The first thing you need to know is to not call it “The
Circle.”
The city of Orange covers a wide area, and there is a little
something for everyone. From the fancy Orange
Hill restaurant on a hill looking west to Signal Hill, to one of the finest
Children’s Hospitals (CHOC) found anywhere. It is an eclectic mix of architecture,
culture, dining experiences, education and citizenry.
Photo by Robert A. Estremo |
The multi-cultural city has been celebrating its diversity
long before multiculturalism became a thing, with shops and a celebration that
belongs uniquely to Orange, all centered around a highway round-about. It lies where Chapman Avenue and Glassell
meet in Old Town Orange, just blocks away from Chapman University and right in
the heart of the county.
In fact, Old Town Orange comprises the largest National
Register District in California. Approximately a square mile in size, it is
made up of the Plaza, antique stores, homes and a railroad station… nearly 1200
buildings in all.
People from out of Orange call it “The Circle,” and if you do,
the locals will know right away that you are not from Orange because it is
properly called “The Orange Plaza.” In its center is a green park with a
fountain and 75 foot flagpole that is open 24/7, 365 days a year. At Christmas it is decorated with a large tree
and a classic Nativity scene: During other parts of the year you will find it
seasonally decorated as well.
The biggest affair takes place over Labor Day Weekend, where
all four spokes coming off the hub of the plaza (Chapman East, West, Glassell
North and South) hold the International Street Fair. Each wing is equipped with a stage featuring acts
celebrating each street theme by country. The Plaza is lined with booths offering crafts
and art. The festival began in
1978.
Along with the entertainment, food booths feature mouth
watering treats from all over the world, including Germany, France, the
Netherlands, Mexico, Asia… the choices are too many for a single day, so the
Festival lasts From Friday through Sunday
(This year August 30 – September 1, 2019). The theme this year is… wait for it… “Circle
the World.” Yes. Even Orange
occasionally slips and calls it the Circle.
The Plaza itself goes all the way back to 1886 when Orange
was one of the first cities to incorporate in Orange County. City founders
thought the circular access would give the town a pleasing character, and they
were right. The Plaza has been featured in many movies, including “Fallen
Angel,” “Gumball Rally,” and “Monster in the Closet.”
And just to add one more event: Twice yearly the students of
Chapman college hold an unofficial “Undie Run,” where about 2000 students tear
off their outerwear down to their skivvies and run from the campus to the Plaza
fountain.
Check out the plaza and the wonderful stores that surround
it. The Orange Plaza area is an Orange County “Must See.”
Thanks for a terrific blog, Bob! Now I will remember to never call it the "The Circle" again :) P.S. Chapman College became Chapman University in 1991
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