Tents and RVs lined the grass at Bates Nut Farm and the parking lot was filled on Saturday Evening, August 17. The annual Summer Food Festival and the annual Camping Under the Stars coincided to form one large enjoyable event for more than 150 locals.
The Food Festival included free parking and free admission. The camping was $30 per tent or RV. There were several things to do around the farm for both children and adults.
The food festival began at 4 p.m. and lasted four hours. Food vendors had a consistent stream of visitors from the beginning of the event to the end. Several different options were available including, ice cream from Mariposa’s Ice Cream, sweet rolls and cotton candy from Sandra’s Sweets, crepes from La Creperie, Greek food from Arslan’s Gyros, barbecue from Smokin’ Fools, corn and baked potatoes from Margie’s Shuck Wagon, hot dogs from Papas Hot Dogs, Thai food from Little Thai Cottage, and coffee and pastries from Cactus Cat’s.
For adults and children alike, the tractor hay bale train did regular rounds of the grounds— providing joyful guests views of most of the farm.
Both the Farmer’s Daughter and the General Store were open for purchases. Many visitors enjoyed feeding the animals on the farm.
For the kids there were Snow’s Pony Rides and an inflatable area where they could play on slides and a bounce house.
There was also Stuff-A-Buddy—where you could create your own stuffed animal, create your own slime, and glitter tattoos by Girly Girls Gala.There was also a face painting and airbrush tattoo vendor.
The night’s musical entertainment was the Smokin’ Guns who played covers of classic rock favorites from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
After the festivities, those with tents and RV’s continued camping and were allowed to stay until 4 p.m. the next day.
Many more upcoming events are happening within the next few months. This Saturday, August 24, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. SDGE will host their 6th annual Wildlife Safety Fair.