Arvin is celebrating the return of the wildflowers this weekend with the 40th Annual Arvin Wildflower Festival.

When a dust storm swept away the wildflowers and dirt on Bear Mountain Boulevard more than 35 years ago, people were dismayed. The now annual festival was started as a way to re-seed the area.

Local flower lovers helped by dropping seeds as they walked to help bring the flowers back.

The Arvin Wildflower Festival starts Friday at 5 p.m. and goes all weekend long at Smothermon Park on Walnut Drive.

This year's festivities feature a carnival, food and entertainment.