RanchoFest Set to Be Bigger, Better, Warmer

There was enormous buzz about last year's RanchoFest, and it's likely the 2013 version of the food and music expo will be even better.

It will certainly be warmer.

RanchoFest 2013 will play on Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9, at Central Park, according to Suzanne Singh, president of the Rancho Santa Margarita Chamber of Commerce, which is producing the event.

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About 5,000 showed up over a Friday and Saturday in 2012, but the first night on May 25 was brutally cold, which kept residents away despite the opportunity to see an outstanding Beatles tribute band, Britain's Finest.

The band that closed the show on Saturday, the Tijuana Dogs, will again be the marquee performer on Saturday night.

The second night will feature the Journey tribute band DSB—which stands for Don't Stop Believing. Journey's songlist includes, "Don't Stop Believing," "Open Arms" and "Any Way You Want It."

The full band list isn't set, but the way it shakes out at this time, Saturday's performances will come from Hero For Today, 5 South Band, The Reflexx, and the Tijuana Dogs.

The Sunday performances will come from Tremor, The Goodfathers, Flock of 80s, and the DSB band.

Singh also indicated there are still spaces available for vendors but they are limited in number. Many of the vendors are local restaurants.

"There are a number of ways for the community to get involved," Singh said. "You can advertise your business with sponsorships, you can participate in the festival with a booth, or you can support your community as a volunteer which will get you free access into the event. Work for a few hours and play the rest of the day."

A Kid Zone with bounce houses and various attractions will again be part of the weekend. For adults, there will be beer and wine sales, in addition to the restaurants and other vendors.

Pricing is $5 for kids 12 and under, and $10 for those 13 and over; the price includes the whole weekend.

The hours are Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information see Chamber website or contact info@rsmchamber.com, or 949-709-7595.

Those interested in volunteering should click here.