Artesia News

Turning up the heat - Independence Day 2007

With competitions like the Chili Cook-off and the Over-the-Line tournament, and numerous children activities and Patriotic Bingo, the American Heritage 4th of July event at Artesia Park was shaping up to be a memorable event well before the fireworks lit up the sky.

Well over 2000 people showed up to Artesia Park to barbecue, compete in games, hang out, and of course; watch fireworks.

Judges for the Chili Cook-off included three City Council members and five Commissioners. Miss Artesia’s court, with the aid of Chef Louis Gonzalez, took first place in the official judging results, followed by Artesia Seniors and the L.A. County Fire Department.

People in the audience were allowed to judge a special batch of chili made just for them, and they voted for Branson’s Tow as People’s Choice winner and Best Decorated Booth.

The “Donkey Fighters” were the winners of the Over-the-Line tournament, which began at 8 a.m., followed by Tickets to the Gunshow, Team Nana, and Jalisco Cheese.

For the younger crowd, the spray pool was open to give children a chance to cool off in the water. Children also participated in family games like sack races.

Bingo, open to all ages, was one of the more popular events. “We almost ran out of lunches,” said Melissa Gobas, coordinator of the event.

Another feature of this year’s event was the excellent traffic control. “Traffic control was great, beautiful even! Everything went very smooth,” said Code Enforcement Officer Daniel Pitts, who was one of the people coordinating traffic.