Each fall, the Recreation & Community Services Department holds a craft boutique called Lollipop Lane held the third Saturday in October at Mayfair Park, 5720 Clark Ave. in Lakewood. There are three rooms and outdoor space with over 110 vendors selling handmade craft and gift items including Halloween crafts, Thanksgiving crafts and Christmas crafts. Lollipop Lane is the perfect place to purchase home accessories, accent items, personalized gifts and seasonal items. Bring a friend and enjoy a leisurely day of shopping, friendship and fun. Admission is free and there’s also plenty of free parking. Lunch and other refreshments are available for purchase. For craft space information or other questions, please call (562) 866-9771 ext. 2408.

Summer Concerts in the Park

Summer is a special time in Lakewood. One of the most popular family events is the Summer Concert music series. Weekly concerts begin in June and feature country western music, rock and roll, hits of the 60’s & 70's, big band and more. Over 1,500 residents enjoy listening to the music under the grove of trees at centrally located Del Valle Park, (corner of Woodruff and Arbor) in Lakewood. Bring your picnic blanket and have dinner with us while you listen to some fantastic entertainment.

Dinner and refreshments will be sold at each concert or bring your own. Concerts are held from 6:30 – 8 p.m., Thursday evenings. Summer Concerts in the Park is solely supported by area businesses and concert patrons. Call (562) 866-9771 ext. 2408 after April for a complete concert schedule.

Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame

Each year, the City of Lakewood honors its youth athletes at the Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame banquet. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding athletes, teams, boosters and athletic achievements as well as Athlete of the Year and Performers of the Year for over a dozen sports. Special Achievement awards are also presented for academics and other significant contributions to youth sports in Lakewood. This popular event is generally held annually in February.

Nominations may be submitted to the Department of Recreation and Community Services no later than the first week of December of each year. Nomination forms are available at Lakewood City Hall and Lakewood parks or written nominations with complete information including nominee’s name, address and phone number and detailed accomplishments may be submitted. Achievements are considered for sports seasons ending during the current calendar year. For further information, including ticket prices, please call (562) 866-9771 ext. 2408.

Pan American Fiesta

Lakewood’s largest event, The Pan American Festival began in 1945 by two Lakewood Lion’s Club Members who wanted to bridge the space and language boundaries which separated North and South America. The Pan American Festival has evolved over the years to include many different aspects, including the El Comienzo Luncheon signifying “the beginning” of the festival events; a poster contest through the schools; a Flags Exchange Ceremony; a poetry contest and more. Residents are most familiar with the three-day Pan American Fiesta held at Mayfair Park in May.

This fun-filled family event highlights the Festival each year. The Fiesta is a longtime Lakewood tradition and features arts/crafts, displays, food booths, entertainment and amusement rides. Over 100 community organizations sponsor food, crafts and display booths. Fiesta participants can purchase refreshments, such as tacos, burritos, hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecued ribs, nachos, pizza and more. Residents, community group members and members of the Lakewood Artist Guild will exhibit and sell handmade arts and crafts items. Exhibits will include: country crafts, T-shirts/sweatshirts, wood works, toys, dolls, ceramics and jewelry, to name a few.

The Fiesta is sponsored by the City of Lakewood and the Pan American Association. For more information about the Pan American Fiesta or a craft/food booth application, please call the City of Lakewood Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 866-9771, ext. 2408.

Halloween Carnivals

Put on your costume and come to your neighborhood park for free Halloween fun. Lakewood's traditional Halloween Carnivals offer fun and safety for youngsters on the scariest night of the year. Each major city park offers special carnival games and activities October 31, from 6 - 8:30 p.m.

The Halloween Carnivals are for the whole family and feature food and game booths, special contests and prizes for the kids. Four parks have a super-scary "haunted house" for little ghosts and goblins to venture inside.

Volunteers are always needed for Halloween Carnivals at Biscailuz, Bloomfield, Bolivar, Boyar, Del Valle, Mayfair, Palms and San Martin Parks. For more information, call the park nearest you or the Recreation and Community Services office at (562) 866-9771 ext. 2408. Support for the carnivals comes from community volunteers, civic organizations and Lakewood Tot Lot parents.