SoCal CEO - PerrisScope: City of Perris hosted their first-ever SpringFest

The City of Perris is hosting the first-ever "SpringFest" this weekend, a two-day event that features music, food, face-painting and fun on historic D Street. City officials expect the festival to bring hundreds of residents and out-of-town visitors to Perris, one of the oldest incorporated communities in Riverside County which will celebrate its centennial in 2011. Streets will be blocked off along D Street between San Jacinto Avenue and Fourth Street. Food booths and other vendors will line the street. Downtown SpringFest 2010 takes place from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Perris Mayor Daryl Busch said there are plenty of reasons to come Downtown. The recently refurbished Depot Building and soon-to-be-opened Bank of Perris are nearby. The privately owned Southern Hotel, built in 1886, is one of the oldest buildings in Perris, is also within walking distance. The SpringFest is near the world-famous Perris Valley Airport, one of the skydiving capitals of the world. The Orange Empire Railway Museum, which features one of the largest collections of trains, trolleys and rolling stock in the country, is a five-minute drive. Visitors along D Street can also witness the results of the City's Commercial Façade Improvement Program, which has revitalized the exteriors of several businesses on the historic thoroughfare. "We are always interested in events that highlight the many good things our City offers," Busch said. "This is another way to showcase our Downtown Area." City Councilman Mark Yarbrough said he hopes the SpringFest will jump start businesses Downtown. The present economy is challenging for businesses," he said. "We hope this event will showcase the Downtown area. We still have that small-town charm along with a tremendous amount of historical buildings. I hope this will jumpstart the Downtown economy." Yarbrough said he would like to see a Downtown street faire become a regular event. City Councilwoman Joanne Evans said Downtown SpringFest 2010 gives residents and visitors to see the many improvements along D Street in recent months. The City has installed new pavement, trees and landscaping while helping businesses refurbish their facades. The recently renovated TODEC building is scheduled to have a grand re-opening. TODEC works to ensure equitable access to information and services for limited and non-English speaking people including immigrants and migrant workers throughout Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial counties. "I'm excited for the City of Perris," Evans said. "People need a little bit of a break today, and many people can't afford to go to Magic Mountain. I'm really looking forward to this." Story By: Joe Vargo, Perris Public Information Officer Phone: 951-956-2120 jvargo@cityofperris.org