The Goleta Lemon Festival kicked off on Saturday as thousands of people enjoyed a day of food, music, games, and lemon-flavored treats.

The event at Girsh Park featured vendors, food trucks, and a kids zone full of games and obstacle courses. Some of the attractions included mini golf, rock climbing and an obstacle course.

One of the main attractions of the day was the pie-eating contest at the main stage, where contestants competed to see who could eat the most lemon meringue pie in 30 seconds.

The winner of the kids’ contest was 9-year-old Bodhi Reddy. The winner of the 13-and-up contest was Arianna Navarro. Navarro said she did not plan to join the contest but decided to try when staff asked for volunteers.

“Once I saw it, I knew I wanted to try it cause when else do you get to do a pie-eating contest?” Navarro said.

Navarro said the toughest part of the competition was trying to eat while not breathing, and she did not expect to win.

“I was surprised, but I’m glad. I’m happy with the outcome,” Navarro said.

Patty Chalfant drove to the Lemon Festival from Lompoc and was visiting with her daughter, grandson and best friend.

The festival also showcased classic cars from different eras. One of the vehicles on display was a Dodge WC-52 Weapons Carrier.

The vehicle was restored by Robert Gordon, who has been restoring military vehicles for 40 years. Gordon was dressed as a paratrooper would have been dressed on D-Day in 1944.

“I bring these vehicles out so people can touch history,” Gordon said. “So, kids can come out and kind of get a feel of what it looked like (and) what was going on.”

The Lemon Festival will continue on Sunday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

For a full list of events and activities, click here.