The Piru Depot and Gazebo Plaza & Park will be full of fun, food and family entertainment during this year’s 9th Annual PiruFest. Activities for this Labor Day Weekend festival begin at 3:00 pm and continue until 10 pm. Registration for the horseshoe tournament will start at noon with play set for 2:00 pm.

The Piru Neighborhood Council (PNC) sponsors this annual event to celebrate Piru, its heritage and offerings. All are invited to attend this free event, in the Depot Park and plaza on Center Street in this historic town. Local eateries have geared up to feature popular local cooking and treats, including the Heritage Valley Inn, U-Scream Ice Cream, Poncho’s Restaurant, Fina’s Market, Elva’s Center Street Market, Roadside Bar-B-Q Grill, Sanchez Market and Piru Market.

Still finalizing the day’s schedule, food, crafts and information vendors are invited to contact the PNC to obtain a registration form. Fees are minimal and vendors are required to obtain necessary health and other permits. Vendors have traditionally offered clothing and music selections, healthy lifestyles resources, while other booths will feature local jewelry, arts and crafts, popular sportswear, and specialty items for children. The contact for inquiries is Chacha Troyke at 805-521-0527.

The recently formed Making A Difference Youth, or MAD Youth, will join in supporting this exciting family day by offering games and activities for youth and all to enjoy. This energetic group will also support organizing and site management on the day of event. To sign up with this group or offer support, please contact Lorena Cardenas at 805-558-5708.

Always a hit with the locals and friends, the popular Horseshoe Tournament returns under the skills of Rusty Ortega. This competition is an annual tradition among the town’s “ringers”. Contact Rusty at 805- 432-6388 to sign up or help organize.

Finally, music fans can enjoy a local DJ who will be spinning discs during early hours and then Dan Torres and the Piru River Band will be the featured headliner for the day’s entertainment. Known for their variety of current and “oldie” tunes, Dan and his band always get the crowd on their feet and on the dance floor. The stage area at the depot and gazebo plaza also offers plenty of room to join in the celebration.

More events are being planned so make sure your Labor Day holiday weekend plans include a visit to this fun town and join in what promises to be another successful celebration.