The Orange International Street Fair in Orange County, California is a Delight to the Taste Buds

The downtown area of Orange, California hosts the Orange International Street Fair every Labor Day Weekend since 1973. More than 400, 000 visitors converge on Southern California each year to partake in this celebration of international culinary feast and entertainment.

Street fairs in Orange date back even earlier than 1973. The city of Orange had a Street Fair as early as 1910. However, the tradition of an annual international street fair did not come to fruition until 1973. The fair began as a way to celebrate the city of Orange's one hundred year anniversary. The success of the 1973 International Street Fair spurred an annual tradition during Labor Day Weekend. Continuing with this rich history, the 2010 theme for the Orange International Street Fair is "100 Years of Celebration, 38 Years of Tradition."

The Orange International Street Fair is comprised of a committee of volunteers formed to help several non-profit organizations. None of the proceeds of the street fair go back to the committee. More than 50 organizations within the community use the street fair as a major fundraiser. Vendors from local schools and organizations represent different ethnicities: Americans, Australians, Danish, Dutch, English, German, Ginza, Greek, Irish, Italian, Mexican, Norwegian, Oriental, Polynesian, and Swiss. Food, drinks, entertainment, crafts, and costumes from each culture are enjoyed throughout the weekend.

One thing to note if you are planning to attend this year's event: parking. The streets surrounding the Orange Circle are closed from Friday through Sunday to allow visitors to travel through the world on foot. If you are planning to park near a specific tent, here are the locations of all the countries represented to help you out. The German, Norwegian, Polynesian, and Danish tents are set up on North Glassell . The Italian, Australian, Ginza, Oriental, and Irish tents are set up on South Glassell. The English, Greek, Dutch, and Swiss tents are set up on West Chapman. The All-American and Mexican tents are set up on East Chapman Avenue. Also, Children's Street will be located on Orange Street between East Chapman Avenue and Maple Avenue.

Enjoy all the world has to offer this Labor Day Weekend in the Orange Circle at the Orange International Street Fair!

Sources:
www.orangestreetfair.org
www.cityoforange.org