Locals getting a move on

The horses are here. The cowboys are here. And most importantly, the cattle is here. Hundreds of them gathered in Fairview Park Friday, exercising and practicing for their big day today.

The herd ran two laps around the lower track of Fairview Park, flanked by dogs and horseback riders. When a cow strayed from the pack, dogs chased it down, nipping at it until it ran back into the fold.

Fairview Park has been transformed into a makeshift ranch, with trailers parked in the lower field to transport and stable the animals. Even members of the community came out to take part in the primer. Sixty to 70 people, mostly children, sat in a big, white tent and had drinks while watching cattle-herding demonstrations.

Today, the cattle drive will start at 10 a.m. from Fairview Park and proceed down city streets to the fairgrounds. Portions of Placentia Avenue, Harbor Boulevard, Fair Drive and Victoria Street will be temporarily shut down when the cattle approach.

Local groups plan on setting up activities on the side of the road and many spectators will line the path.

ALAN BLANK may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at [email protected].