HESPERIA, Calif. — Wordsmith Productions has confirmed that due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has cancelled the 2020 High Desert Book Festival, which was to be held on Saturday, September 26^th at Hesperia Civic Plaza Park.

This would have been the second consecutive year of the book festival’s co-sponsorship with Hesperia Recreation & Park District and the City of Hesperia. Registered exhibitors have been refunded, and all presenters notified. International bestselling author Anne Perry was scheduled to appear.

“We are following the best practices of cautionary regulations against large gatherings during these troubled times,” said Wordsmith CEO Davida James. “We are very proud of our partnership with the park district and city, and it is our intention to announce a date in a few months for the 2021 High Desert Book Festival.”

Wordsmith Productions is working on transitioning to a virtual festival this year and encourages people to follow them on Facebook or visit the website at: highdesertbookfest.org

“We are still committed to making this book festival a destination event for San Bernardino County, and we welcome the public’s support in achieving that goal,” James said. “In the meantime, we hope everyone remains safe.”

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VICTORVILLE, Calif. — Victorville Hyundai announced today they are hosting a virtual sidewalk chalk contest to the theme “Summer Road Trip” to kick-off the Fourth of July holiday! 

Victorville Hyundai along with Red Dragon Karate Apple Valley, Tonyan Coffee, Generations Hair Salon, and Texas Roadhouse Hesperia is set to host a one-of-a-kind virtual event to support and bring a positive and light atmosphere to the community while we safely social distance.  

“The strength of the High Desert community is unmatched!  After such a rough couple of months for everyone, we wanted to host an event that could lighten the atmosphere and give people something to celebrate,” says Stephanie, Marketing Director at Victorville Hyundai Mazda Genesis.  

Beginning June 27th through July 3rd, high desert residents are asked to “Chalk it Up!” and transform their sidewalks, porches, and back patios into works of art.  

Prizes include:

• Gift Certificates and uniquely created prize packs from Red Dragon Karate Apple Valley, Tonyan Coffee, Generations Hair Salon, Texas Roadhouse Hesperia, and Ameriprise Financial- Martin E. Brander’s Office. 
• Grand Prize for General Participants includes: $150 + Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet + FREE Oil Change + 25% off your next major car service with Victorville Hyundai*
• Grand Prize for Small Business Owners includes: $250 + FREE Oil Change + 25% off your next major car service with Victorville Hyundai*

This event kicks off Saturday, June 27th and will accept entries through July 3rd.  For more information, visit https://bit.ly/vvhyundaisidewalkchalk

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APPLE VALLEY, Calif. — The Town of Apple Valley has canceled this year’s Sunset Concert Series and the Freedom Festival due to public health concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the cancelation of the well-attended events, a July 4^th fireworks show will go on.

“We’ve gotten so many inquiries as to whether or not there would be fireworks that we just couldn’t imagine an Independence Day without them,” said Mayor Scott Nassif. “Of course, it will be different this year in order to maintain social distance measures, but we would rather celebrate our freedom without the festival than to not celebrate at all.”

Per state guidelines, large-crowd events such as festivals, concerts and live sporting events are still yet to reopen due to their higher-risk of potential COVID-19 spread. Those events will hopefully resume later this summer.

In order to balance the tradition of pyrotechnics with the safety protocols of the pandemic, the fireworks will be staged at Brewster Park, which will be gated and locked to prevent on-site viewing. Residents will be encouraged to view the show from their homes. 

Should spectators choose to see the show closer, they will be encouraged to view from the safety of their vehicle in an open space area. Spectators are urged to obey all traffic laws and to refrain from parking on private property.

The 18-minute firework spectacular is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. with patriotic music simulcast on 106.5 The Fox radio station.

As a reminder, fireworks are prohibited in Apple Valley and subject to a $1,000 fine.

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