California’s premier Danish heritage festival, “Solvang Danish Days” (SolvangDanishDays.org), returns with a three-day event weekend lineup Friday through Sunday, Sept. 19, 20, and 21. The 2025 Solvang Danish Days theme, “Be Happy – Vær Glæde!,” will be celebrated during this year’s event, which honors the 1911 establishment of Solvang by Danish-Americans.

The 2025 edition of Solvang Danish Days will once again offer attendees a Danish immersion experience — without the flight to Europe — while helping to preserve Solvang’s authentic Danish heritage. Danish Days guests looking to “live like Vikings” throughout the event weekend have the opportunity to purchase a “Dane For A Day” VIP ticket bundle (only available online atwww.eventbrite.com/e/solvang-danish-days-2025-tickets-1343140412129?aff=oddtdtcreator), while those looking to gain quicker entrance to the Saturday and/or Sunday Æbleskiver Breakfasts may purchase online tickets for the breakfasts in advance. Advance, online tickets for the 2025 Æbleskiver Breakfasts and Dane For A Day ticket packages are currently on sale.

Solvang Danish Days continues to mix “old country charm and customs” with a more modern “way of life” through its varied activities that blend Danish-American traditions with present-day festival highlights, while showcasing everything “Solvang.”

The weekend’s array of offerings includes activities for all ages ranging from fan-following food events surrounding Æbleskiver, the iconic Danish pastry rounds; to a Danish-style beer and wine garden serving Danish import, Carlsberg beer, alongside local brews, wines and festival foods; to an axe throwing arena; a Viking “camp” and presentations; interactive history lessons at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art; story time sessions with fairytale favorite, Hans Christian Andersen; to a future-telling rune reader; and, an Old World artisanal crafts marketplace.

Solvang Danish Days boasts a full weekend of entertainment with multiple parades, Danish folk dancers and musicians performing at locations all over town, plus afternoons and evenings of free, live concerts on the Midgaard Pavilion Stage in the middle of downtown Solvang, adjacent to the Viking Beer & Wine Garden. Solvang Danish Days 2025 will, once again, also offer family-friendly pastimes, including the popular, and shaded, LEGO tents in Solvang Park, and an expanded Kid’s Korner with face painting, activities, and games.

Also returning to Solvang Danish Days is the pastry-fueled, all-ages Aebleskiver Eating Contest, which will take place on both Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 AM, crowning 2025 winners able to consume the highest count of aebleskiver in just five minutes, all hands-free. Rejoining this year’s nosh is competitive eater Naader Reda (@freakeating), trying to best his own record from the 2024 Aebleskiver Eating Contests.

Since the 1960s, Solvang Danish Days has been presided over by each year’s Danish Maid, a tradition that remains an honorable accomplishment for each of the Maids appointed by the Danish Days Foundation Board members to become a specific year’s Danish Days “royalty.” Solvang’s Danish Maids serve as goodwill ambassadors during their year of service, making public appearances to promote Solvang and the City’s spirit of Danish hospitality.

The 2025 Danish Maid is 17-year-old Addie Madrid, a Solvang resident and third-generation Maid whose Danish roots reach across the seas to Denmark. Her mother, Ashlee, is of mixed background, including Danish ancestry, and her grandmother, Glenda, traces her Denmark ties to her Danish-born parents, Marie and Johannes Jaeger.

Serving as the 2025 Danish Maid, Addie follows the regal, third-generation path of her grandmother, Glenda Jaeger Madrid, Danish Maid in 1971; her mother, Ashlee Madrid, Danish Maid in 1999; and her sister, Aleena Madrid, Danish Maid in 2022.

“Velkommen to Danish Days 2025,” said Addie Madrid, Solvang’s 2025 Danish Maid. “I’m so excited that we get to gather once again to celebrate our heritage, our stories, and everything that makes Solvang feel like home, for locals and for visitors. Whether you’re here for the traditional Danish foods, the parades and dancing, or simply the feeling of community, I hope this weekend reminds you – just like it reminds me – of where we come from and why we keep returning.”

Meanwhile, it was announced on Monday, Sept. 15, that Brenda and Mark Anderson will be the 2025 Danish Days Grand Marshals. Brenda’s family has been involved in Danish Days since its inception, and the couple and their offspring have been involved with the event for many years (see item in News Briefs, page 2)

More information about Solvang Danish Days including the preliminary schedule a brief history of the event, parade applications, and contact information, is also available at www.SolvangDanishDays.org. Solvang Danish Days is also on Facebook (facebook.com/SolvangDanishDays) and Instagram (@DanishDays). You can also find a day-by-day schedule with this story at santaynezvalleystar.com

Solvang Danish Days 2025 – Preliminary Event Weekend Highlights*

FRIDAY, SEPT. 19

10:30 a.m.: John Clark, Hans Christian Andersen Storytime – Young and old alike will enjoy listening to an hour of tales from Denmark’s favorite author. Friday reading: 10:30 AM at the Solvang Library (1745 Mission Drive).

4 to 7 p.m.: Free Concert – The Rincons, performing live in free concert on the Midgaard Pavilion Stage in Parking Lot 2, in downtown Solvang, adjacent to the Danish Days Viking Beer & Wine Garden. All ages welcome; but one must be 21 years or older to enter Viking Beer & Wine Garden.

4 to 9 p.m.: Axe Throwing – An axe-throwing arena in downtown Solvang. Public invited to give axe throwing a try; must be 13 years of age or older to enjoy. Ages 13-17 need to have a parent or guardian present. Closed-toe shoes required. Axe throwing continues on Saturday and Sunday.

4 to 9:30 p.m.: Viking Beer & Wine Garden – Outdoor beer and wine garden; supports the Solvang Danish Days Foundation. Viking Beer & Wine Garden continues on Saturday. (Guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase alcoholic beverages.)

7:30 p.m.: Torchlight Parade – Free for participants, all ages welcome, candles will be provided. Route begins at Alisal Road and Laurel Avenue, strolling south down Alisal Road and ending at the Midgaard Pavilion Stage

8 p.m.: Opening Ceremonies in Solvang Park introducing the 2025 Danish Maid, Addie Madrid, a welcome by Solvang Mayor David Brown, plus the 2025 Grand Marshals (TBA). Velkommen Street Dance follows with Danish dancers performing to live music.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 20

8:30 a.m. to  12 p.m.: Æbleskiver Breakfast on Copenhagen Drive between First and Second streets, $10 per person (with Danish sausage, $12). Tickets available online in advance, or at the event entrance.

9 a.m.: Old World Artisans Marketplace – Demonstrations and artisan hand-crafted items including Scandinavian arts & crafts, woodworking, papercutting, among others. An open-air Nordic shopping district of finely crafted items, on First Street.

Vikings of Bjornstad – The Vikings of Bjornstad, a living history and educational group concentrating on the Viking age, will be in Solvang for this year’s Danish Days.

10 a.m. to. 5 p.m.: Expanded Kid’s Korner featuring the popular LEGO® tents in Solvang Park, plus Luna’s Jumps attractions.

10:30 a.m.: John Clark, Hans Christian Andersen Storytimes – Saturday reading at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum (at The Book Loft).

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Living History Festival at Elverhøj Museum of History & Art (1624 Elverhoy Way; www.Elverhoj.org). Exhibits come to life during this free, interactive history lesson for all ages. Craftspeople, artisans, and storytellers demonstrate their skills and entertain visitors. Snap a selfie at the Viking photo stop stocked with costumes and props.

11 a.m. to 9 p.m.: Axe Throwing

11:30 a.m.: Æbleskiver Eating Contest – Contest will be held in the Midgaard Pavilion in Parking Lot 2, downtown Solvang, adjacent to the Danish Days Viking Beer & Wine Garden. All ages welcome for this five-minute competition.

12 to 9:30 p.m.: Viking Beer & Wine Garden – Outdoor beer and wine garden; supports the Solvang Danish Days Foundation. (Guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase alcoholic beverages.)

2:30 p.m.: Danish Days Parade – Includes the Solvang Village Band atop the Carlsberg Beer Wagon, floats, equestrians, Village Dancers and more. Line-up starts at 1:30 p.m. on First Street near Molle Way; parade begins by turning east on Copenhagen Drive, then north on Alisal Road, west on Mission Drive, south on Atterdag Road, east on Copenhagen, south on Second Street, finishes through Molle Way (running behind Solvang Festival Theater) back to First Street. NO CHARGE to participate in the parade; applications are available at www.SolvangDanishDays.org/contact-us

3 to 10 p.m.: Free Concerts featuring live performances on the Midgaard Pavilion Stage. Out Of The Blue performs from 3 to 6 p.m.; The Molly Ringwald Project performs from 7 to 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 21

8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Æbleskiver Breakfast on Copenhagen Drive between First and Second streets, $10 per person (with Danish sausage, $12). Advance tickets available for sale at solvang-danish-days-2025.eventbrite.com.

9:00 a.m.: Old World Artisans Marketplace

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Axe Throwing

Vikings of Bjornstad

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Kid’s Korner

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Free Admission Day at Elverhøj Museum of History & Art (1624 Elverhoy Way; www.Elverhoj.org). Enjoy a day of free admission to Solvang’s Elverhøj Museum of History & Art.

11 a.m. and 1 p.m.: John Clark, Hans Christian Andersen Storytimes — Sunday readings: 11:00 a.m. at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum (at The Book Loft), 1 p.m. at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art.

11:30 a.m.: Æbleskiver Eating Contest – Contest will be held in the Midgaard Pavilion in Parking Lot 2, downtown Solvang, adjacent to the Danish Days Viking Beer & Wine Garden. All ages welcome for this five-minute competition.

12 to 2:30 p.m.: Free Concert – The Lowdown Dudes Band performs live in the Solvang Park Gazebo.

12 to 5 p.m.: Solvang Brewing Co. in Solvang Park – Sip locally-crafted beers at the Solvang Brewing Company tent in Solvang Park. (You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase alcoholic beverages.)

2:30 p.m.: Children’s Parade – Parade begins at Atterdag Square (corner of Atterdag Road and Copenhagen Drive) and meanders down Copenhagen to Solvang Park. All children and families are welcome to join this event; no charge to participate, and costumes are encouraged.

3 p.m.: Danish Days Closing Ceremony in Solvang Park – The 2025 Danish Days Maid closes the festive event weekend.

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By Pamela Dozois

Contributing Writer

Happy Endings Animal Rescue Sanctuary is holding its annual “Rock for Horses” fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the sanctuary. The fundraiser is a ‘70s-themed evening, complete with peace signs, flower power galore, and live music by LiveWire. The evening also includes dinner, beer, wine, and a silent auction. The sanctuary is seeking auction items in support of this wonderful cause.
Happy Endings Animal Rescue Sanctuary was founded in 2007 by C.C. Beaudette-Wellman. It is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating children and saving animals’ lives. All profits go directly to the horses so that they may ensure the future of the Valley’s homeless, neglected, and abused horses. These horses are an integral part of their Horse Angels and education programs.
“Horse Angels focuses on engaging at-risk youth, especially those currently in the foster or welfare systems, with abused and neglected horses,” said Beaudette-Wellman. “We believe that children benefit from interacting with horses (and animals in general), and we feel that learning about compassion and empathy early in life can help build moral character, and self-esteem, reduce violence, and build a sense of responsibility and community. For horses with trust issues, we have found that children offer them gentle and happy interaction, which can, in turn, help these horses be more apt to accept people in general and become adoptable. All together, a mutual, beneficial bond is created.
“Coinciding with this program is a separate session that helps foster communication between Horse Angels’ youth and their families. One hundred percent of the participants we serve are low income. There is no cost for whoever wishes to attend any of our programs.”

The sanctuary also helps financially struggling seniors feed their horses.
“We have also expanded our rescue program this year to help seniors who are struggling financially feed their horses. We became aware that many of these folks will feed their horses before they buy their own food and medicine. That’s unacceptable!,” Beaudette-Wellman said. “They are good folks who love their horses like children, so we want to keep the ‘family’ together. These participants are carefully vetted before we accept them into our program.”

The sanctuary is eager to greet people at the fundraiser and always looking for help.
“We would be very honored for any assistance you could give these kids, seniors, and horses. We would also welcome the opportunity to have you come to our sanctuary for a visit and see for yourself the amazing understanding and love these horses are gifted with,” said Beaudette-Wellman. “We are so very grateful for your consideration and support of our big event and for your extreme generosity and commitment to our community.”
Tickets for the Rock for Horses fundraiser are $95. Reserve your spot by calling (805) 448-7138.
Happy Endings Animal Rescue Sanctuary is at 1326 Dove Meadow Road in Solvang. If you cannot attend but would like to donate, or for more information about the organization and the many programs Happy Endings offers, visit www.HappyEndingsAnimalRescueSanctuary.org.
To donate auction items, please call (805) 448-7138 or email happyendingssanctuary@gmail.com

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Addie Madrid has been chosen as Solvang’s Danish Maid and will preside over this year’s 88th Solvang Danish Days celebration, whose theme this year is “Be Happy–Vaer Glaede!” Madrid will fulfill her “royal” duties during this year’s event weekend — Friday through Sunday, September 19 through 21 — and throughout her year’s reign. She is the fourth woman in her family to hold the title of Solvang Danish Maid. That title was also held by her grandmother, Glen- da Jaeger Madrid (1971); her mother, Ashlee Madrid (1999); and her sister, Aleena Madrid (2022). 

Madrid, who is 17 and will be a senior this year at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, applied last spring to the Solvang Danish Days Foundation for a chance at becoming this year’s Danish Maid. Due in part to her familial background and involvement in previous Danish Days events “every year since I was born,” she was chosen to be this year’s Danish Maid. 

Both sides of Madrid’s family ancestry run deep in the history of Solvang and are rooted in Denmark. According to information provided by the foundation, Madrid’s great-great-grandfather, Viggo Tarnow, came to the United States from Copenhagen in 1914. He settled in Minnesota, where he met and married Cora, later moving his family, including their daughter, Marie, to California. Tarnow taught at Solvang’s Atterdag Folk School and helped to shape what is now the Atterdag Village of Solvang senior care center. His love for the Santa Ynez Valley ran deep, and through his dedication, Addie’s family became woven into the very fabric of Solvang. 

The foundation also stated that Madrid’s great-grandfather, Johannes Jaeger, came from Tindbaek, Denmark, in 1948, with hope in his heart and carpentry tools in his hands. In Solvang, he met and married Marie Tarnow, and together they built not just homes but a life of service and commitment to the community. Johannes became a partner in the Madsen & Jaeger Contracting Firm, and many of the Solvang structures that he helped build still stand today — such as the large windmill on Alisal Road and the Solvang Brewing Company windmill on Mission Drive. Alongside Marie, he gave back to the community through volunteer work at Atterdag College, Bethania Lutheran Church, the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, and more. 

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It was a picturesque, sunny day in the Santa Ynez Valley on Saturday, July 26, warm, but not too hot, and the perfect day to hold a barbecue. Well, the Valley got two notable ones on this day.

At River View Park, the City of Buellton held its 23rd annual BBQ Bonanza, where all of the city’s residents were invited for a free barbecue lunch and many fun activities to go with it. Meanwhile, later that day in Los Olivos, just past the point where Alamo Pintado Road becomes Santa Barbara Avenue, the Women Winemakers and Culinarians Foundation gave some of the men a chance to show their grilling skills at the inaugural BroBBQ.

The Buellton BBQ Bonanza was started in Buellton more than two decades ago by the city’s Parks and Rec Department to thank the residents of Buellton for their support in making the city a great place to live, and has become a summertime staple in town.

“It’s been a good day today,” said Buellton Parks and Rec Director Paul Smith. “I got to meet a lot of new families, and we’ve been able to get in a lot of activities and entertainment that has just run the gamut of fun things to do.”

Along with the delicious barbecue food being served up, the event also offered plenty of fun things, like blowup waterslides for the kids, games and activities, and even a karaoke machine at one of the booths.

“We even had an Elvis impersonator come in earlier, and he sung the entire ‘Trilogy’ of songs he’s famous for,” Smith said.

Another successful Bonanza came and went, and another one will be planned next summer.

Meanwhile, a little later that afternoon on a property off Santa Barbara Avenue in Los Olivos, the Women’s Winemaker and Culinarians Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is “to empower and support female winemakers and culinarians by fostering a community that champions their craft, creativity, and leadership,” according to the group’s website, put some of the men on the grills for the first-ever BroBBQ.

According to the organization’s Karen Steinwachs, the BroBBQ came about inadvertently due to some complaints about the food at the group’s fundraiser in March.

“We had our big fundraising event where our female chefs displayed their cooking skills, and it was vegan and gluten- and sugar-fee cookout,” Steinwachs said. “Anyway, some of the menfolk came around asking why there wasn’t any meat dishes, and we said ‘Well, if you want some meat cooked so bad organize other barbecue and cook it yourself, and we put the event together.”

Brooke Stockwell, a former Valley chef who recently moved to the Bay Area, came back down to organize the roster of male cooks, dubbed the “GrillMeisters.”

“I was sort of the wrangler of the cooks, and I’m still doing it. We’re all enjoying our wine and conversation and I’m trying to get them to start cooking,” Stockwell said with a laugh.

The team of GrillMeisters are considered locally famous for their barbecuing skills, according to Steinwachs.  Don Layton, Rafik Tadros, Nate “Tater” Stricker, Loren Tarquinio, Mike Mesikip, Dan Dominquez, Ryan Layton, and Randy Jones were out grilling sausages, elk tips, ribs, tri-tip, tofu (!), brisket, lamb lollipops, artichokes, seasonal veggies, and sides! And while savoring the aroma of the different grills, attendees got to sample a number of wines.

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Staff Report

On Friday, Aug. 1, NatureTrack Foundation, in partnership with the Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, invites the community to a special summer screening of two remarkable films celebrating nature and the power of connection.

The evening opens with “The Long Kiss,” a charming 2.5-minute animated short by Russian student filmmaker Ivan Khanzhi that follows two river snails in a heartwarming attempt to overcome their natural sluggishness for a chance at love.

The feature film, “Fishpeople” (48 mins), is a stunning documentary presented by Patagonia and directed by local filmmaker Keith Malloy. Winner of Best Feature at the 2018 NatureTrack Film Festival, the film shares the transformative stories of surfers, swimmers, spearfishers, and others whose lives have been changed by their connection to the sea.

This free community event offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class, nature-focused cinema right here in the Santa Ynez Valley. The screening will take place at the Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, located at 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave., in Los Olivos. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the screening begins promptly at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.

About NatureTrack

NatureTrack Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2011 with the mission of connecting people to nature through cost-free, curriculum-aligned outdoor field trips for K–12 students. Based in Santa Barbara County, NatureTrack has since expanded its impact with the Freedom Trax program, which enables wheelchair users to explore beaches and trails with independence and dignity. NatureTrack also produces the NatureTrack Film Festival, celebrating nature through film and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Learn more at www.naturetrack.org

About Santa Ynez Valley Grange

The Santa Ynez Valley Grange  No. 644 has served as a cornerstone of community life in the Santa Ynez Valley since its founding in 1937.  As part of the national and State Grange organizations the SYV Grange is dedicated to promoting agriculture, education, and community enrichment.  The historic hall hosts a variety of public and private events, bringing people together in the spirit of cooperation, learning, and local culture.

Learn more at www.syvgrange.org

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Staff Report

The Santa Ynez Valley Grange, in partnership with Apples to Zucchini Cooking School, is excited to offer two series of cooking classes for both families and adults/teens: Family Cooking will be offered monthly on second Monday evenings starting July 14, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Batch Cooking for adults and teens will be offered monthly on second Sunday afternoons from 2 to 3 p.m., starting July 13.

The classes, led by Chef Bethany Markee, will meet at the Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall Kitchen at 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave. in Los Olivos.

The Family Cooking class brings the family together to learn side-by-side how to prepare delicious meals. Classes are tailored for children and teens with a family adult. Share your favorite food memories and traditions, build healthy relationships with food and cooking, and let the kids show off all their emerging kitchen skills! The class will meet to prepare a meal and eat it together! 

Recipes to be covered include scratch-made pizza and seasonal garden salad; macaroni and cheese and roasted vegetables; chicken or vegetable soup and freshly baked bread; tomato bisque and toasted cheese sandwiches; and French crepes with a variety of “add-ins.”

Batch Cooking is a class for adults as well as teens who are 14 or older. The group will work with seasonally available local produce, using simple and repeatable cooking techniques such as roasting, sautéing, pickling, making soups, salad dressings, and sauces. Students will get to take home all the food prepared in class.

Attendance is limited to 12 per class. Participants may register online at AtoZcookingschool.org.

To find out more about other SYV Grange programs and membership, please visit syvgrange.org or email President Carey McKinnon at syvgrange@gmail.com. To check out more cooking classes from Apples to Zucchini, visit them at AtoZcookingschool.org or email Markee at bethany@atozcookingschool.org. 

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Staff Report

Rich Gamble, author of the Zack Tolliver series of books, and his wife Ann, will be moving from Los Alamos this fall to be closer to their son, who lives in northern California. They will be holding an “Overstock and Farewell” party from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at the Bedford Winery in Los Alamos. 

“It will be an opportunity offering readers to ‘fill in the blanks’ of books in the Zack Tolliver series, for a reduced price, that they may not yet own, and, of course, the chance for us to see friends and neighbors once more,” said Gamble. “We would love to see all of you there.” 

Gamble says he will continue to write books, and, in fact, his next one is already in the works.

Bedford Winery is at 448 Bell St. in Los Alamos.

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Saturday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free for the show at Nipomo High, located at 525 N. Thompson Ave. in Nipomo.

This spectacular showcase promises an unforgettable experience with activities and offerings for all ages.

What to Expect

• Over 60 qualified dealers: Explore an incredible range of high-quality rocks, minerals, and gemstones offered by more than 60 experienced and reputable dealers.
• Club displays: Marvel at fascinating exhibits of various minerals and rocks that have been carefully collected by our society members.
• Lapidary arts: Witness the artistry of lapidary as skilled artisans demonstrate their craft, showcasing how raw stones are transformed into stunning works of art.
• Exciting raffle: Participate in a raffle for a chance to win beautiful and valuable collectibles. Don’t miss this opportunity to take home a treasure!
• Kids’ activities: Bring the little ones along for fun and engaging activities such as “Spin the Wheel,” designed to entertain and educate young minds.

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of gems and minerals. Whether you’re here to shop, learn, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.

For more information about the Annual Gem and Mineral Show, please email joegoetz289@gmail.com or Nipomocowgirl55@yahoo.com, or go online to oms-inc.org.

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It was a lovely spring day in Los Olivos for the Rotary Club’s 19th annual Jazz & Olive Festival, which was held on Saturday, June 7, at Lavinia Campbell Park. The festival is always a popular event, having developed a dedicated following over the years, and this year was no different. 

Jazz music, provided by The Alan Satchwell Quintet, filled the air as nearly 400 guests enjoyed the wines offered by 26 different vintners pouring their latest releases and tasty olive-related hors d’oeuvres, generously provided by 26 O’Chefs. 

The Jazz & Olive Festival was established by the Rotary Club of Los Olivos as a headline community event to showcase jazz musicians, the growing local olive industry, and Santa Barbara County’s premier wines. The annual festival is presented by and the primary fundraiser for the Los Olivos Rotary Club Foundation. All funds raised from the festival support local organizations in need, high school scholarships, and international service organizations. 

The winners of this year’s O’Chefs competition are as follows: Focaccia by Tyler Sprague; Fern’s Famous Olive Dip by Cindy Mathews; Olive Chocolate Brownies by Ann Foxworthy Lewellen; Pasta Salad by Candy Waldron; and Hoisin Beef by Judy Canby. The judges were Elaine Revelle and Sarah Harris.

“There was plenty of wine and a bounty of olive-based treats for all to enjoy,” said Chairperson Beth Sprague, who took over the event in 2022.

For the second year, the Jazz and Olive Festival stage featured local musicians featuring Alan Satchwell on trumpet joined by the Alan Satchwell Quintet, consisting of David Alm on piano, Dave Keif on bass, Darrell Voss on drums, Rich Seversen on guitar, and featured guest singer, Inga Swearengen.

“They were so good last year we decided to have them back this year to entertain all our guests,” said Rotarian Rich Nagler. 
“All the funds raised from this event go to charities our Rotary supports, both local and abroad,” said Sprague.

This past year, Los Olivos Rotary Club gave grants to a variety of community service organizations and youth services: Veggie Rescue, SYV Aquatic, SYV Botanic Garden, SYV Community Outreach, CALNAM, People Helping People ADCAP, Stuart Gildred YMCA, Hidden Wings, Friends of the Library, Little Village, Santa Barbara Food Bank, Arts Outreach, Los Padres Forest Watch, and New Life K9. Youth service grants were given to Lucy Clover H, RYLA Scholarships, Dunn Interactive Club, Santa Barbara Community Rowing, Explore Ecology, Nature Track, Youth Empowered, and the Scouts. 

“Our mission this year is to provide the remaining funds from this year’s event to local organizations who help solve food insecurity in our community,” said Nagler. “Organizations like People Helping People, Meals on Wheels, which serves over 300 house-bound or senior citizens in need, Atterdag at Home, Veggie Rescue, and the Bethania Lutheran Food Program.”

“Despite having a reputation for being affluent, Santa Barbara County has the second-highest poverty rate in the state, with 17 percent of residents lacking resources for basic needs like food,” quoted Nagler. “There has been a considerable decrease in funding and donated food to organizations that provide nutrition and an increase in those in need of assistance. 

“We are so glad to see so many people having a good time and helping our Rotary Club to provide donations and support for these organizations who help solve food insecurity in our community.”

Many Los Olivos Rotarians were on hand to help guests with their needs and enjoy the experience.
For more information on the Los Olivos Rotary Club, visit www.losolivosrotary.org.

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The Solvang Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back the Summer Music in the Park Series, presented by the Solvang Chamber of Commerce. The family-friendly concert series features 11 different live musical performances every Wednesday, starting at 5 p.m.

Sean Wiggins & Lone Goat will kick off the Music in the Park concert series on Wednesday, June 18. The concerts will run all summer through the end of August with a different genre each night, including classic rock ‘n’ roll, blues, country, and jazz. 

Concerts will take place outdoors at Solvang Park, located at 1630 Mission Drive. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets for maximum comfort. While enjoying the music, guests can also indulge in delicious food and beverages available from numerous local restaurants. Alcoholic beverages will also be permitted at the park; however, we urge all attendees to consume responsibly and be mindful of their drinks at all times.

The lineup of expected acts throughout the summer:

Sean Wiggins and Lone Goat (June 18): While lead singer Wiggins weaves her own original tunes into her shows, she is known for adding her own soul into your favorite covers. So, when you come to see the duo or the band, you will hear a mix of originals and covers with a fresh take.

T-Bone Ramblers (June 25): This Central Coast-based blues and rock band has been performing for over 53 years. Their music blends classic blues with rock influences, earning them a dedicated following in the local music scene.

Dirty Cello (July 2): From Iceland to Italy, and all over the U.S., San Francisco-based Dirty Cello brings the world a high energy and unique spin on blues, rock, and Americana. Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before. 

Do No Harm (July 9): Do No Harm is a five-piece, multi-genre, Santa Barbara-based band, keeping your favorite rock, R&B, soul, motown, disco, blues, Latin, country, and jazz hits alive.

Rincons (July 16): The Rincons, who have also been known as The Dusty Jugz, are a local rock band. They have played at many local venues including the High Roller Tiki Lounge in Solvang and Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez. 

Out of the Blue (July 23): This band has been bringing classic rock ‘n’ roll to Santa Barbara and Ventura counties for about 10 years now, impressing audiences with band members musicianship.

Knee Deep (July 30): Knee Deep, out of San Jose, delivers a powerful sound, tight three- and four-part harmonies over a broad spectrum of material from ’60s, ’70s, ’80s & ’90s and beyond.  

Nataly Lola and Ghost/Monster (Aug. 6): Nataly Lola is an award-winning singer-songwriter, composer, and independent recording artist from the Central Coast who performs with her full band Ghost/Monster.

The Waymarkers (Aug. 13): This Santa Barbara band classifies its style as “High Energy Celtic Music,” drawing inspiration from Galicia, Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, and more!

Kelly’s Lot (Aug. 20): Kelly’s Lot was formed in 1994 by Kelly Zirbes, a folk singer/songwriter with a heart for the blues. With 17 CDs and lots of touring in the USA and Europe, the band celebrates 30 years of performing.

Soul Kool (Aug. 27): Soul Kool plays 7 different genres of music, including R&B, Oldies, Old School, Classic Rock, Country, Blues, and Latino music. Even though we are from the Central Coast we do travel to the Central Valley and to Southern California. 

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