Mark this under old — but impressive – news about a love affair:
At last Monday evening’s City Council meeting, Marcus Tiggs was appointed to a seat on the Fiesta La Ballona Committee to serve his 13th year.
Indeed, Mr. Tiggs is chair of the committee for the 65-year-old Fiesta, which will be renewed on the weekend of Aug. 26-28.
Only the venerable Ronnie Jayne, who also was reappointed by the Council, surpasses Mr. Tiggs in length of service.
What attracts him to the lure of Fiesta?
“So many people in the community look forward to the event as a culmination of the summer,” the bankruptcy lawyer said yesterday.
“It is important to me, as well as other committee members and staff, to really make Fiesta the best event possible.
“Each year we try to tweak it,” Mr. Tiggs said. “And we get input from residents about what we can do better.”
Does the Fiesta Committee try to present a different picture each summer?
His answer spoke to the nuances that distinguish each summer’s Fiesta.
“We try to enhance it,” Mr. Tiggs said.
“Here is what we have learned from having been on the committee for so long:
“Sometimes if it is working, don’t mess with it.
“At the same time, we have to be open-minded. If we tried something eight years ago and it didn’t work, that does not necessarily mean it won’t work now — if we make minor adjustments.”
The two-time City Council candidate characterized the three days of Fiesta as “an evolving event.”
Distinctions in Fiesta from year to year tend to be subtle and relatively small.
Mr. Tiggs said he and his committee colleagues have learned one towering lesson:
“If we make drastic changes, there is too much room for error.”
What is Mr. Tiggs’s favorite Fiesta La Ballona moment each August?
He barely hesitated.
“It’s not about a favorite part,” he said. “It is about the people. It is seeing the young kids smiling, laughing, excited as well as seeing the mid- or seniors just chopping it up with their friends, having a good time.
“There is a sense of community. You see it on Friday night at the Beer and Wine Garden. It is packed. And you see it on Friday night at the carnival rides, which also are packed.”
