The 73rd annual Lompoc Valley Flower Festival kicks off this afternoon 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.