Thursday, April 30, 2009

Celebrities, Horses, Music and History Will Unite for 2009 'Fiesta of the Spanish Horse' Cancer Research Benefit

BURBANK, CA -- On Saturday, May 2nd thousands will join celebrities, musicians, dancers and magnificent horses at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center for the 11th Annual Fiesta of the Spanish Horseextravaganza, all in support of raising funds for cancer research.

Fiesta, a revered Southern California equestrian tradition that raises funds for cancer research organizations, this year benefits theUSC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. It also plays an important role in integrating communities by honoring horses and people steeped in rich tradition. The four-day event features multi-breed show competitions (April 30-May 3, free to the public) and the signature Saturday evening gala.

Among the many celebrities and prominent Los Angelenos supporting Fiesta 2009 are Oscar(R) winning actress Anjelica Huston and popular actors Obba Babatunde, Leslie Charleson, J. Eddie Peck and Stefanie Powers. Disney star Miley Cyrus has generously autographed a golf car used in her new film Hannah Montana: the Movie. This priceless golf car will be raffled off Saturday evening, and many one-of-a-kind items will be part of a silent auction, including spending a day with USC's famous horse mascot as a Traveler(R) crew member at a 2009 home football game!

The Saturday evening extravaganza, a family-friendly event with many vendors and authentic Spanish food and music, features non-stop, Broadway-style equine entertainment. New to the 2009 line-up are the California Cowgirls, a multi-championship rodeo drill team, a Friesian horse performance and a special Lipizzaner horse act. There will be a rare opportunity to see a horse breed new to the US, the Costarricense de Paso (only nine of these horses are in the country!).

Festivities for the Saturday, May 2nd Fiesta of the Spanish Horseextravaganza begin at 3:00 pm at the LA Equestrian Center grounds. The performance begins at 6:00 pm in the Equidome. Ticket prices range from $15 - $50 and family discounts are available. Contact 818-842-7444 or visit www.FiestaSpanishHorse.org for further information.