HAWAIIAN GARDENS -- This sliver of a city on Long Beach's eastern border plans to host a 45th anniversary celebration carnival and parade Saturday.
The event's theme is "Unity in Diversity 1964-2009" and will showcase Hawaiian Gardens' history and, in the words of a city news release, "exciting future."
Seal Beach child actor Jimmy Bennett ("Evan Almighty," and the upcoming "Star Trek" movie), Long Beach Armada Baseball Manager Garry Templeton and Chivas USA soccer players Lawson Vaughn and Ante Jazic will serve as grand marshals.
The parade, which begins at 11 a.m., will feature floats, equestrian units, bands and drill teams.
The route starts at the corner of Arline Avenue and Civic Center and concludes at Fedde Middle School, 21409 S. Elaine Ave.
To accommodate the parade, streets along the route will be closed to traffic and parking from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
An award ceremony will follow on the Fedde campus. The city will also sponsor a fireworks show at 8 p.m. Saturday, also at the school.
In addition, Fedde Middle School will host a four-day carnival Thursday through Sunday. Carnival hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, call Alma Reyes at (562) 420-2641, ext. 201.
I hope they have bullet proof body armor for all the folks parading in this crime gutted ghetto.