Orange : Huge Crowd Expected at Orange Street Faire

The main stage has been set up and merchants are bracing for an onslaught of about 300,000 people for the beginning of the Orange Street Faire tonight.

The 13th annual fair, opening at 5 p.m., features about 180 stalls hawking everything from international foods to voter registration forms (both the Democratic and Republican parties will man booths). Orange’s traffic circle at Glassell Street and Chapman Avenue is closed off for the celebration as is the area two blocks in each direction.

Six booths will be set up on the inner plaza, another 150 on the traffic circle and about 20 international food booths on the streets leading from the circle. The international booths are manned by nonprofit groups raising funds for various social agencies, and part of the fair’s total proceeds will go toward charities such as the Albert Sitton Home.

The city, besides getting plenty of publicity, will also get a little cash back. However, the income isn’t much after expenses, according to the city’s Finance Department. The city’s made $26,622 from booth rentals in 1984 but paid out $25,758, most of that for police services.

Five stages will be set up, and entertainment will be continuous, with karate and dance exhibitions and all types of music from country and western to rock ‘n’ roll. Hi Hopes, a troupe of talented mentally retarded entertainers, will open the festivities.