On Labor Day weekend (Sept. 3-5), Mission San Gabriel Archangel will be hosting its 233rd annual Fiesta, celebrating the founding of Los Angeles' original Catholic institution.

"La Fiesta de San Gabriel," as it is formally known, has been held for many years on Labor Day Weekend that marks the Sept. 8, 1771 date that the mission was established. Mission San Gabriel is the fourth of the original 21 California missions; the mission, museum and grounds are designated as State Historical Landmark 158.

Among the three days of activities will be a ringing of the bells ceremony of Friday, a Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, and historical reenactments on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, kids are invited to participate in a children's and pet's costume contest on Saturday.

Ongoing activities will be musical entertainment, bingo, rides for kids, an international food court and prize drawings, not to mention one of the biggest birthday cakes around.

Mission San Gabriel Mission is located at 428 South Mission Drive in the city of San Gabriel. For more information, call (626) 457-3035, or visit www.sangabrielmission.org.