The Third Avenue Village Association continues its tradition of recognizing when Chula Vista was the self-proclaimed lemon capital of the world in the late 1880s for its lemon orchids.
The 22nd annual Lemon Festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 5 between E Street up to Park Way.
“The Lemon Festival celebrates the heritage of the lemon groves that once were in Chula Vista,” said Kelly Lannom, event organizer. “Chula Vista used to be lemon capital of the world with the number of groves we had in the area, and so the Lemon Festival is named just because of that reason.”
Lannom said last year about 45,000 people attended the event. This year, she said thanks to a developing downtown business district attendance figures should be at a record high.
“I think that Third Avenue has really increased the interest (of the Lemon Festival) with all the new, exciting things that have been going on,” she said. “There’s a new excitement.”
Lannom said TAVA has been getting many emails and phone calls from people showing interest in attending the free event.
The Lemon Festival, which is TAVA’s largest street fair, will feature live music from different genres at the lemonade bandstand at F Street. The Lemon Squeezers, The Orbitrons and Serious Guys will all be providing musical entertainment.
This year the Groves of Fun kids zone in Memorial Park will be much larger than in year’s past as it will offer a slew of activities for both kids and adults.
Groves of Fun kids zone will have activities that include bungee rides, a rock wall, glitter tattoos, a reptile show, a kids’ yoga class and an obstacle course.
“We’re actually using the park to bring some fun times for the kids,” Lannom said. said.
Attendees of all ages will have their chance to compete for prizes in the lemon pie eating, lemon peeling, the best lemon outfit and largest lemon contests. Those wanting to compete in any of the contests must sign up at the Lemonade Bandstand sound booth.
The Lemon Festival’s lemon bar, near the F Street stage, will offer lemon infused craft beer, sangria and craft cocktails.
Lannom said more vendors than ever before will be present selling food and crafts including cottage made sunflower dip to lemon bars and lemon cookies.
“It’s going to be a good day,” Lannom said.
