The dog days of summer are approaching and downtown Alpine merchants and others are planning a cool Fiesta del Sol June 18th &
19th to counter the heat. More than 30 businesses and other entities are expected to take part in the solstice event.
For
the first stime, a string of businesses on South Murphy Street will be participating, along with the retail establishments and restaurants
on East and West Holland Avenue and North Fifth Street. The 9th Annual Fiesta del Sol will feature special music, art exhibits,
refreshments, sales, programs, book signing, and dancing. Retailers will have later hours than usual - until 8 p.m. Friday and
until 10 p.m. Saturday. Many merchants will have all-day Saturday sales and special activities.
"Fiesta del Sol is a summer festival
for our hometown customers and for special out-of-town visitors, to let them know how much we appreciate them year-round," said event
co-founder Jean Hardy. "It's a great big 'thank-you' party!" she added.
Out-of-area street vendors are not encouraged,
but local organizations that would like to set up an information table, pet adoption, or small-scale fundraisers are definitely encouraged.