Downtown Vernon's 30th annual Sunshine Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Six blocks of 30th Avenue, as well as adjoining sections of 33rd and 31st streets, will be closed to traffic and turned into a pedestrian paradise when the festival marks three decades of fun in the sun Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"It's a great kick-off for the summer," event producer Peter Kaz said of the festival, which takes place five days before the summer solstice and one day before Father's Day.
The festival has been added to over the years, and this year is no different.
"We have a lot more vendors than we've had in a very long time, "Kaz said. "More of everything: more food, more music, more vendors, more activities, more games."
Different bands will be playing every hour on the hour starting at 10 a.m. at the festival's main stage in the 3400 block of 30th Avenue. At the other end of 30th, in the 2900 block, a kids tent will be set up featuring entertainment for young ones. Face painting, balloon animals and plenty of other family oriented activities will take place throughout the festival site.
Three massive inflatables — a maze, an obstacle course and a dart board — will be set up, and the fire department will be on site with its ladder truck.
Keep an eye to the sky around noon, as that's when the Vernon Snowflakes formation flying team is scheduled to do a fly-by.
Solo musicians and DJs will be playing tunes on every other block, where businesses along 30th will have tents set up in front of their shops.
There will be a "food zone" consisting of food trucks, picnic tables shaded by umbrellas and chairs under a large tent near the main stage, but food vendors will also be found throughout the festival.
The Sunshine Festival is presented by Vantage One Credit Union and supported by Nixon Wenger.
