Brian Rios
Staff Writer
A citrus scent lingered through Upland Sunday as street vendors, a farmers’ market and food stands crowded Euclid Avenue to celebrate the annual Lemon Festival.
The Upland Lemon Festival has celebrated the city’s citrus history since 1997 with all things lemon, carnival rides, games, live music, arts and crafts, and contests.
“It’s something the entire community can do,” Mike Anguiano, sophomore political science major at University of La Verne, said.
“It’s such a big event and it’s a way for people to get away from life’s responsibilities and enjoy themselves.”
Anguiano grew up in Ontario and has gone to the festival every year since he was in seventh grade. It is a nice way for the community to be involved, he said.
The free event catered to all age groups.
DSB, a Journey tribute band, played on the Citrus Grove Stage all weekend.
Rock music, tribute bands and dance competitions were featured at the Lemon Tree Stage.
Face painting, caricature artists, a butterfly exhibit and other attractions brought in crowds.
“I came with my girlfriend, and I’ve had a lot of fun surprisingly,” West Covina resident Feliciano Salazar said. “It’s hard to find something that’s both fun and not expensive.”
He said that he plans to Uber to the event next time because finding parking was the most difficult part of the day.
The final round of the Upland’s Got Talent Competition also took place at the festival, with the first place winner taking home $500.
“I liked the experience,” Darlene Ramirez, employee for the Los Angeles County Fair who also worked at the Festival said. “It was fun and I met a lot of nice people this weekend.”
The Learning Centers at Fairplex organized the festival and a portion of the proceeds are donated to non-profit organizations in Upland.
Ramirez said that she enjoys working at these type of events because of the fun and lively community atmosphere they have.
“It’s been a busy weekend with lots of families having fun,” Monica Aguinaga, market research specialist for the Fairplex, said.
“The event was well organized and I look forward to see what they do next year.”
Brian Rios can be reached at brian.rios@laverne.edu.
