Party Time in PQ: Fiesta 2011

Posted on April 22, 2011

PQ’s biggest event – the 16th Annual Fiesta de los Penasquitos – takes place on Sunday, May 1, and organizers are expecting and hoping for the biggest turnout in history this year.

Not only is the Fiesta free and fun, the street fair is extremely family friendly with carnival rides, lots of food, a Family Fun Zone, an Adventure Zone, arts and crafts and more.

Every year since 1995, approximately 18,000 people attend the community festival in Rancho Peñasquitos – which is sponsored by the Rancho Penasquitos Town Council and all proceeds are returned to the community in the form of individual and organizational grant awards.

Fair Coordinator Rozanna Zane, who has managed the event for the past five years, provides readers with some insight into what it takes to put on such a big event and what it really means to local residents and the PQ lifestyle.

92129 Question: For the benefit of those who may never have attended, can you describe the annual Fiesta de los Penasquitos?
PQ Fiesta: The Fiesta is a community street fair for the entire family highlighting businesses, nonprofit organizations, and service groups and showcasing local talent on three entertainment stages. For the older kids we have a huge Carnival Zone and for the younger kids we have the Kids Pavilion – including arts and crafts and a magician, juggler and bubble show. Two separate food courts will have multi-cultural fare, as well as traditional carnival food. On the Main Stage at 12 noon will be a presentation by our local elected officials for volunteers nominated by the local schools.

92129 Question: When and how did the annual event begin?
PQ Fiesta: Fiesta de los Penasquitos was created in 1995 by the Rancho Peñasquitos Town Council and the local Diamond Gateway Chamber of Commerce (now the San Diego North County Chamber of Commerce, a regional organization) as part of a movement to address the needs of smaller service clubs and organizations here in the Rancho Penasquitos community (the SDNCC no longer is involved in the event).

92129 Question: How is the event planned and managed each year?
PQ Fiesta: The Fiesta is planned and managed by a planning committee, consisting of an Event Planner/Fair Coordinator and members of the Rancho Penasquitos Town Council.

92129 Question: What is your event management background?
PQ Fiesta: I started Affairz Event Consulting back in 2003 and have coordinated a variety of events including weddings, seminars, luncheons, corporate dinners and non-profit fundraisers, as well as street fairs and community events.

92129 Question: How did you become involved in the event?
PQ Fiesta: My husband, T.J. Zane, was on the Rancho Penasquitos Town Council so I would do volunteer work at the Fiesta. When he left the council, it retained my services to coordinate the event.

92129 Question: How large is the event in terms of attendance, activities, booths and revenue?
PQ Fiesta: Attendance is expected at more than 18,000 people; highlights include carnival rides, rock climbing wall, arts and crafts, a kids stage, skate board demonstrations, a dunk tank, two food courts, more than 150 businesses with booths, and non-profit and service organization booths.

92129 Question: Who benefits from the proceeds of the event?
PQ Fiesta: All proceeds from the event go to the Rancho Penasquitos Town Council and fund the organization’s on-going grant program (benefitting local schools, groups, organizations and individuals).

92129 Question: What are some of the most popular activities each year at the event?
PQ Fiesta: In addition to the entertainment, food, traditional carnival rides, and dunk tank, the skate board demonstrations and the martial arts demonstrations get a lot of attention.

92129 Question: What is new at this year’s event?
PQ Fiesta: We have a number of new food booths and a lot of new local entertainment performing on stages.

92129 Question: Where and when is the event held?
PQ Fiesta: On Black Mountain Road, between Twin Trails and Carmel Mountain Road – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 1.

92129 Question: What can attendees expect in terms of entertainment at this year’s event?
PQ Fiesta: We have local high school “garage” bands, dance schools, martial arts demonstrations, local high school jazz bands, a professional jazz group, and a variety of multi-cultural performances.

92129 Question: What can attendees expect in terms of food and refreshments at this year’s event?
PQ Fiesta: This year we’ll have traditional carnival food like hot dogs, kettle corn, funnel cakes and cotton candy – as well as barbeque, Greek gyros, Mexican food, Thai- Chinese, Salvadorian Pupusas and much more.

92129 Question: What types of activities are planned for children this year?
PQ Fiesta: In addition to the carnival rides and the Kids Pavilion with arts and crafts tables and games, we have a stage show by a magician and bubble show.

92129 Question: Where should attendees plan to park for the event?
PQ Fiesta: Attendees should park along nearby streets, or residents who live nearby are encouraged to walk.

92129 Question: How many volunteers are involved with this year’s event, and what are their responsibilities?
PQ Fiesta: Approximately 40 volunteers are involved this year, including both adults and high school students. Volunteers assist with set-up in the early morning – and during the day volunteers help manage the stages, assist with booth vendor needs, coordinate special guests and entertainment arrivals and set-up. At the end of the day, they handle tear down and clean-up.

92129 Question: How can someone volunteer for the event?
PQ Fiesta: To volunteer, e-mail me at fiesta@rpcouncil.com.

92129 Question: What is the procedure and cost to reserve a booth space?
PQ Fiesta: Anyone can have a booth. The cost varies according to what type of vendor you are – business, $265; food, $350; non-profit, $125; arts and crafts, $100.

92129 Question: Why should local residents attend and support the event this year?
PQ Fiesta: It’s a great local event showcasing local organizations and clubs, as well as talent from this area. And it’s free!