Flower Fest, Queen’s Parade kick off this week
The 73rd annual Lompoc Valley Flower Festival kicks off Thursday at Ryon Memorial Park celebrating “America in Bloom: 250 Years” with four days of games, carnival rides, craft vendors, food booths and live musical performances.
The event will take place June 25-28, and pay homage to the country’s quarter millennium (250 years) anniversary on July 4.
During the four days, vendors and entertainment begin at 11 a.m., the carnival area begins operations at 2 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday, and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The Queen’s Parade will take place Saturday at 10 a.m., beginning at the intersection of North H Street (Hwy. 1) and College Avenue, heading south along H Street.
Admission to the festival is $7 for ages 12 and up; $5 for ages 6-11; and free for ages 5 and under. Admission is free for all before 1 p.m. on Thursday and Friday only. All parking is $10.
Friends of Library hosting summer book sale
Friends of the Lompoc Library System are hosting a summer book sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, July 17 and Saturday July 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Lompoc Library’s Grossman Gallery, 501 E. North Ave.
Members of the public are invited to join in and stock up on new reading material. The book sale will feature hardback and paperback books, puzzles, CDs, videos, DVDs and audiobooks and vinyls.
Ahead of the event, a special preview sale for members only will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 16. Membership dues can be purchased at the door for the cost of $10 for an individual and $15 for a family.
For more information about after-sale items for teachers and nonprofits, or to volunteer with the sale, contact Friends of the Library via their Facebook page @helpingthelompoclibrary
No donations will be accepted the week of the book sale, from July 13-19.
Alpha Club thanks community for support of annual garden tour
Members of the Alpha Literary & Improvement Club of Lompoc are thanking residents, volunteers and participating homeowners following the organization’s annual Garden Tour held June 6.
Club leaders said the event drew community members from across the area to visit a collection of local gardens while supporting the club’s ongoing civic and educational programs.
The Alpha Club, founded in 1898 as the Harmony Club, is reportedly one of Lompoc’s oldest civic organizations. The group’s mission focuses on literary and cultural enrichment, community improvement projects, social welfare initiatives and scholarship support for local students.
In addition to the annual garden tour, the organization hosts monthly luncheon meetings featuring guest speakers from the community and sponsors a literary discussion group for members.
Funds raised through club activities help support local nonprofit organizations and scholarships for area high school students.
Organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s garden tour and are seeking homeowners interested in showcasing their gardens as part of the event.
The Alpha Club meets monthly, except during July and August, and welcomes prospective new members. More information about membership and upcoming activities is available through the club’s leadership and membership committee.