By Marissa GOULD

The weather may have been gray and cloudy on Memorial Day, but that did not deter foothills’ residents from coming to Memorial Park in La Cañada to sit, talk to their neighbors, and enjoy the various booths that Fiesta Days’ Afternoon in the Park offered.

There were 18 booths that surrounded the perimeter of Memorial Park. The Pasadena Humane Society was not only showcasing their shelter animals but also offering them for adoption. Allied Waste Services handed out free root beer floats to all the thirsty kids (and parents) running around the park. Even the U.S. Forest Service showed up with Smokey Bear to entertain and inform everyone. There was also a petting zoo and a bounce house for the kids. Not only was there a myriad of booths to check out, but there was also food offered. The Kiwanis Club barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs. Los Gringos Locos had their food truck on-site as well.

The festivities were part of the three-day Fiesta Days celebration, the result of the hard work and dedication of the La Cañada Chamber of Commerce. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Pat Anderson said the preparation for Fiesta Days starts way back in January and not only does the chamber staff work on these events, but so does a “large group of volunteers.” The focal point of Memorial Park, the gazebo, was decorated with balloons and banners to commemorate the Memorial Day holiday. Performing in front of the gazebo was the band Misplaced Priorities that preformed covers of famous songs.

Other events over the three days included a French toast breakfast and car show on Saturday morning, fireworks and barbecue on Sunday night, Memorial Day ceremony on Monday morning and the launch of Music in the Park on Monday afternoon. Music in the Park continues through the summer on Sunday nights at 6 p.m.

  Marissa GOULD