FUN COMMENCES
Children frolicked on the Andrews Park playground Thursday as they awaited the opening of the surrounding carnival rides and games.
Church bells chimed in the distance as it hit 5 p.m., meaning Vacaville's Fiesta Days 2023 had officially begun. Music began blasting from the grassy area, signaling the opening of the many rides.
Some of those rides include “Crazy Surf,” the “Zipper,” “Spin Out,” “The Flying Ace,” “Chase Combo,” “Tornado,” “Dizzy Dragons,” “Super Slide,” “Magic Dragon,” “Mardi Gras,” the “Orbiter,” and the “Grand Gondola” ferris wheel.
An array of booths spread across the park for shopping, games, information and food. Up the hill by the playground, folks with the City of Vacaville booth handed out plastic firefighter hats to kids.
More vendors sprawled through the park and the CreekWalk, where shopping licorice and airbrush tattoos were available.
Hungry attendees found sustenance in Carroll Plaza, with tasty treats offered by vendors such as Margaritaville, Taste of Tuscany, Coral Reef Smoothies and Ice Cream, Babes. Bubbles. Boards., Julie's Roasted Corn and Potatoes, Delicious Diversity Kitchen, Benito's Tacos, a Wetzel's Pretzels truck and Teddy's Backyard BBQ.
What kind of deliciousness, you ask? Try corn dogs, funnel cakes, lumpia, shaved ice, kettle corn, artichoke hearts, garlic fries, deep fried zucchini, chicken skewers, teriyaki chicken bowls, chow mein and beer on tap, to name a few.
Live music amped up the crowd despite a quick change in performers.
Due to the Journey's Edge lead singer being ill, the band had to cancel its performance. Instead, Mullet Mechanix, a 1980s cover band from Yuba City, took the stage.
“It's been a great kickoff for our 66th annual Fiesta Days,” said Fiesta Days Chairwoman Karen Juilfs. “People seem happy to be out and dancing.”
Those feeling under the weather could visit the first aid booth near the stage and anyone needing an event souvenir could pick up logo
merchandise at the Fiesta Days stand.
Also busy — the booth selling drink tokens for $8 each or four for $30.
Kids had their own section within the family fun zone, which featured pony rides and a petting zoo.
“I think its gonna be a good run,” said Juilfs. “The kids zone is different this year. We really concentrated on making sure we have face painters and a derby car race, so we are really happy with that.”
Day two of Fiesta Days begins at 5 p.m. today, with last load for the carnival being at 9:45 p.m.
The California Cowboys, a country band from Fairfield, will take the Creekwalk Stage from 6 to 9 tonight. The Family Fun Zone will be open from 5 to 7 p.m.
“The California Cowboys are super stoked to play Fiesta Days,” remarked Juilfs. “There will be line dancing too so it will be a nice party from 6 to 9.”
For more information on Vacaville's Fiesta Days, visit: https://www.vacavillefiestadays.org and https:// www.facebook.com/VacavilleFiestaDays