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Dolphin Park in Carson will take on the sounds and tastes of Mexico today as the city hosts its 13th annual Mexican Independence Day celebration. The music of mariachi bands, salsa bands and romantic Latin combos will fill the park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and foods along with arts and crafts will be available at 20 booths decorated with green, white and red--the colors of the Mexican flag.

Eight popular performing groups from Mexico and Central America will entertain at the park at 21205 Water St. The party will be emceed by Humberto Luna and other on-air personalities from Spanish-language radio stations KTNQ-AM and KLVE-FM.

Park director Glenn Salas said that when city budget cuts left him unable to hire a band for the annual celebration, he appealed for sponsors and the radio stations responded. “They’re bringing all the entertainment and setting up the stage,” he said. “This will put Carson on the Hispanic map.”

Youngsters will have their own game booths, and young children will be able to break pinatas for the candy prizes inside. The Carson Clowners, a group of senior citizens in clown costumes, will entertain. Booths will be operated by Carson community, church and cultural organizations, as well as private vendors. Proceeds from booth rentals will be used for city youth programs.

With several thousand people expected at the fiesta, an elementary school lot across from the park will augment on-street parking.