“When life gives you lemons, make lemon beer” could be the new motto of UCSB students who discovered lemon beer at the 12th annual California Lemon Festival held in Goleta.

People of all ages flocked to Girsh Park last weekend to enjoy a variety of foods, drinks, entertainment and activities. The Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce holds the annual Lemon Festival to celebrate an era when lemon exports supported the area. Lemon orchards flourished in Goleta from the 1890s until real estate began booming in southern California during the 1950s and ’60s, according to the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce website.

Volunteer Marie Mang sold T-shirts and other souvenirs and has been a part of the festivities for five years.

“It has grown tremendously since it began,” she said. “This is its first year as the California Lemon Festival and not just the Goleta Valley Lemon Festival.”

Entertainment for children included train rides around the park, an up-close look at police helicopters and fire trucks, face painting, a number of inflatable play structures and a petting zoo. Sophomore communication and law and society major Alessandra Angleton volunteered as a member of the Alpha Phi sorority by managing an inflatable play structure.

“I’m enjoying the sunshine, watching little kids run around and have a good time,” she said.

The Rotary Club of Goleta sold cups of fresh lemonade for $2 each. Lemon honey chicken, lemon pie, lemon ice cream and other foods without lemon such as tri-tip and German sausage were also available for purchase.

A number of arts and crafts were also for sale. Artists displayed everything from hats to aboriginal art to wind chimes. Vendors also offered henna tattoos, Halloween costumes and handmade jewelry.

Some local businesses provided free samples of products containing lemons. Trader Joe’s gave away free lemon cookies and lemon pepper pistachios.

“It’s a fun way to bring in business and it helps us promote our products,” Trader Joe’s employee Jerry Malco said.

The beer garden was a popular spot for UCSB students. A glass for beer was $1 and to fill it up with beer was $3 per cup. Senior business economics major Chris Perry said it was his second time attending the festival.

“This beer is more special than normal beer because this beer has a lemon tint to it,” Perry said. “Age, gender and sexual orientation don’t matter on this day because it’s all about the lemons. We are here on this day to commemorate the lemon.”

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