Music, food, and fun set for Harvest Festival his Sunday

St. John the Evangelist Parish is gearing up to host its 2024 Harvest Festival on Sunday, Oct. 20. The annual event has become a staple in the community, offering a festive gathering for families and friends to enjoy. Organized by Councilmember Gilberto Reyna, who has served as event chairman since 2015, the festival has been a significant fundraiser for the church for more than two decades. "It is an opportunity to come together, and it's a fun afternoon for everyone," Reyna said.

The festival consistently draws large crowds, and this year promises to be no different. Attendees can look forward to performances by popular bands Los Rebeldes del Ritmo, Edición Reservada and singer Jessica Alberto. In addition, members from the W.C. Walker Senior Center in Shafter and Líderes Campesinas will entertain with enthusiastic dance routines, while DJ Sound Guys will spin a mix of popular music genres in both Spanish and English, along with country tunes. "With such a selection of lively music, you will want to hit the dance floor and show off your best moves," Reyna said.

As always, food will be a major highlight, with an array of dishes on offer. Options will include traditional favorites such as pozole, menudo, tacos de carne asada and al pastor, and tamales. Guests can also indulge in treats such as chili cheese fries and grilled chicken, corn on the cob, aguas frescas, buñuelos, fruit cocktails, tostilocos, flautas, enchiladas and a variety of desserts. "There will be something for everyone to delight their culinary senses," Reyna promised.

The Harvest Festival will be on the St. John's school grounds across from the church at the corner of Sunset Street and Griffith Avenue from 12 to 6 p.m. For more information, contact Reyna at 661-565-6956.