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By Tammye McDuff
During the 1940s, Hawaiian Gardens was a rural community comprised of dairy farms. The area was considered an unincorporated division of Artesia. As the area grew, the community desired a separate identity. On April 9, 1964, the city of Hawaiian Gardens was formally incorporated as a city. With an approximate population of 3,000, and less than a half square mile in size, it was the smallest city in the State of California.
The name Hawaiian Gardens came from bamboo shack refreshment stand that operated on Carson and Norwalk Blvd in 1927. The new city of Hawaiian Gardens grew, and within 5 years of incorporation, dirt streets had been paved, and streetlights had been installed.
Hawaiian Gardens will celebrate 51 years of City history Saturday April 11, 205 beginning at 11:00am for the annual anniversary parade and carnival. Beginning at Fedde Middle School and traveling to Norwalk Boulevard, the parade will showcase local dignitaries, accomplishments of the city, local school band and historic floats, all commemorating Hawaiian Gardens motto “Our Youth Our Future” and the high priority on placed on community.
Finally ending at Furgeson Elementary School the parade will march in a festival of live music, a variety of food, circus games and carnival rides. The fair will run the entire weekend, Friday, April 10th from 5pm to 10 pm; Saturday, April 11th from 2pm to 10 pm and Sunday, April 12th from 2pm to 10 pm. Pre-purchased tickets are now available at City Hall.
Parade Awards Presentation will begin at 1:30pm Saturday, followed by a New Orleans Jazz Band, Hikari Taiko Drummers, presentation of Artesia High School Clubs, Thee Midniters Band, La Serie Norteña and a special performance by Grupo Onion at 8:30pm. Sunday fun continues with the ever popular spectacular from Ballet Folklorico Eterna Juventud, Mariachi Los Toros, The Frater Band, The Heat, and Banda Los Tierra Nueva.
Opportunities to participate in the parade are still available. Sponsorship Opportunities to join the Parade and Carnival are being currently accepted: $4,000 as Float Sponsor; $1,500 for an Entertainment Sponsor or $500 as a Carnival Ride Sponsor. Sponsorship offers a variety of ways businesses receive recognition and media exposure to the public.
Come and celebrate this marvelous hidden jewel that has grown and expanded with a new, state-of-the-art public safety center, library, sports complex and memorials built in honor of our veterans and public safety personnel. Hawaiian Gardens continues to be a small city with a big heart and bright future, focused on community services and our youth.
