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California Poppy Festival set to begin on April 21

As spring comes into bloom following a record amount of rain, the City of Lancaster is preparing to host

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30th Anniversary of a SoCal favorite

As spring comes into bloom following a record amount of rain, the City of Lancaster is preparing to host its annual California Poppy Festival.™ This year, the city is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the festival, and visitors will be treated to an event like they’ve never seen before.

The popular community event will officially open on Friday, April 21 from 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the AV Fair & Event Center.

The first-ever poppy festival was scheduled to coincide with the spring poppy bloom after an unusually rainy winter—similar to the one we’ve experienced this year.

The festival was originally held at the then-named Lancaster City Park as a celebration of California’s state flower. The event has continued to grow alongside the City of Lancaster, which serves as home to some of California’s most beautiful wildflower displays.

“We’re passionate about our poppies!” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “The City of Lancaster is blessed with our beautiful state flower, and we’re excited to continue celebrating the bloom at the 30th Anniversary California Poppy Festival™. I’m looking forward to connecting with our community members and enjoying all the festival has to offer, from carnival rides to tasty fair food from local vendors.”

Festival-goers will enjoy food, carnival rides, live entertainment, live animal exhibits, a beer garden, over 200 vendors, and more while they celebrate the return of the wildflowers.

The AV Fair & Event Center sits just under 15 miles east of the famous Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve — a state-protected reserve that encompasses over 1,700 acres of land harboring the most consistent blooms of California poppies. The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve can be reached by going west on Avenue I from the Antelope Valley freeway or the City of Lancaster or by taking Lake Hughes Road from Interstate 5 north to Avenue I.

When visiting the reserve, refer to the park's helpful guidelines and help protect these flowers for all to enjoy: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627.

General Admission tickets for the 30th anniversary California Poppy Festival™ are now available for purchase. Visit www.poppyfestival.com to learn more about this extraordinary event and to purchase tickets.

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