ORANGE : 350,000 Expected at Annual Street Fair

Artists, cooks, actors, bands and even some live bees will compete for the attention of the 350,000 people expected to attend the 22nd annual Orange International Street Fair this weekend.

The festival begins at 5 tonight, with opening ceremonies at 7, and concludes Sunday night at 10. This year’s theme--”A Family Affair”--was chosen to emphasize the ethnic diversity of the county, said fair spokesman Marshall Feduk.

Proceeds from the event will benefit 47 nonprofit organizations, and all of the fair committee members have volunteered their time, Feduk said.

The festival grounds center on the Old Towne Plaza traffic circle at Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street. They extend to Grand Street on the east, Lemon Street on the west, Maple Avenue on the north and Almond Avenue on the south.

Adults can obtain bracelets that will allow them to buy alcohol on the festival grounds. Sale of all liquor stops at 9 p.m.

Maps and information are at Old Towne Plaza. Those seeking restrooms or wheelchair access should head that way.

Food from various booths includes gyros, teriyaki sticks, bratwurst, quesadillas and sushi. Ethnic booths will be judged at noon Saturday for best use of theme or best display of ethnic costume.

A wide range of music will be offered on nine stages throughout the grounds during the event. The main stage, where ceremonies will open the festival, is at Old Towne Plaza.

A children’s village, located on the grass of the circle, will include music and storytellers and a variety of crafts people to help kids create their own works. A hive of live bees will be displayed.

More than 70 crafts booths will offer art and ceramics during the weekend.