Tustin Celebrates Tiller Days

For the 57th year, the city of Tustin celebrated its annual Tustin Tiller Days Fair. A celebration that commemorates Orange County’s agricultural heritage, the event was held from October 3 through 5 and included a carnival, parade, baking contest, and many vendor booths.

“I always look forward to Tiller Days because it’s a fun place to hang out with my friends by riding roller coasters, eating great food, and playing carnival games,” said Beckman High School senior Ben Chen in a JSR interview before the fair. “I go almost every year.”

Adults, children, families, and students like Chen all attend Tiller Days as an opportunity to relax and have fun. “My parents sometimes go for the beer tasting or to watch the parade while my brother and I listen to the entertainment performing on stage and enjoy ourselves on rides,” added Chen.

Another large part of the Tiller Days event is the parade in which floats and local organizations ride down Main street, followed by a competitive marching band competition. The Beckman High School band has managed to win the Sweepstakes trophy – the highest honor given – for four years straight.

The three day event not only celebrates the heritage of Orange County, but also offers a great opportunity for local organizations to raise awareness of their causes and gain funds. Over 57 years, numerous churches, civic organizations, schools, and youth groups have raised thousands of dollars to benefit local needs.

“If I had to summarize it,” Beckman senior James Farol told JSR, “Tiller Days is one of the main highlights of the year for me and my family and it’s popular because it is one of those rare events that can bring an entire community together.”