Father Tony Diaz, Pastor of the San Gabriel Mission and Fiesta Queen Felicia Valdez rang the Mission bells to call everyone to the join in the celebration of 246th years of the Mission with a Fiesta on Labor Day weekend: September 1st, September 2nd and September 3rd.

San Gabriel Mayor Juli Costanzo, Councilmember Chin Ho Liao and Councilmember Denise Menchaca joined with the Knight of Columbus, Boys Scouts, altar servers, Sisters of St. Joseph, deacons, Father Paulus Marandi, Father Ray Smith, Father Long Van Nguyen, Father Tony Diaz, Queen Felicia Valdez, Princess Briana Cruz-Guerra, Princess Stephany Flores and their escorts Andrew Cardenas and Bryan Torres in a parade from the front of the mission to the fiesta stage.

Father Tony Diaz welcomed all to this fiesta. We are family! He asked God to bless the people at the fiesta and all of the volunteers.

Father Tony Diaz blessed the Holy Water that was sprinkled on the people and the grounds of the fiesta.

Deacons offered prayers in English, Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese and Chinese as part of the Opening Ceremony.

San Gabriel Mayor Juli Costanzo, Councilmember Chin Ho Liao and Councilmember Denise Menchaca addressed the audience.

Mayor Costanzo thanked the mission for helping establish the city. Councilmember Liao reminded everyone the mission was established in 1771. Enjoy this fiesta! Councilmember Menchaca addressed the guests in Spanish, the early language of the mission.

Father Diaz said the parish always welcomes new members. Our membership is opened to everyone living in the San Gabriel Valley.

Father Diaz, Father Nguyen and Father Smith joined by members of the Royal Court blessed the guests, volunteers and the grounds with holy water.

Bryan Torres, Princess Stephany Flores, Queen Felicia Valdez, Princess Briana Cruz-Guerra and Andrew Cardenas were ready to enjoy the fiesta.

Entertainment included Mariachi music, folklorica dancing, storytelling, marimba music, a birthday cake celebration and more.

Carnival rides and games entertained the children of all ages.

The fiesta also featured a beer and wine garden as well as International food for sale.

All of the proceeds from the fiesta support the San Gabriel Mission parish.

Queen Felicia Valdez, Princess Stephany Flores and Princess Briana Cruz-Guerra joined in the fun at the annual Children’s and Pets’ Costume Contest and the Blessing of the Animals.

Miss Mexico Global Cynthia Flores, Queen Felicia Valdez, Princess Stephany Flores and Princess Briana Cruz-Guerra enjoyed the celebration.

Monica Araujo was the Mistress of Ceremonies. She welcomed all of the children, parents and pets to this special event.

Judges were Father Ray Smith, Guillermo Moreno and Miss Mexico Global Cynthia Flores.  They had to make their best decisions on the best-dressed children and pets.

Members of the Marimba Ensemble performed for the audience during this event.

Julian dressed as an Indian.

Noah chose to be creative. He shyly walked off the stage before greeting the judges.

Pablo chose to be creative.

Isabella chose to be creative

Audrey dressed as a clown.

Sabrina chose to be creative.

Julian, Noah, Pablo, Isabella, Audrey and Sabrina were honored for their creativity and participation in the contest. The Royal Court handed out certificates, coupons for the fiesta and T-shirts.

Father Ray Smith blessed the children and asked God to let them grow up strong.

Lola, the dog.

Kiara, the dog.

Zolo, the dog.

Minni, the dog.

Buttercup and Shelly, the guinea pigs.

Mica, the guinea pig.

Cotton, the rabbit.

Quest, the dog.

Quest was the largest pet, Cotton was the smallest, Buttercup and Shelly were the most unique, Zola was best dressed and Kiara was also most unique. The Royal Court handed their owners gifts for their pets’ participation.

Bananas the Clown, AKA Audrey, told some jokes before the Blessing of the Animals.

Father Smith asked God to keep and bless our animals. He told the story about St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals, who saved a village from an angry and injured wolf.

He reminded us that animals are a gift from God. They accepted us with

unconditional love even when we ignore them.

Father Smith blessed the all of the pets and their humans.

Buzzy joined in the celebration. He was the largest pet at the event.

Miss Mexico Global Cynthia Flores shared the stage with members of the Marimba Ensemble for a group picture.

The San Gabriel Mission Fiesta is held every year during the Labor Day Weekend.

The San Gabriel Mission Museum and Gift Shop is located at 427 S. Junipero Serra Drive in San Gabriel, Ca. For more information of their tours and hours please call 626-457-3048 or visit them at www.SanGabrielMission.org.