FESTIVALS & EVENTS : Springing Into the Action

About 7,000 children and adults are expected to flock to Westminster’s annual Spring Festival on Saturday for a day of games, prizes, live music and food.

The five-hour festival, sponsored by the Community Services and Recreation Department, begins at 10 a.m. and will include pony rides and a petting zoo for children, as well as a visit from the Easter Bunny. Youngsters will also be able to join a candy hunt for an admission fee of up to 10 cents depending on the participant’s age and ability to pay.

The event, to be held at the Civic Center Gardens, will also include more than 100 food and crafts booths operated by local clubs and is open to the public. Special events will include the city’s drill team performance at 10:45 a.m., folkloric dancers at 1 p.m. and a karate demonstration at 2:30 p.m.

“It’s basically the same as last year, but bigger,” said event organizer Diana Kuka. “We’ve added more events,” such as the petting zoo and clowns.

Geared for all ages, the Spring Festival is especially popular with the little ones, Kuka said. In fact, if last year’s event is any indication, she said, “your kids won’t want to leave.” Kuka also suggested that parents bring a camera to record their child’s visit with the Easter Bunny.

What: Westminster’s 14th Annual Spring Festival.

When: Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Civic Center Gardens, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster.

Whereabouts: Take the San Diego (405) Freeway to Beach Boulevard and head north, then turn right onto Westminster Boulevard.

Wherewithal: Admission is free.

Where to Call: (714) 895-2860, ext. 559.