The characters in the movie The Wizard of Oz fell asleep in a field of poppy flowers. There is no way you’ll be falling asleep with all the activities planned for the 2-day Lancaster festival honoring the poppy, California’s state flower.
In a rich blend of music, arts and crafts, dance and comedy, the 16th annual festival promises to offer something exciting and enriching for everyone.
The real stars are of course the abundant crop of vibrant poppies, located 15 miles from the festival grounds. Every year the tiny flowers blanket the hillsides in a spectacular sea of orange marking nature’s sign of spring.
At the festival grounds you can wander through the more than 220 arts and craft venders, train and automobile exhibits, a children’s carnival and a flower and farmer’s market. Be dazzled by the talents of dancers specializing in ballroom, Celtic, Middle-Eastern, Latin and modern dance demonstrations. If it’s food you crave, indulge in everything from traditional funnel cakes and kabobs to fruit smoothies and crepes. There will be 25 various food venders.
NBA basketball star, turned jazz bassist, Wayman Tisdale will perform during the Sunday Jazz portion of the entertainment as well as saxophonist Marion Meadows. On Saturday, hear the pop-rock sounds of Nine Days.
Ranger Rick’s educational show with his all-star animal cast from such shows as Fear Factor, The Tonight Show, and Good Morning America is sure to wow all one visit.
LA Connection Comedy will tickle your funny bone with a Who’s Line is it Anyway style stage show.
A mask show, presented by Faustwork, with a cast of a menagerie of nearly 20 characters will also keep you laughing and sometimes crying as it showcases the artistic, cultural and psychological use of masks.
Nobody said you wouldn’t fall asleep after two fun-filled days at the festival. If you partake in all the activities, it’s almost guaranteed to tire you out, a good tired, that is, with a bag full of memorable moments to tote home. Nearly 50,000 people are expected to attend.
For further information, visit www.poppyfestival.com or call 661-723-6000. Event times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 21 and 22 at Lancaster City Park, 43011 N. 10th Street West, Lancaster, 93534.