SeeCalifornia.com

In Southern California a car dealer used to run an advertisement with a catchy tune, “Oh you won’t get a lemon at Toyota of Orange.” The idea is that buying defective items is a bad thing — and consumers are often protected under state Lemon Laws. However, when it comes to California’s festivals and events, lemons are great! In fact, they’re the spice of life and reason to celebrate! Pictured is the annual Goleta Lemon Festival Sept.28-29, 2019.

On the last weekend in September you may actually find lemons served in a variety dishes and drinks at many festivals throughout the state. Here are a few possibilities to explore…

Goleta (California) Lemon Festival serves up lemonade, lemon meringue pie, lemon eating contest and pie eating contest. One of the sponsors, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, is known for serving slices of citrus to squeeze on their hand-made dishes.

LA Korean Festival September 26-29 prides itself in showcasing authentic foods. Korean lemon syrup is considered an essential condiment in Korean kitchens.

Dinuba Raisin Day Festival is an annual celebration September 26-29 of a local harvest. (Dinuba is also home to Ruiz Foods, makers authentic Mexican meals and dishes.) At the Raisin Festival which features a big carnival, parade and 5K run, it’s likely you’ll find a vendor selling lemonade. Ask around.

Fairfield Candy Palooza September 28-29 sells candy, sweet beverages and foods. Anyone who’s been on a Jelly Belly Factory Tour (the festival takes place on the factory grounds,) knows that lemon flavored jelly beans are a favorite not to be missed. Drop into the factory store and buy a bag of them.

At San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival September 28-29 guests relish famous Mediterranean dishes. One of our family favorites is Greek Lemon Chicken Soup aka Avgolemono. Yum!