Home Blog Page 62

Chula Vista Pickleball Tournament: Play, Watch, and Help Restore a Piece of History!

Amanda Contreras
-
0
Chula Vista Pickleball Tournament: Play, Watch, and Help Restore a Piece of History!

Get ready for an exciting Saturday along Third Avenue! The Chula Vista Fire Department Heritage Foundation is hosting its very first Pickleball Tournament, and it’s not just about the game—it’s about giving back to our community. On Saturday, Aug. 24, from 12 to 5 p.m., downtown Chula Vista will come alive with pickleball action as teams of all levels compete for a chance to win and, more importantly, to support the restoration of a beloved piece of our city’s history.

What’s the Buzz About Pickleball?

If you have yet to hear of pickleball, now’s the time to get on board! Pickleball is a fun, fast-paced sport that combines tennis, badminton, and ping-pong elements. It’s easy to learn, so it’s become so popular in Chula Vista and beyond. This Saturday, dozens of two-person teams will battle it out in beginner, intermediate, and advanced brackets. The competition will be fierce, but the atmosphere will be friendly and full of community spirit.

Why The Chula Vista Pickleball Tournament Matters

Now, this is more than just another sports event. Every dollar this tournament raises will go directly to the Chula Vista Fire Department Heritage Foundation’s project to restore “The Goose,” a 1916 fire engine. The Goose isn’t just any old fire engine; it’s believed to be one of the first ever used by the Chula Vista Fire Department. Right now, it’s on display at the South County Chula Vista Library.

Supporting the restoration of The Goose means preserving a significant piece of our local history for future generations to enjoy. Imagine our community’s pride in bringing this vintage fire engine back to life—something we can all be a part of! Hopefully, this event will become an annual Chula Vista Pickleball Tournament along Third Avenue to benefit the restoration project and many more programs.

Chula Vista Pickleball Tournament
The event supports the restoration of “The Goose,” a 1916 fire engine located at the South Chula Vista Branch Library.

Where to Park and What to Expect

Are you planning to come out and enjoy the Chula Vista Pickleball Tournament? Great! Here’s what you need to know:

  • Parking: You can find parking lots on Landis Avenue, north and south of Davidson Street, and just south of the intersection of Landis Avenue and F Street. Street parking is also available in the surrounding areas, so you can find a spot easily.
  • Food and Drinks: While registration for players is closed, everyone is welcome to come out and watch the games. Be sure to grab some food and beverages from the local establishments in the area. Supporting our local businesses makes the day even better!
  • Be sure to bring your chair: It’s recommended you bring a seat to enjoy the games. If you remember the Chrome Ball Tour a few months back, people were sitting on the curbs. Avoid the hassle of the curb and bring your chair.

A Community United

This event is more than just fun and games—it’s a way for our community to unite for a common cause. As one local resident put it, “Restoring The Goose is about more than just fixing up an old engine. It’s about remembering where we came from and celebrating the hard work of those who came before us.”

So, whether you’re a pickleball pro or just coming out to cheer on the teams, this Saturday promises to be filled with excitement, community pride, and a lot of heart. See you on the courts, Chula Vista! Let’s make history together.

Bonitafest Twilight Trail Parade: A Whimsical South Bay Tradition

Kurt Bunch
-
0
Bonitafest Twilight Trail Parade: A Whimsical South Bay Tradition

Great news: Chula Vista, the Bonitafest event, is back, bringing all the small-town charm and excitement the South Bay community has grown to love! Whether trotting on horseback, parading with your potbelly pig, or simply cheering on the sidelines, this year’s Twilight Trail Parade promises to be a delightful evening for all. Even though this event has scaled back dramatically, it is still cool to see the event is happening again.

The Twilight Trail Parade: Where Everyone’s Invited

Mark your calendars for September 21 at 6 p.m. and head to the Sunnyside Saddle Club arena in Rohr Park. This year’s parade is not just for humans—horses, goats, dogs, llamas, and even potbelly pigs are all welcome to join in on the fun. Participants can walk, ride bikes, or saddle up for the one-mile journey along the scenic trail that encircles the Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course. The spirited Sunnyside School Mighty Bulldogs Marching Band will lead the charge, setting the perfect tone for this community celebration.

The parade from the 2023 Bonitafest event
Although last year’s event was scaled back, it was still fun to watch the participants march from the horse corral to the Sweetwater Library.

A Nostalgic Nod to the Past

Many of us fondly remember the days when Bonitafest was a grand affair, with people lining Bonita Road, ready for an evening of parades, live entertainment, and endless fun. Back in 2006, the event was a massive hit, with the festival following the parade in full swing. While the Bonitafest has evolved, the spirit remains the same, and there’s hope that with the proper support, we might see a return to those bustling days. Until then, the Twilight Trail Parade remains a beloved tradition, keeping the community’s heart beating strong.

“I remember marching in the parade with the Bonita Vista High School Band; it was so much fun being part of the event and seeing everyone come out. I hope someone can bring back those days.” Explained Janet as she cheered on the parade last year.

Bonitafest 2011 in Chula Vista
The parade was a big part of the Bonitafest and featured so many local leaders, riding clubs, and school bands. In 2011, they hosted a stunt show after the parade. (Chula Vista Living 2011 file photo)

The Parade Is Just the Beginning

The fun doesn’t stop when the parade ends! As the procession winds down at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library parking lot, the Bonitafest Performing Arts Festival begins. From 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., a diverse lineup of South County talent will take the stage, with the nationally renowned Music Machine and Sound Unlimited show choirs from Bonita Vista High School headlining the evening. It’s an evening of performances you won’t want to miss—just make sure to grab a good spot early!

A Spotlight on Young Talent

This year’s parade is co-chaired by two outstanding young women, Nicolette Luna, and Lyra Rhodes, both recent Bonita Vista High School graduates heading to UC Berkeley. Nicolette, in particular, has made waves as the former Editor-in-Chief of Southwestern College’s El Sol Magazine, leading her team to national collegiate championships and even a collegiate Pulitzer Prize. Bonitafest General Chairman Dr. Max Branscomb praises her as a gifted leader and journalist, and with her and Lyra at the helm, there’s no doubt that this year’s event will be nothing short of spectacular.

Don’t Miss the Bonitafest Melodrama

To cap off the festivities, make sure to catch the 47th annual Bonitafest Melodrama, “Thin Skins and Hayseeds,” running from September 25-28 at the Sweetwater Church Theater. This award-winning musical-comedy brings to life the dramatic events of the Great Sweetwater Valley Flood of 1916 in a fun and engaging way. Curtain time is at 7:30 p.m., so grab your tickets early by calling (619) 850-7126.

Join the Fun and Keep the Tradition Alive

Bonitafest is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our diverse South Bay community and its rich traditions. Whether you’re participating in the parade, enjoying the performances, or watching the melodrama, you’re part of something special. Let’s come together to support this wonderful tradition and keep the spirit of Bonitafest alive for years to come!

You can follow the Bonitafest on their Instagram account to learn more about all of the events leading up to the parade.

Asking people what they thought of the Lemon Festival

Kurt Bunch
-
0
Asking people what they thought of the Lemon Festival

On Saturday, August 17th, the City of Chula Vista and the Downtown Association held the 27th annual Lemon Festival. This is the premier event celebrating Chula Vista’s history of growing lemons. The event is always a great time, and the community loves to come out, enjoy the day, and have fun. I love coming out and walking up and down Third Avenue while sipping on some delicious lemonade. There are always so many vendors, live entertainment, and lemon-themed contests during the event.

This year, I decided to switch things up and interview people to discover what they love about the Lemon Festival. Thank you to everyone who participated; it was a lot of fun. If you went to the event, let me know in the comments what you love.

[vcex_button url=”https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbfJjT5w7Te6kOwEeKspGLw” title=”Follow Us On YouTube” style=”flat” align=”left” size=”small” target=”self” rel=”none”]Follow Us On YouTube To See More Videos[/vcex_button]

Lemon Festival 2024: Hits and misses from this years event

Kurt Bunch
-
0
Lemon Festival 2024: Hits and misses from this years event

That’s it, Chula Vista! Lemon Festival 2024 is in the books, and it was another great event. I love this event every year; it’s the end-of-summer wrap-up with a twist of lemon, lol. Yesterday, I was out there all day, walking up and down Third Avenue, talking with many of you and just enjoying the day.

If you’ve lived in Chula Vista for a while, like myself, then you remember how massive this event used to be. I still think the 2006 to 2009 Lemon Festivals were the best. I don’t know what the city or the organizers (TAVA managed these events during that time) did, but they need to bring back that magic. Those events were massive, with so much going on. It was like a mini Del Mar Fair with carnival rides and games. Those days may likely return as the event grows.

This year’s Lemon Festival was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed being part of it. I was one of the judges for the lemon-themed cook-off on the main stage. A big congratulations to Mmm Cakes for taking the main title. All the local businesses that participated in the event did a fantastic job, and I loved every dish.

Now that the event has come and gone, let’s go over my hits and misses list. I like to point out what I loved and what could use a little more work for the Lemon Festival 2025. There is always room for improvement, and I know that this event will grow more and more with time. Let me know your thoughts on this year’s event on my Facebook page. I want to hear from more of you!

Lemon Festival 2024 Hits

The food selections were excellent

This year, there was a lot to choose from to get something to eat. Plenty of food vendors helped limit the lines. My favorite was the funnel cake. I had never seen a funnel cake vendor before, so this was a sweet surprise. The same vendor was also serving up the potato swirls, and so many people were walking around with them.

Lemon Festival 2024 had some good food
One thing I loved about the event was the food selections. I tried the lemon-flavored funnel cake, and it was delicious.

The beer garden next to the Juicy Stage by E Street

In the past, the beer garden was always tucked away in Memorial Park or the parking lot for Kalavera’s Restaurant. This year, they added it next to the Juicy Stage. This was a good choice, as those at the beer garden could enjoy a beer while they enjoyed some live music. It was small but still a great addition to the event.

A large selection of vendors

A big part of the Lemon Festival is the vendor booths. This year, they had plenty up and down Third Avenue. There was everything from local community groups to live plants; it was a wide variety. Vendors and sponsors are the fuel for this event, and it’s always good to see them getting more and more to keep this event going and growing.

Lemon Festival 2024 Misses

More live entertainment

The event organizers need to boost the live entertainment at the event. There were two stages: the main stage on the north side of Third Avenue and the “Juicy Stage” on the south side. Each had some great live music, but I would love to see more dance groups. In the past, the event would feature school dance groups, local San Diego dance companies, and more. We need more of that at the event. We have so many talented dance organizers here in Chula Vista; it would be cool to feature them.

Lemon festival 2024
In years past, the Lemon Festival featured all kinds of local dance groups. It was great to see them featured at the Lemon Festival. (2009 Chula Vista Living File Photo)

Lemon pie eating contest

Lemon Festival organizers, I’m speaking directly to you this time, so pay attention. GET A LEMON PIE-EATING CONTEST!! So many people have been asking for this, and every year it is included in the event. This draws such a crowd, and everyone loves it. I would even be happy to participate and make a fool of myself while I try to eat a lemon pie. I don’t know why this keeps getting ignored. Call Sprouts Supermarket and get some $5 lemon pies, let’s make this happen.

More seating areas

This year, they added more seating, which was much needed. Last year, finding a spot to sit and eat your food was a struggle. We just need to add even more seating to the event. A lot of people were eating their food purchased from the vendors on the curb or leaning up against one of the businesses. We need to get a sizeable shaded seating space so people can sit down and take a break from the action.

Another great event that I can’t wait to attend next year

Seeing so many people come out and enjoy the event was amazing. Third Avenue was packed with people having a good time. A big shout-out to the Downtown Association and all the sponsors for making this happen. Thank you so much to Fuse Events for having me judge the lemon-themed food contest. That was fun.

If you went to the event, what did you love, or what would you love to see next year? Be sure to let me know on Facebook, and let’s ensure this event grows bigger each year.

1...616263...94Page 62 of 94