After a year nearly a year and half of no major events in the city, the Third Avenue Business Association is bringing back the Lemon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. TAVA encourages the community to come out and enjoy local businesses with lemon themed specials, live music, an art walk, and circus entertainment.
TAVA Interim Executive Director Kelly Lannom said the Lemon Festival this year is created with a twist.
“Instead of closing down the entire Third Avenue thorough way, we are only closing a portion of Davidson Street where we will have a stage with live music and our infamous contests, such as our pie eating contest, the ‘zestiest’ attire, as well as the largest lemon contest.”
Lannom said this year, the festival is to honor its members, its local businesses on Third Avenue.
“There will be specials, new products, and new items on menus,” she said. “We also partnered with Arts in the Park, being put on by OnStage Playhouse, another one of our business members. Arts in the Park will host a circus-like production that will include the Fern Street Circus, an art walk and other fun activities at Memorial Park.”
Lannom said this year’s festival will activate the entire Avenue from E Street to G Street, with a stage at Davidson Street, events, and productions at Memorial Park with its business members participating in between.
“Chula Vista used to be the lemon capitol of the world and what we do by hosting Lemon Fest here each year, this being our 24th year, is celebrating our lemon heritage,” she said.
“So, you will see many products that involve lemons and many lemony things. But is not just about celebrating lemons, but about celebrating our heritage, so you will also see many community members out here just enjoying the day.”
OnStage Playhouse has partnered with the city of Chula Vista, CARPA San Diego and local artists, performers, businesses, and organization for a full day of family fun, entertainment, and activities at Memorial Park. Former Supervisor Greg Cox will open the event at 10 a.m., along with other VIPs joining in the celebration throughout the day.
A circus themed event, there will be performances by Fern Street Circus, musicians, comedians, acrobats, jugglers, music, theatrical presentations and more. There will be an Art Walk with local artists and art organizations, Artisans Alley will bring local handcrafted items, family and kid activities include the Mermaid Grotto, face painting, hat making, costume parade and more. There will also be an awards and recognition ceremony.
“I’m glad Third Avenue Village Association and On-Stage Playhouse are hosting these great events this weekend,” said Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “I look forward to seeing residents and visitors at our restaurants, breweries and shops. And it will be wonderful to see Fern Street Circus and other performers at Memorial Bowl. Come to Chula Vista this weekend!”
