The fun is about to begin

The party is returning to Vacaville.

The 66th annual Fiesta Days celebration begins at 5 p.m. today at Andrews Park and runs through Memorial Day.

On Wednesday, carnival rides from Johnston Amusements covered the grassy areas of the park, giving a glimpse at what is in store for attendees this year. A couple of food and drink booths had been set up, as well as some vendor tents.

Some games and rides guests can look forward to include a Ferris wheel, “Spin-Out,” “Tornado,” “Mardi Gras,” “Dizzy Dragons,” “Monkey Zoo,” “Dragon Wagon,” balloon darts and a water race.

Tickets for rides will be cash only. Tickets will be $2 each, 12 for $20, 24 for $40, 36 for $60, 48 for $80 and 60 for $100. A “pay-one-price” wristband can be purchased for $40 per day. These wristbands will only be sold until 8 p.m. and are good until closing.

An airbrush tattoo tent had been set up in addition to a food vendor with cotton candy, cold drinks, snow cones, funnel cakes, candy apples and popcorn.

Another food stand will offer funnel cakes, cold drinks, churros, bacon, fried Twinkies and fried Oreos.

Phyllis Mitchum is in charge of the Family Fun Zone this year, sponsored by Ace Hardware and Councilmember Michael Silva. She was just arriving Wednesday afternoon from her day job when she mentioned that things may have looked a bit hectic but would all come together by this evening.

The Family Fun Zone will feature pony rides, “Spin-a-Hat,” rock painting, face painting, “Corn Dig,” Dilly Dally Balloons, a kids entertainment stage, Gerald's Honey Bee Show, a “wall of hands” and more.

Fiesta Days Chairwoman Karen Juilfs said setup was going great and that she is ready for the festivities to begin.

“Planning kills me,” remarked Juilfs. “I'm ready to get this thing off the ground.”