Temecula Art Festival and Street Painting Contest

The Temecula Arts Festival starts on Friday, June 20 thru Sunday, June 22.  Professional artists will participate in this highly anticipated annual event by displaying and selling some of their award winning art and photography.  Over 100 creative artists will feature their talent at the annual event this year.   Live music will also provide entertainment.

I typically like to wait until the final day to attend to see the finish pieces of art at the Street Painting contest, but if you are an art lover you definitely need to come out and check it out a couple times this weekend.

We attended the event last year as well and loved it!  We met award winning artist Mark Stephenson’s  and celebrated his innovative and inspiring art and enjoyed all of the street art.   Here are our photos from 2013 Temecula Art Festival and Street Painting Contest.

 

Additional Details

Location

41000 Main St, Temecula, CA 92590

Old Town Temecula in Temecula, CA

Dates

Friday, June 20 thru Sunday, June 22

Key Events

Judging 3-4pm on Sunday, June 22

Additional photos from previous years festivals

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Inland Empire Splash Pads

June is just beginning, but the summer heat has already shown up in the Inland Empire.

I recently took my boys to a splash pad – a recreation area with no or little standing water – is a great place to cool off in the summer heat without all the stress of going to the neighborhood pool.

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A splash pad is something all of the kids can enjoy – from bigger kids to toddling babies. My one-year-old loved to splash in a small pool of water but got mad when his face got wet. My older son loved watching other kids manipulate streams of water and sticking his feet in the fountains in the ground.

Some advice for splash pads:

-Wear sunscreen and bring an umbrella is there is not going to be shade nearby.

-Wear a swimsuit to play in the water and consider water shoes. Avoid flip flops that get slippery when wet or catch on rubberized ground.

-Please don’t bring the family dog to a splash pad. Not only could a child with a fear of dogs be forced to leave the pad, but even a well-trained dog could get nervous or overexcited around screaming, running kids.

-Since there is no need for a lifeguard at a splash pad, keep a close eye on your children.

-Wear swimsuits to a splash pad if possible, including swim diapers if needed.

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There are many splash pads all over Riverside and San Bernardino counties  – from public spaces, regional parks to water parks. Here’s a list of some you don’t need to pay admission to get you started.

·         Citrus Park Splash Pad at Citrus Parkin Corona is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until September 30th. The splash pad, which features water cannons, leaf-like structures and other ways to play, is near two playgrounds and grass areas for drying off in the sun.

·         Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga has a small fountain feature splash pad in the center of the shopping area, close to Bath & Body Works and Ben and Jerry’s. There is a family-friendly bathroom nearby for changing.

·         Monte Vista Park in Chino features a fenced-in splash pad with a tall geyser spray and has benches nearby.  The seven-acre park, which also features playgrounds and basketball courts, will have the splash pad running 7 days a week

·         The colorfully-lit interactive fountain at The Shoppes at Chino Hills is in the middle of the shopping center. There is a bathroom for changing nearby, so change out of your swimsuit and get dry before you go shopping or have lunch. n

·         Veterans Park in Colton has along with the splash pad has large trees and grass nearby for moms to stay in the shade. There is two playgrounds, other activities and a library and community center.

·         The splash pad at Tom Minor Park in San Bernardino is right next to a covered area with picnic benches and a playground. However, there are no bathrooms at the park – the nearby Arco station bathroom (by Starbucks) is the closest option.

·         Lake Elsinore’s Canyon Hills Community Park has a splash pad along with its 18 acres of park activities and sport fields. The  whimsical splash pad is walled off and surrounded by umbrellas to keep parents cool.

A Day At The Temecula Berry Company

We recently visited the Temecula Berry Company in Temecula, CA .  The Temecula Berry Farm was founded in the late 1990s as a family farm and is located towards the east side of Temecula near Temecula Wine Country.   We visit the farm a couple times each year with our family.   It’s the only Blueberry Farm in Southern California.  You can pick blueberries with your family, bring a larger group for a tour or visit the farms on a  field trip with your students and/or preschoolers.  All tours are free.

In addition to picking berries you can purchase blueberry jam and honey.    Picking berries at the Temecula Berry Co is a great way to bond with your family.

Where

Temecula Berry Co

Berry Season

Address:

39700 Cantrell Road, Temecula CA 92591

Hours

8am-6pm, 7 days a week.

*Blueberry season starts in Spring and ends at the end of summer

Cost

No entry fee. Berries cost $5 a pint

Pets Allowed

No

Additional Details

www.temeculaberryco.com

 

We had a fantastic day at the farm! We started our day by meeting farmer Mike and visiting the pig farm and hen house.  We learned about the care and animal eating habits.  They were a lot of fun to watch.  Afterwards, we headed over to the Berry farm for a fun afternoon of picking berries.  

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 Tips for Visiting the Farm

We recommend a hat, umbrella and backpack to ensure you have your hands free while you pick berries.   For hot days we also recommend a couple of bottles of water.  Make sure to bring a wagon or jogging stroller for smaller children who walk slow.  If you have very active kids, they may enjoy walking through the blueberry trees and may feel restricted if you try confine them to a stroller.   Consider letting the kids roam through the blueberry trees to watch them explore.  Their eyes will light up as they discover blueberries.

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 Tips For Picking Berries

Our grand daughter loved her first visit to the farm.  Not only did she get to spend quality time with us, but she felt very independent as she picked berries and showed us her bucket getting fuller and fuller.

If it is your first time, get a bucket for each of the children in your group.  Make sure to ask the staff where the best berry picking is located today, then find an area where there are a few people to pick the best berries.  We found the best areas near the foothills and came home with 2 pints of berries, blueberry jam and honey.  Don’t forget to wash your berries before eating them.

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We’re off to pick Blueberries… Wait for us!

 Tips For Creating Lasting Memories

One of the reasons we love to visit the blueberry farm is because we can get away from the busyness and hustle and bustle of our lives and take day trips to create lasting family memories.  Bring the camera, stay awhile and take candid shots of your family.   Also consider dressing up the kids in cute spring clothing or matching outfits to take a memorable family photo or candid shots of your kids.

 

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I picked the largest Blueberrie!

 

We truly enjoyed our visit to the Temecula Berry Farm. Looking forward to our next visit!  Hope to see you there!

Things To Do on Memorial Day In Inland Empire

Five members of my immediate family  have served in the Armed Forces, including the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force. During the Memorial Day weekend our family supports local events that honor the service of our fallen heroes and their families, it’s a family tradition.

Whether you are looking for an opportunity to give back by placing flags on fallen heroes or taking your family to the local city parade or memorial day ceremony, there are several options for families to choose from.   In honor of our fallen heroes and the men, women and families who are currently serving our country, we compiled a list of the best local memorial day events for our friends and neighbors.

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MENIFEE: Memorial Day Ceremony:  The ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 26 at 12 noon-1PM, at the Veterans Memorial in Wheatfield Park at the corner of La Piedra and Menifee roads. Military families along with the entire Menifee community are invited.  Wheatfield Park 30627 Menifee Road  Menifee, CA 92584

MORENO VALLEY:  Memorial Day activities. Parade 9:30, Ceremony 2pm. Moreno Valley patriots are invited to make Monday, May 26- Memorial Day special with two events to honor the veterans and their families. Memorial Day activities include a heart stirring parade in the morning and a memorable community gathering at the Moreno Valley Veteran’s Memorial in the afternoon.  West Coast Thunder Motorcycle Parade: 9:30 a.m., Sunnymead Boulevard. between Frederick Street and Heacock Street.

MURRIETA: City of Murrieta Memorial Day service.  Ceremony 8am.  Time Square park adjacent to Veterans Memorial.

NORCO:  Memorial Day Classic Car Show to honor veterans: Monday, May 26 2pm-5pm at Bobs Big Boy restaurant 3521 Hamner, Norco.

RIVERSIDE:  Join West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Bike Run. Proceeds will benefit the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee via the West Coast Thunder.

RIVERSIDE:  A Flag For Every Hero:  Join the Riverside National Cemetery at 8am to place a flag on every heroes grave.  Meet at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater.  Starts at 8am promptly and ends around 11am.  22495 Van Buren, Riverside.

TEMECULA: Remember our Bravest at Temecula Civic Center:   Monday, May 26 at 8:00am. Remember our heroes with a procession along Main Street featuring scouts, military personnel and patriotic music followed by a small ceremony on the steps of the Civic Center. Wear your red, white and blue and don’t forget your flag.  Location:  Main Street, Old Town Temecula 8:00-9:30am.

TEMECULA: Temecula Berry Company 2 for 1:  Monday, May 26  Temecula Berry Company would like to offer military members (veterans included) and their immediate family a 2 for 1 at the farm. Pick 2 pints and pay for 1. Please have a military ID available at check out.