Briefly in the news

An Iranian-American festival expected to draw more than 25,000 people

to the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa has been canceled in

mourning for the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Mehregan 2001, the Persian Festival now in its seventh year, was

scheduled to take place Sept. 29 and 30. In a statement strongly

condemning the attacks, event organizers decided that the celebration of

light, love, knowledge and commitment should not proceed in the shadow of

the “despicable acts of violence.”

The annual festival, a traditional autumn celebration of nature and

the seasons, celebrates triumph of good over evil. The event features

traditional dances, music, arts and crafts, food and other entertainment.

A fairgrounds representative said that no other cancellations were

anticipated at the site. Except for Mehregan’s cancellation, the facility

is fully booked and business there is good, a spokeswoman said.