As many of you know, I recently returned from Tanzania, where I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. For now, I’ll say it was an experience of a lifetime and there’s no doubt I was thrilled to check this off my bucket list. But I must admit I was disappointed to miss one of my favorite local events — the Cypress Community Festival.
Established in 1981 to celebrate the incorporation of the City of Cypress (previously known as Dairy City), today it’s one of the largest one-day events in Orange County. It’s not clear what the first festival included (though I’m guessing there was music, food and fun), but over the years, it’s grown and now boasts a classic car show, craft fair, business expo, kid’s area, and the famous chili and salsa contest.
When I opened my office in 2021, jumping into this beloved community tradition was one of the first things I did. My “chili with a Polish twist” (hint: the twist was Polish sausage!) was undoubtedly a hit, and since then, I’ve been fortunate to place in both the
chili and best booth design competitions. Who knows, maybe 2025 is my year for the salsa contest!
Competitive streak aside, this is an incredible way to get to know people in our community. Each year I see familiar faces and make new friends while hearing the stories about why people love living in Cypress. From the award-winning schools to family-oriented environment and convenient location, everyone has a story to share. Not to mention, the festival is a great place to connect with fellow business owners, meet hometown artisans and enjoy a day in the beautiful SoCal sunshine.
In an area where city lines change from block to block, the Cypress Community Festival gives our neighborhood a small-town feel. It’s a way to celebrate everything that is Cypress all while sharing what’s so special about our community with neighboring cities.
