Grammy Winner to Appear at Valley Fair Tonight

The 53rd annual fair, which opened Thursday, will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, designated “Fiesta Day and Rodeole,” in recognition of the Valley’s heritage, said Rob Wilcox, Valley Fair board president.

“Papa Lalo,” as the 81-year-old Guerrero is widely known, has won a Grammy Award, along with White House and National Endowment of the Arts recognition for his work.

He has a local following as a “spokes-singer” for the state agriculture department, warning about the dangers of the Mediterranean fruit fly in the song, “La Mosca.”

Today’s activities will also include mariachi and folklorico music and a competition to determine the “Best Salsa in the Valley,” said Wilcox.

Rodeole begins at 2 p.m. in the Equidome.

Other events today include martial arts demonstrations, shows by the Fab Girls of Canoga Park and a performance by Have Sword Will Travel on the Community Stage from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Burbank Dance Biz, San Fernando High School Folklorico Dancers, Mission Hills Christian Church, Rev 4: Valley Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Mirage, LA4C, Grace Notes and St. Robert Bellamine will perform on the Country Stage from noon to 6:30 p.m.

KoKo’s Big Top & House of Clowns will perform in the Circus Tent at 11 a.m., 3 and 5 p.m., and pig races will be held from 12:45 to 7:15 p.m. at the Swifty Swine Pig Racing Area.

The fair is at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank.

General admission is $6. Children 11 and younger are admitted free.

Additional information may be obtained by calling (818) 557-1600.