Officials say those alterations include a better weather forecast than a year ago. Apricot Fiesta Secretary Marilyn Hoobler said forecasters told her to expect a light breeze and temperatures in the low- to mid-90s for the weekend, as opposed to the rainy conditions and relatively low temperatures of last year’s event.
She also indicated there have been a few last-minute changes in plan this year, including the last-minute cancellation of a three-point shootout basketball contest due to a lack of manpower by the organizer.
In addition, the scheduled petting zoo that normally stands near the giant slide in North Park will be replaced by a display of the Westside Animal Adoption organization on Saturday and Sunday. Financial concerns by the petting zoo organization forced that attraction to be canceled, Hoobler said.
One other alteration regards the restrooms in the near the transit center. At first, it was thought the bathrooms in South Park would be open in time for the fiesta.
They will remain closed, however, as power could not be guaranteed to run the fiesta if construction continued in South Park, said Curtis Jorritsma, capital projects manager for the city of Patterson.
A panel on the back of the new restroom building near South Salado Avenue between Highway 33 and Plaza Circle will eventually serve as a power source for Apricot Fiesta food vendors and the restrooms themselves, Jorritsma said. But Turlock Irrigation District officials were not certain whether the power would be ready for the fiesta.
Instead, an older panel will serve the fiesta one more year before being retired in favor of the new one.
“I did not want to be the one responsible for no one having power at the Apricot Fiesta,” Jorritsma said, noting he erred on the side of caution rather than move forward and risk a lack of power for the food court.
Despite the on-the-fly adjustments, preparations are at full steam heading into the fiesta’s opening day.
On Wednesday, stages and barricades were delivered to South Salado Avenue, and the portable restrooms were scheduled to arrive Wednesday evening, Hoobler said.
“There are a lot of last-minute details,” she said this week. “Everyone is very busy right now.”
The stage that will house the pageants and entertainment throughout the weekend will be put near Plaza Circle and South Salado Avenue, forcing the closure of the street starting Thursday afternoon.
n Nick Rappley can be reached at 209-892-6187, ext 31, or nick@pattersonirrigator.com.
Thank you.