35th annual Loomis Eggplant Festival draws a crowd

The Loomis Basin Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 35th annual Eggplant Festival last Saturday. At 10 a.m. Saturday, the festival held the 35th-anniversary ribbon cutting with Placer County's Scholarship Pageant royalty. Directly following, the festival's eggplant mascot handed out purple kazoos for the festival's Kazoo Parade led by Loomis Mayor Jenny Knisley. She and an army of young ones played their kazoos as they marched down Taylor Road past the many vendors. Many families came out for the day to the various vendors and events the festival offered. There were more than 120 vendors, including the Loomis Basin Historical Society, Pet Wants Roseville, Little House of Eggplant, Placer Arts, Vintage Charm and LilAdaira Farms. Food vendors included Frozen in Time Shave Ice, Messy's and Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs. Live music was provided by the Sierra College Jazz Band, folk-trio Dear Darling, the Mclaughlin Theater Orchestra, and Tony Black and the Depths. For the kiddos, there were two bounce houses, a bounce house slide, and a rock climbing wall to let their energy out. Various animals were out for the event, not only because their owners brought them, but because some of the vendors brought some as well! Three of Redneck Donkey Ranch's donkeys and one of its cows was available for petting and feeding. Lahna's Rescue Rangers also brought out a few dogs that were up for adoption. They were very excited to give guests slobbery kisses! The free chalk art contest was back for the festival last Saturday. Children and adults alike put their art skills to the test in the contest. Most contestants showcased their skills by drawing fall-themed images, such as pumpkins. With so much to offer, it was no surprise that the annual event was packed up and down Taylor Road. "It's a fun community event," said Knisley in a previous Gold Country Media Article, "It brings all of us together and showcases all of the Loomis businesses." According to Knisley, about 4,000 attendees were there Saturday and experienced "the small-town feel. It's more about the community than eggplants." For information on next year's Eggplant Festival, check the Loomis Basin Chamber of Commerce's website at https://www.loomischamber.com/eggplant-festival.