Fiesta, fireworks and congratulations

Camarillo's biggest summertime party, the annual Fiesta and Street Fair, gets underway today along historic Ventura Boulevard in Old Town. The festivities will last through Sunday and include a whole host of vendors, a car show, food, live music and carnival rides.

Organizers expect 50,000 fair-goers this year- which would be the largest draw in the event's history. Money raised is used to fund numerous youth charities and school programs.

A special area will be designated as a "Fun Zone," where local nonprofits and youth service organizations may set up booths and carnival-style games to raise funds for their groups.

The city-sponsored Fourth of July fireworks show, although planned on short notice, was another of this month's crowd favorites. City Manager Jerry Bankston said ticket sales reached 6,000, with about 4,300 in attendance at Adolfo Camarillo High School's football stadium. As many as 4,000 more fans lined surrounding streets for a free view of the pyrotechnic display.

Ticket sales raised $6,200 for the high school.

Along with the monetary benefits, the city's show apparently cut down on local problems with illegal fireworks. Bankston said the Camarillo Police Department received 33 complaints about illegal fireworks during the patriotic holiday- just half the number reported last year.

And the dogs and cats at the animal shelter near Freedom Park probably enjoyed this year's holiday a whole lot more without the booms and whistles of exploding fireworks.

And finally, the Camarillo Acorn extends its congratulations to Bob Kildee Clothing, 606 Las Posas Road, which celebrated its 53rd anniversary earlier this week. The store is the oldest business in Camarillo, according to city officials.