Walnut Festival Rocks Heather Farm Park, Beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday

Four days of family fun in a variety of facets comes to Walnut Creek starting Thursday evening — the annual Walnut Festival.

It's a Heather Farm Park at 500 San Carlos Dr.

"It's 74 years of community service," said festival association volunteer Grace Ocenasek. "That's what we do."

Some funds from the festival go to local schools.

This year an additional stage has been set up in the children's area by the lake. It will feature demonstrations by dance clubs, gymnastics stars, karate specialists and other local children's groups, said Ocenasek.

The lake is a kid paradise with free fishing for age 16 and younger, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (you gotta get up early to get the big ones!). Reels and bait are provided. The association is looking for an RSVP at walnutfestival@sbcglobal.

Also new this year is "VIP" parking in the pool area. For $20 you get a nice spot close to the Ferris wheel and other attractions. The rest of you will pay $10 for on-site parking.

There's more live entertainment than anything this side of Vegas — well, OK, Reno. There are schedules for the Carnival Stage and the Lakeside Stage including Blue Moonshine, Johnny Hi-Fi, Howlin' Houndog and the Ancestral Water Band, to mention only a few. The roster of acts and times is in a flier accompanying this article.

The gate fee is $5 with a dollar discount if you donate to the Contra Costa Food Bank. It's free entry for seniors 65 and over, age 2 and under and active military personnel.

Carnival hours are:
5 to 10 p.m. Thursday
5 to 11 p.m. Friday
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday

Lakeside activity hours, including vendors and kids activities, are:
5-10 p.m. Friday
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday (kids activity area closes at 6 p.m.)
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday