The City of California City and California City Art Commission is very proud to host the 43rd Tortoise Days on Saturday, April 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 28 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Central Park, 10400 Heather Ave., California City. This festival reinforces friendships in our community, promotes exciting local businesses and showcases what makes California City stand out as a City with a tremendous history and vibrancy. This year's theme "Come Play" was chosen by the Committee which meets in Central Park. We are always looking for volunteers and sponsors. Our next meetings are April 4 and 18, at 6 p.m. at 10400 Heather Ave., California City.

We will kick off the day with our Parade on Saturday, April 27 at 10 a.m. Entry fee is $20. All applications must be received with payment by April 25. To request an entry form, please email Bdaverin@californiacity-ca.gov. Parade chairman for the third year is Dr. Jeff Williams. The parade starts at Ace Hardware and ends at Friends Tires on California City Blvd.

Once the parade ends, folks will be able to enjoy the music and community demonstrations all afternoon at our Lake Shore stage while enjoying fun fair food and beverage vendors. Our featured band this year is "Blue Steel" playing classic rock. Pet blessings will be available for our furry friendly pets, as they too are welcome. Cost of admission is $1, kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult. Local vendors and businesses are in full support of the festival, displaying a wide array of gifts for Mother's Day and unique merchandise. It will certainly be exhilarating to see what these talented California City area residents have created for festival visitors to enjoy. Vendor applications are being accepted.

The California City Arts Commission will be presenting their Art Show in the Arts & Community Building across the parking lot. The theme this year is "Art from A-Z." The Exhibit is free to enter and runs both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are putting a call out for all artists to participate! For an application, stop by the Strata Center, 10350 Heather Ave., California City.

In the Strata Center we welcome back our California City Museum Society. They will once again be hosting an Antiques and Collectables sale and Historic Displays on both days. Proceeds will go to the Museum building fund. The host, Lions Club, will be selling lunch in the Strata too.

Per their tradition on Sunday, Desert Song Church will be hosting Church in the Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Also taking place in front of the Arts Center on Sunday will be a youth Carper Diem Free Youth Fishing Derby for 5 to 15 year olds, registration starts at 7 a.m. and event runs until 11 a.m.

Visit www.californiacity-ca.gov and for more information on how to participate as a vendor, volunteer, entertainer or event sponsor. Find us on Instagram, Facebook City of California City Parks & Recreation or Twitter.

This event is presented by the Department of Parks and Recreation and the California City Arts Commission for more info call (760) 373-3530.