-you-can ride wrist bands at the Culver City Recreation, Parks and Community Services Office, 4117 Overland Ave. (310) 253-6650.

“I would love more rides. That's me talking as a kid.  As a member of the committee I know this is not as easy as it sounds," said Vlahakis.

Fiesta La Ballona (www.FiestaLaBallona.org) is held August 24-26 at Veterans Park, 4117 Overland Ave. Culver City.

List of attractions:

Carnival in the Park

Carnival rides, games and food

Friday 6 – 10 p.m.

5:30 p.m. City Council’s first ride on the Giant Wheel

6 p.m.  Carnival rides, games and food

Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

11 a.m. Carnival rides, games and food

11:30 a.m. Petting zoo (to 6 p.m.)

11:30 a.m. Pony rides (to 6 p.m.)

Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

11 a.m. Carnival rides, games and food

11:30 a.m. Petting zoo (to 5 p.m.)

11: 30 a.m. Pony rides (to 5 p.m.)

Click on the PDF link to the right of this program for the full program of events at Fiesta La Ballona.

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