Queen Sarah Hauffen-Salgado rings the San Gabriel Mission Bell on August 29 to welcome everyone to the 243rd Annual Mission Fiesta held on Labor Day weekend (August 29, 30 and 31).  This is the Mission parish’s annual fundraiser.

The Knights of Columbus led the procession that included altar serves, Boy Scouts, Parishioners, the Royal Court and parish priests to the stage to begin the fiesta.

Father Tony Diaz led the audience in pray with assistance from Father Theo Fuentes, Father Jim Curran, Father Gaspar Masilamani and Father Ky Dinh. He asked God to bless the 243rd fiesta and all of the participants and volunteers for their time and energy. The prayers were offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Filipino, which are the primary languages in the parish.

The priests with members of the Royal Court and their escorts blessed the fiesta grounds and the participants.

Members of the Royal Court Princess Annette Renderos, Princess Gissele Mercado, Queen Sarah Hauffen-Salgado, Princess Jessica Moreno and Princess Marla Cueva are ready to serve as good will ambassadors to the community.

The event featured an international food court, a Beer and Wine garden, a white elephant booth, various information booths, carnival rides, games and live entertainment.

Mariachi Herradura de Plata & Folklorico Popurri began the entertainment.

The Children’s and Pet’s Costume Contest is one of the special events of the celebration.

This year’s judges were Terri Valadez, Tymeri Cuervo and Iliana Ramos.

Monica Araujo, Diane Araujo and Yvette Araujo dressed in fantasy costumes, coordinated the contest.

Indian girl category

Indian boy category

Mexican girls category

Mexican boys category

Religious boy category

International girls category

International boys category

Most creative girls category

Most creative boys category

Smallest pets category

Most unique pets category

Best-dressed pets category

Members of the Mission Marimba Ensemble entertained the crowd as the judges’ votes were being tallied.

Young dancers enjoyed the beat of the music.

Hartencia Miranda, Henry Rios, Ana Maria Robles, Landon Herrera, Elijah Chavez, and Jessika Maestas were chosen as the winners of the children’s costume contest.

Miss Fluffy was the winner of the smallest pet and Levi was chosen as the best-dressed pet.

Father Theo Fuentes with assistance from Al Sanchez began the Blessing of the Animals.

Father Theo asked God to bless us and the animals, who are God’s creations. The animals share our lives. Noah protected the animals during the flood. He asked God to bless our animal friends. Our pets give us companionship. He asked God to bless the animals that they live in peace. He asked God to bless the children too and give them a long life.

Klaus Duebbert and Paul Bear Bradford made rope on a special machine that braids twine into a long rope.  They are re-enactors who shared stories of the old mission life with the visitors in the gardens.

Sister Brigid Bray was one of the many artists displaying their works during the fiesta.

Lance Goodell displayed his fine art photography taken at several California mission locations. He has also published several books for sale on the missions.  For more information on his art please call 818-324-1484 or email him at lancemissionart.com.

Tongva Indians Matt Lovio and Andy Morales sang and danced in honor of their ancestors. They also explained their musical instruments and tools to the audience.

Maria Beniter and Robert Smith are members of the Los Pobladores 200, whose forefathers protected the mission.

Alfred Nieto Viruegas, Nayelli Jimenez and Sergo Hernandez dressed for the occasion.

Jon Reed, Dennis Carlos and Luz Augspurger display one of the corn husk dolls created at the fiesta.

Kathleen Rabago, Jon Reed and Dennis Carlos dressed in early Spanish style.

The Mission Fiesta is opened every Labor Day weekend to the public to enjoy a trip back into early California History and a chance to enjoy good food, games and carnival rides.

See you next year at the San Gabriel Mission Fiesta.

The San Gabriel Mission, located at 428 S. Mission Dr. in San Gabriel, CA  91776, is opened to the public.

For more information please call 626-457-3035 or visit their email:

www.sangabrielmission.org