The smells of tri-tip sandwiches and fresh tamales floated through the air Sunday afternoon in Solvang at Old Mission Santa Ines’ 37th annual fiesta.

Booths offered everything from snow cones, cotton candy, tamales, tacos, pizza and tri-tip sandwiches, while musicians entertained and children alternated between old-fashioned games and bounce houses.

Father Michael Mahoney opened the celebration at 11 a.m. in front of about 150 people, and welcomed the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, dressed in traditional tribal regalia, who also gave blessings over the day’s festivities.

Grace Pacheco, a Chumash elder, and Charley Centeno performed a prayer in which burning sage represents purification.

“Thank you, great Creator, for all you have given us, and allowed us to come together as one today,” Pacheco said.

After Kay Alves of Santa Ynez sang “Our Father,” Father Michael declared the fiesta open and encouraged everyone to celebrate.

“The fiesta is a great opportunity for people to support the restoration of the Mission and California history,” Father Michael said.

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“This day is about people enjoying the blend of cultures and celebrating what a blessing it is to be here in this beautiful place,” he added.

Booths were lined up and down the Mission lawn.

Betty Jennette of Solvang brought home-made chocolate double-chip and peanut butter surprise cookies to sell for the fundraiser.

“I have been volunteering

at the fiesta for 14 years, and this is a good cause to help

the Mission restoration,” she said.

Many people were dressed in fiesta regalia of cowboy hats and flowing skirts or Mexican-inspired outfits. Children ran around with painted faces, playing games such as ring-toss and bean-bag toss and enjoying the seven varieties of bounce houses.

“I have volunteered for two years and I like seeing the way people interact with each other when they come to the fiesta,” said Raquel Ramirez, 15, of Buellton.

Mayra and Sean Gelt of

Victorville and their two children stopped in at the fiesta on their way through Solvang on their family vacation. The Gelts partook in the bungee run, where each person tries to place a marker farther than the opponent before getting snapped back by the bungee cord.

“We are having so much

fun; this is such a great day

to enjoy Solvang,” Sean Gelt said.

Solvang mayor Linda

Jackson, walking her dog through the festivities, said her favorite part of fiesta is seeing people getting together, visitors and locals, and having fun.

“The Mission does so

much for our community

and it’s nice that people

are giving back to them.

The fiesta is also an

homage to our heritage

and the history of our

area,” Jackson said.

Volunteer Jennie Bradley of Solvang said she works in the tri-tip sandwich booth every year and she enjoys the community spirit.

“Working with the same people every year is wonderful, and getting a chance to tell visitors how great our

little Valley is, is my favorite part of fiesta,” Bradley said.

The fiesta activities continued into the evening with entertainment from bands such as Mike Shelton & Friends, Mariachis Imperial de Guadalajara & Los Ninos Parade, Grupo Folklorico de UCLA and Los Tremendos del Norte.

Raiza Canelon can be reached at 688-5522, Ext. 6008, or rcanelon@syvnews.com.

August 11, 2008