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.

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 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.