Story and photo by Miriam Raftery

April 2, 2021 (Santa Ysabel) – Spring is in the air – and lilacs are in full bloom.  The annual Lilac Festival at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures in Santa Ysabel returns each weekend this month.  The hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 12 noon to 5 p.m.

"Hop on the hayride and enjoy the views on a scenic nature loop, try your skill with some tomahawk throwing, visit our friends at the petting zoo, enjoy a lively hoedown or pick up an instrument and join the jug band, paint a flower vase to keep, dip your very own lilac themed candle the old fashioned way, and so much more,” the Fort Cross website states.  "Our very own Jesse Cross, dance caller and music man extraordinaire will be playing live during various times to lead any willing kids and adults through the most fun jug band hootenanny you ever did see!”

East County News Service

February 28, 2017 (Santa Ysabel) – Spring is in the air, and Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures in Santa Ysabel (4425 Highway 78) invites you to savor the season at a Lilac Festival on March 25^th and 26^th.  

Stroll through organic, sweet-smelling lilac groves, or hop on a hayride to enjoy views on a scenic nature loop.  Plus, you’ll find an array of unusual activities reflecting the community’s rich pioneer heritage.