By Scott Fisher
President, Friends of the San Jacinto Mountain County Parks

Scott Fisher
Photo by Grace Reed

This third year of the festival we are concentrating on education and restoration. Classes will continue, both for the Idyllwild Garden Club and the general public, on the effect of invasive non-native species on the ecology of Lily Creek. One class and workday has already happened and we removed 100 pounds of mint from the creek in Idyllwild County Park Campground. As we continue these efforts, stream flow should increase and the area will be opened up to planting of Lemon Lily seeds. The Shool Garden Club is learning about native plants and will be expanding their collection in their school garden, which is a designated butterfly and bird garden.

We would also like to welcome visitors throughout Southern California to the third Lemon Lily Festival, the third weekend in July.

Activities begin with the Lemon Lily Launch at the home of Erin O’Neill on Thursday, July 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. This fundraiser includes live entertainment with Joe Baldino, gourmet treats and a variety of special beverages. The cost is $20 and tickets may be purchased at the Idyllwild Nature Center or the Lemon Lily table in front of the post office.

Friday night will be our second Taste of Idyllwild at the Nature Center from 5 to 7 p.m. Many of Idyllwild’s great restaurants will be offering a bite of their best dishes with beverages available at a modest cost. Tickets for this event are also $20 and may be purchased at the Nature Center or the Lemon Lily Festival table in front of the post office.

Saturday will be a full day at the Nature Center. Pioneer Town has been moved here and will feature pony rides for the kids, period activities and crafts, special presentations by the Pennyroyal Players, several town characters, crafts and an art auction. Nature walks will take place on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Dave Stith, botanist, and Kate Kraemer, botanist for the San Jacinto Ranger District, will give talks on the Lily and other native plants. The Native plant sale will continue.

In town, Park Lane will be the site of the resurgence of the Bluegrass Concerts. Silverado will be playing on the main stage between 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. along with local opening act Reedy Creek Rogues. Picinic tables will be available for concert goers and several opportunities for food and drink will be available as well.

This weekend will also bring the Marine Corps Band from Twenty Nine Palms to the Community Center site and look for the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce’s dedication ceremony of the Monument.

The Idyllwild Garden Club will conduct tours at Erin O’Neill’s where you can see Lemon Lilies in their most beautiful habitat. Shuttles will be provided from town to Erin’s and we also encourage taking the shuttle to the Nature Center. Parking can be located in several lots in town. Leave the driving to us. The shuttles are free!

Sunday the Nature Center will have a repeat of all the Saturday events and at 3:30 p.m. the drawing for the Lemon Lily Baskets and the Lemon Lily Quilt will take place.

In town, at noon Bucket List will open up for Bodie Mountain Express and close out the day with a bluegrass jam from 3 to 4 p.m.

The Idyllwild Garden Club will conduct their garden tour again.

We hope to see you throughout the weekend.

Remember to ride the shuttle.