No incidents reported during fair's 1st day
By Daniel Borunda / El Paso Times
Article Launched: 06/08/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT


Pablo Laurens tossed dough in the air Friday as he made giant tortillas for oversize burritos during the first day of the Feria Expo in Juárez. Many different foods are available at the fair. (Adriane Jaeckle / El Paso Times)


Despite concerns about ongoing violence in Juárez, the annual Feria Expo began this weekend to large crowds, fair officials said Saturday.

The monthlong fair on the Chamizal park fairgrounds features amusement park rides, food, concerts and cultural exhibits from 32 countries, and artisans from throughout Mexico, city officials said. Attendance figures for the fair's first day, which was Friday, were not immediately available. Military, federal and local police are part of security for the fair, and street patrols have been increased on nights and weekends. There were no major problems during opening night,



fair officials said.
"I think it's important that Juarenses recover our public areas and attend and enjoy ourselves at these events," Juárez Mayor Jose Reyes Ferriz said in a statement.

Admission is U.S. $4 for adults, $2 for children. Some concerts have additional admission charges.

Information: www.expojuarez2008.com or (01152 656) 324-4076.

Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com; 546-6102.






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