Summerfest is so formative, so integral to the way I view my hometown that even my friends from college out-ofstate have heard of it.
For the last three years as the party band Tijuana Dogs performed on Sunday, my dad and I have gone to see them perform as a Father’s Day date.
The city’s annual birthday tradition at Fountain Valley Sports Park is chock full of food, games, rides, live music and retail vendors every June — and this year was no different.
Although I always look forward to eating a garlic parmesan potato spiral, this year’s food standout for me was the award-winning Japadog. Picture a hot dog with distinctly Asian flavors — some with wagyu beef or fish sauce.
Japadog was a new addition to Summerfest’s food vendor lineup this year, along with Lobster Shack. Fittingly, given the name, the business operates out of a trailer disguised as a quaint, wooden shack built onsite. The trailer specializes in lobster rolls and lobster mac and cheese.
Summerfest-goers enjoyed a variety of tribute band performances on the Floor & Decor mainstage. Ultimate Carrie, a Carrie Underwood tribute, was new this year, but there were multiple returning acts rocking the house (or, the park) every evening.
Queen Nation, a Queen tribute act, is the closest an Orange County local can get to seeing the iconic ‘70s and ‘80s band perform live without waiting for the Rhapsody Tour to come to Los Angeles in the fall. The band drew a large crowd Saturday night. The drone show ushered in the band’s performance, as well as Ultimate Carrie the previous night.
The Community Foundation Stage hosted multiple performances from local middle school bands and orchestras, as well as previous Voice of Fountain Valley High School competition winners, and local dance groups. On Sunday, the stage featured all Vietnamese performers.
Of course, the weekend’s festivities would not be complete without rides and games that are available every year, and about 20 new vendors with diverse products. Ever found yourself in need of both freeze-dried candy and a customized cutting board? Both were available at Summerfest.
Ultimately, Summerfest lived up to its purpose — a celebration packed with what will become memories of family quality time, first dates or a meetup for friends. Most importantly, though, the weekend serves as a reminder of Fountain Valley’s diverse, friendly and welcoming community.