Event Complete and the Taste of Ladera Committee say that they have finalized arrangements to use an area surrounding 24 Hour Fitness and the Terrace Shops, East of Antonio Parkway.  The County will be closing Windmill Avenue near Corporate Drive and the event will be held on both sides of Windmill.  According to organizers, the Orange County Fire Authority has approved the road closures and ensured that the space will be sufficient for the crowd.   

The popular annual Ladera Ranch event will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 30th and May 1st, 2011. 

The major event was almost cancelled due to a change in Ladera Ranch Community Services (LARCS) policy that forbid Taste of Ladera from using Founder's Park, but the event's organizer, Michelle Patterson worked to find an alternative solution.'

LARCS policy would have meant that the event, which attracts approximately 20,000 people annually, would have been limited to only one day of operation and permitted only to use Town Green park.

"We outgrew Town Green the first year," said Patterson.  

Now in its 7th year, Taste of Ladera features a celebration of the finest local eateries, specialty vendors, live performances and fun for the entire family. The festivities will take place 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturday, and from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday. 

"There are two big changes this year with ticketing," said Patterson.

"Ladera Ranch residents will be able to buy up to 8 tickets per household in advance for only ten dollars each."  That amount is $7 less per ticket than last year.   "We wanted to make sure that local residents got a great deal on an event that is all about Ladera Ranch," Patterson said.  She added that 75% of last year's pre-sale tickets were purchased by Ladera Ranch residents.  

Non-Ladera Ranch residents will be able to buy tickets for $17/each.  According to Patterson, tickets must be purchased in advance and mailed to a Ladera Ranch address to qualify.  All children 8 and younger are admitted free and an unlimited access pass to the attractions at the Family Fun Zone will be available for $20 per child.

As more details become available, the will be posted at www.eventcomplete.com.