Downtown marketing council continues to "ceLAbrate" downtown.

Upcoming events are being finalized as the Downtown Marketing Council continues to "CeLAbrate Downtown." The seasonal series of Wednesday night events featuring free entertainment and discounts was launched in October of 1993. The series will continue in 1994 with events scheduled for July during the exciting World Cup Soccer tournaments.

On June 22nd, the first of such events will be "CeLAbrate the Wild West Downtown." This western themed event will begin just as the workday ends. The newly redesigned Pershing Square will be adorned with the trappings of a high energy wild west rodeo. Bales of hay, sagebrush, wagon wheels, horses, and other frontier decorations will convert this urban landscape into the consummate party setting. Activities planned will include a chili cook-off, a western food fair, country line-dancing, roping and whipping demonstrations, a showdown, and several surprises. Following the party, a Broadway theater will host a screening of the classic comic western "Destry Rides Again." Those wearing the "Best of the West" costumes win awards and prizes.

Next in line is the elaborate "CeLAbrate Downtown Parade." The parade is scheduled to take place on Friday July 8th at noon. "It's been a long time since Downtown Los Angeles has celebrated with a parade through its streets, but the arrival of World Cup Soccer and the anticipated arrival of visitors to our city is ample reason to celebrate," says Randy Villareal, DMC Board president and managing director of the Biltmore Hotel. Thousands of people are expected to line the route as celebrities, dignitaries, floats, and performing groups travel a circuit through Downtown from City Hall to the Los Angeles Convention Center. Recognizing the commencement of SoccerFest, the parade will heighten the enthusiasm building toward the finals of World Cup Soccer.

July 15 will be an elaborate "CeLAbrate Downtown Extravaganza." Rekindling the thrill of the successful Touchdown Downtown, during the Super Bowl XXVII, this event is a Downtown Los Angeles "block party" of international proportions. Live performances will take place on stages in Downtown's public areas. A wide selection of food and souvenirs will be on sale throughout Downtown as well as games and contests with prizes. The party will go inside restaurants offering special menus and activities and with retailers offering special promotions and discounts. The showpiece of the evening will be a circus Big Top erected at Pershing Square. The CeLAbrate Circus event will combine elements of traditional Circus, Circus of the Stars, and the modern day Cirque du Soleil.

In connection with the "CeLAbrate Downtown" series will be the creation and production of a Downtown Los Angeles map. The comprehensive, illustrated, and annotated map of Downtown will highlight landmarks and attractions as well as give millions of tourists, visitors, and Angelenos a point-by-point tour of Downtown's diverse offerings. The map will cover the entire area from Dodger Stadium to Exposition Park, and from the Harbor Freeway to Alameda Street. The map will offer a wealth of information that includes transit lines, telephone numbers, hotels and restaurants, walking tours, shopping and entertainment and other helpful information. This new map will also incorporate the new buildings, the subway, the Central Library, Pershing Square, and the Bunker Hill Steps, all of which have been completed in the last 2 to 3 years. The map will be produced as a collaboration of DMC and the Community Redevelopment Agency. The first run will entail 250,000 copies to be printed by June 1994. Orders will be available at that time by calling [phone].

The DMC is a non-profit association of private and public sector members, including over two hundred hotel, restaurant, retail, arts, corporate, and government entities. The Council's mission is to enhance the economic and social fabric of Los Angeles by developing a more positive image of Downtown. Members of the council enjoy the benefits of cross-promotional opportunities in advertising and media relations, community activities, distribution of marketing materials, and the opportunity to serve on a variety of committees for DMC activities. For information on Counsel activities or membership please contact: Holly Barnhill, Executive Director Downtown Marketing Counsel, 606 South Olive Street, Suite 1000, Los Angeles CA 90014, [phone] or [phone]

Nisha Ganatra is an intern with the Downtown Marketing Council.