RanchoFest: The Calm Before The Swarm

By Martin Henderson

Suzanne Singh was at Central Park at 6 a.m. on Friday and then spent the day—and part of the night—preparing for what should be the biggest weekend of the year in Rancho Santa Margarita.

RanchoFest.

Singh expects more than 10,000 people and perhaps as many as 12,000 to enter the park for music, food and fun.

The event is put on by the Rancho Santa Margarita Chamber of Commerce and Singh is its president. A year ago, with about 6,000 in attendance, the event pulled the Chamber out of a debt that she had inherited. And unlike a year ago, the first night won't be freezing cold.

Vendors will fill dozens of booths angling for your attention, and dozens of restaurants will be angling for your palate.

The $10 admission—it's $5 for kids—is good for both days. The Tijuana Dogs and the Don't Stop Believing Band—a Journey tribute band—are the featured performers.

The music lineup on Saturday is Sound Connected, Forty 2, Split, Five South Band, Hero For Today, The Reflexx and the Tijuana Dogs. The latter was the featured performer on the second day of last year's event and proved very popular.

The lineup on Sunday is Pickleback Shine, The GoodFathers, Dream Brother, Flock of 80s and the DSB Band. 

Bounce houses and games will be available for kids, which is included in the price of admission. Food and beverage is separate.

There are still opportunities to volunteer, which will get you free admission.