The biggest community event of the summer is scheduled to begin August 18 with Simi Valley Kiwanis' Lobster Fest, followed by the Simi Valley Days Carnival which begins on September 12 and runs through September 16 at Madera & Los Angeles Avenues.

Rancho Tapo Community Park will be the venue for the first event, which is a major fund-raiser for Simi Valley Kiwanis with proceeds going to benefit the club's sponsored charities. Admission is free, and features will include games for the kids, a wide variety of vendor booths, music, silent auction, and raffle. Live Maine lobsters will be flown in and cooked to perfection by Kiwanis chefs, with side dishes completing the meal which is priced at $35, if purchased in advance. Also on the menu will be steaks, hamburgers, or hot dogs. Beer, wine, and soft drinks will be available for purchase.

Music on stage at both the Lobster Fest and Simi Valley Days will be provided by Michael John and the Bottom Line.This six piece, high energy contemporary original blues band has played at many festivals and concert theaters throughout Southern California. Michael John's strong, soulful vocals are his main instrument, rounded out by a style that is all his own on harmonica and rhythm guitar.

Kiwanis advises advance purchase of dinner tickets, since prices at the gate will be $5 more. Tickets can be purchased online at www.simivalleykiwanis.com, or at the following locations:

A New Technique, 1970 Sequoia Avenue
Holmes Art Center, 2389 Tapo Street
Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District, 1692 Sycamore Drive
Big Al's Pet Food Warehouse, 990 E. Los Angeles Avenue

Simi Valley Kiwanis and the Simi Valley Days Committee are looking forward to welcoming the entire community to these fun-filled and family-oriented festivities, rounding out the Summer Season.