Long Beach : Carnaval Street Festival Makes Profit of $11,740

Proclaiming it a resounding success, the sponsors of Carnaval II say that the Caribbean-flavored festival in downtown Long Beach attracted up to 60,000 revelers and wound up with a net profit of $11,740.

The event marked a major improvement from its debut last year when Carnaval attracted large crowds but racked up a $67,352 deficit because of poor liquor sales and unplanned expenses.

Bill Gurzi, president of the Downtown Long Beach Associates business group that staged the event, said the parade and music festival would have drawn even more had it not occurred on Saturday during the three-day Memorial Day weekend.

Al Williams, owner of the Birdland West jazz club and Carnaval II chairman, said the event brought together a wide range of society, “the rich people and the poor people,” to watch costumed parade participants, sample ethnic foods and listen to a variety of bands.

He said there were 10 arrests, all for drunk and disorderly conduct.

Part of this year’s financial success was due to the sale of wristbands for $2 each for admission to all music venues, increased beer sales and tougher financial controls, financial officer Bob Sabol said.