In Los Alamitos, Food, Music and Racing Zombies are Hard to Beet

Story and Photos by Jessica Burger

The first Sugar Beet Festival brought out a diverse array of Los Alamitos residents -- from children to zombies to government officials and activists. 

The festivities began at 9 a.m. with an obstacle-filled 5K course through the streets of Old Town Los Alamitos.

Beginning with the youngest group and starting on the cross streets of Pine and Florista, runners fought off grabbing zombies and hurdled over haystacks as they raced to raise money for local charities, support local business and celebrate the history of Los Alamitos’ sugar beet beginnings.

The Los Alamitos High School choir performed the national anthem as part of the opening ceremony.

Organizers of the event, local historian and author Larry Strawtler and Los Alamitos Unified School District board member Diana Hill, thanked Los Alamitos Mayor Warren Kusumoto and Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Los Alamitos), as well as the residents, kids and volunteers who came out to show their city some love.

"My heart is in this community,” Hill said.

As the opening ceremonies wrapped up, the music and fair began. Inflatable slides, bounce houses and a face-painting station kept the kids entertained, the smell of barbecue filled the air and drink tickets were bought to raise money for good causes.

More than 30 booths lined Pine Street, representing the local businesses, sponsors and nearby nonprofit organizations that helped with fundraising to make the event possible.

Groups such as the Los Alamitos Ladies Auxiliary group, which provides for military families and raises for money for veterans, had members racing to raise funds in the Sugartown Challenge.

Another local organization, Outreach to Africa, sold colorful jewelry that was hand-crafted from recycled paper by Women in Uganda. The organization is based there, as well as Garden Grove, and also brings medical, educational and basic food, clothing and shelter needs to children in Uganda living in poverty, with out access.

 “We do micro-enterprise for women,” said Evelyn Komuntale who founded the organization in 1996. “These crafts, that’s how we support most of them. That’s how they support their children.”

Other local organizations in attendance included the Los Alamitos Youth Center and Casa youth shelter, both of which are dedicated toward providing opportunity for underprivileged youth.

“We’re free for kids." said Dorell Smith of the Youth Center. "We get them off the streets and give them something to do.”

Marty Thompson, a Los Alamitos resident and the executive director of We Care Family Support Center, was there with a booth and spoke of the strong support that exists in Los Alamitos. We Care works to give low income family resources, in times of need, to prevent them from becoming homeless.

“I believe very strongly in participating in events that involve the community,” Thompson said. “We have a good strong community here. We have a lot of people who participate and we all take care of each other.”

The event is planned to continue through the evening with food, drinks,  games and live music until about 8 p.m..