The 73rd annual Los Alamos Valley Old Days Celebration is set for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27-29, when both residents and visitors celebrate Los Alamos’ historic Western culture.

Highlights include Friday evening’s chili cook-off dinner, a two-day Peddler’s Market and Artisan Faire, and Sunday morning’s “Greatest Little Small Town Parade.”

The celebration is sponsored by the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, a nonprofit organization of men, women and families dedicated to preserving the town’s unique Western character and hospitality. To learn more about this organization or Los Alamos Valley Old Days Celebration, visit www.LAVMC.org.

Friday, Sept. 27

5 – 9 p.m.: Old Days Kick-off/Chili Cook-off Dinner and Silent Auction. Enjoy chili, corn bread and all of the fixings prepared by local restaurants and Santa Ynez Valley chefs. The silent auction will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. and proceeds will benefit local youth and families. A full-service bar will open at 5 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door. The event will take place at the Men’s Club at 429 Leslie Street in downtown Los Alamos.

Saturday, Sept. 28

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Old Days Classic Car Show. Vintage cars, hot rods, race cars and many more will be featured on Bell Street (Highway 135) in downtown Los Alamos. Information and entry forms are available at www.LAVMC.org.

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Peddlers’ Mart, Artisan Faire and Food Booths. Booths selling hand-made artwork, collectibles and much more will line Bell Street. Information and entry forms are available at www.LAVMC.org.

3 p.m.: Cow Pie Bingo. Spectators can watch to find out where a cow will “do its ’do’” on a bingo board, and the winner will be awarded a $500 cash prize. There are 222 spaces available for $20 each, which can be purchased in advance. The event will be held on the corner of Bell Street and St. Joseph Street. For more information, call Shirley Williams at 805-478-0789.

6:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.:Tri-Tip Dinner and Dance. Tri-tip beef barbecue will be served until 9 p.m., followed by dancing and live music by the T-Bone Ramblers. A full-service bar will be available as well. Tickets at the door will cost $25 for dinner and dancing and $15 for just the dance. The event will take place at the Men’s Club at 429 Leslie Street in downtown Los Alamos.

Sunday, Sept. 29

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Peddler’s Mart, Artisan Faire and Food Booths. Booths selling hand-made artwork, collectibles and much more will line Bell Street. Information and entry forms are available at www.LAVMC.org.

9:30 a.m.: “Stampede” 5K Run/Walk. Registration will take place in Ferrini Park from 8 – 9:15 a.m. There is an entry fee of $25 per runner and all proceeds benefit local youth sports. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in seven divisions and trophies will be awarded to the first overall finishers.

9:30 – 10:15 a.m.: Non-denominational worship service. Rev. Warren Einolander from the Cottonwood Community Fellowship in Los Alamos will lead the service in Ferrini Park. All ages are welcome.

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: “Greatest Little Small Town Parade.” The parade will start at the corner of Bell Street (Highway 135) and Augusta Street, travel west down Bell Street and end at the intersection of St. Joseph Street. Equestrians, bands, floats and other community groups, including the 2019 Old Days Grand Marshals, Shelia Glaser and John Taller, will be featured. Apply at www.LAVMC.orgby Sept. 17 or contact Mary Anne Christensen at maclosalamos@aol.comor 805-344-4064 for more information.

12:15 – 2:30 p.m.: Tri-Tip Beef Barbecue. The barbecue will feature Santa Maria-style oak-grilled beef, beans, bread, locally made salsa and a full service bar. Tickets will be available at the door and cost $12 for adults and $10 for seniors 55 years or older and children under 10 years old. The event will take place at the Men’s Club at 429 Leslie St. in downtown Los Alamos.

3 p.m.: Chicken Poop Bingo Finale. Spectators can bet and watch to find out where three chickens will “do their ’do’” for three rounds to win cash prizes. There are 512 spaces available for $5 each, which can be purchased in advance. The event will be held in Ferrini Park. For more information, contact Sheryl Woods at lavsc@yahoor.comor 805-588-7421.

5 p.m.: Celebration concludes.

The post ‘Old Days’ schedule of events appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

19

“Fences” presented by PCPA – Playing now through Oct. 1. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 Second St., Solvang. For tickets call 922-8313 or visit the box office Wednesday through Sunday 12:30-7 p.m. Visit www.pcpa.org.

20

Community Dinner – 5:30-6:30 p.m. Buellton Senior Center, 164 W. Hwy-246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Community Day –11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wildling Museum, 1511 Mission Dr., Solvang. Free admission on Solvang 3rd Wednesdays. Visit www.wildlingmuseum.org.

21

8^th Annual Buellton Vintage Trailer Bash – Now through Sept. 24. Flying Flags RV & Campground, 180 Avenue of Flags, Buellton. Public open house, parade, vintage appetizer and vintage fashion contests, and trailer glow contest. Visit www.vintagetrailercamp.com.

22

Los Alamos Days – Now through Sept. 24. Downtown Los Alamos. Free entertainment, parade and Peddlers Mart. Visit www.visitsyv.com.

Happy Autumn Eating Seminar – 12-1 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, 2050 Viborg Rd., Solvang. Free. For information, call 694-2351.

Kenny Taylor Performance – 6-9 p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

23

Figtober Fest – 1 p.m. Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., 2363 Alamo Pintado Rd., Los Olivos. German food, music and contests. Free admission. Food and drink available for purchase. Visit www.figtoberfest.com.

The ABC’s to Avoid Breast Cancer Seminar – 1 p.m. Life Chiropractic, 591 Alamo Pintado Rd.  Suite B, Solvang. Call 693-1811.

Pain Party – 3-4 p.m. The Grange, 2374 Alamo Pintado Rd., Los Olivos. Learn how to gain comfort using properly distilled and cultivated Essential Oils and other chemical and drug free substances. Free.

“Owen Johnson” Performance – 6-7 p.m. Corner House Café, 2902 San Marcos Ave., Los Olivos. Call 691-9015.

“Alex Muller” Performance – 7-10  p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

“The Harmed Brothers” Performance – 7 p.m. Standing Sun, 92 2nd St., Buellton. $12/standing room or $17/reserved seating based on availability. Visit www.standingsunwines.com.

25

Diabetes Management Options Seminar – 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, 2050 Viborg Rd., Solvang. Free. For information, call 694-2351.

26

Valley Hearing Center Special Event – Now through Sept. 28. 2027 Village Ln. Suite 204, Solvang. Free otoscopic examination of your ears, free demonstration of Widex Beyond Hearing Aids and free cleaning and repair of current hearing aids. Visit www.audiologicassociatesca.com.

28

Living Trust Seminar – 4-5 p.m. 1607 Mission Dr. Suite 107, Solvang. Lana Clark, Attorney at Law, will be hosting an informative seminar. Free. Reservation required. Call 688-3939.

29

Water and your Body-What’s the Big Deal? – 12-1 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, 2050 Viborg Rd., Solvang. Free. For information, call 694-2351.

“The Caverns” Performance – 7-10 p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

Parent’s Night Out – YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez. Childcare available allowing parents to enjoy the evening on their own. Visit www.ciymca.org/stuartgildred.

30

SYV Master Chorale, Trinkets & Treasures Rummage Sale Fundraiser – 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Rd., Solvang.

22^nd Annual Chumash Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow Dance and Drum Competition – 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Live Oak Campground, 4600 Ca-154, Santa Barbara. Native American Dance competition accompanied by vendors selling food, beverages, arts and crafts. Free. $5 parking fee. Visit www.santaynezchumash.org/powwow.

Live Music and Dining – 5 p.m. Fresco Valley Café, 442 Atterdag Rd., Solvang. The Hummingbird Restaurant presents live Dixieland music along with a 4 course Caribbean cuisine meal. $35/person with reservations. $40/person for walk-ins. Call 403-7100.

“K.Phillips & Kathleen Sieck” Performance – 7 p.m. Standing Sun, 92 2nd St., Buellton. $12/standing room or $17/reserved seating based on availability. Visit www.standingsunwines.com.

1

Free Recycling – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 4004 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos. Free household hazardous waste and electronics collection event. For details, visit www.lessismore.org.

2

Diabetes Medications Seminar – 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, 2050 Viborg Rd., Solvang. Free. For information, call 694-2351.

Every Day

Cachuma Lake Recreation – Wildlife cruises and boat rentals, fishing, nature walks and Nature Center. Visit www.countyofsb.org/parks.

Zaca Creek Golf Course – Perfect little 9-hole course, daily from sunrise to sunset. No tee times. Call 691-9272.

Every Sunday

Bethania Lutheran Church Services 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.– 603 Atterdag Rd., Solvang. A time of worship and prayer in an inclusive and progressive community. Call 688-7927.

Every Monday

Weight Room – 6-8 a.m. and 1:30-8 p.m. Buellton Rec Center, 301 2nd St., Buellton. $3. Call 688-1086.

Senior T’ai Chi – 9:15 a.m.; Arthritis Class – 10:15 a.m.; Creative Coloring – 1 p.m. 2nd and 4th Mondays; Senior Issues – 1 p.m. 2nd and 4th Mondays at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Every Tuesday

Knitting – 9 a.m.; Computer class 9:30 a.m.; Bridge and Poker – 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Preschool Storytime – 10:30 a.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Preschool Storytime – 11 a.m. Buellton Library, 140 CA-246, Buellton. Call 688-3115.

Country 2 Step Dance Lessons – 6:30 p.m. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez. Visit www.mavericksaloon.com.

Every Wednesday

Yoga – 9:15 a.m.; Bingo – 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Wiggly Storytime – 10:30 a.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Knit and Crochet – 1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Solvang Farmers Market – 2:30-6:30 p.m. Between Mission Dr. and Copenhagen Dr., Solvang.

Reading with Dogs – 4 p.m. Reluctant readers can read practice reading aloud to a trained therapy dog. Buellton Library, 140 CA-246, Buellton. Free. Sign up required 30 minutes prior to event. Call 688-3115.

Music Under the Stars – 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Vineyard House, 3631 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez. Every Wednesday through Sept. 13. For reservations call 688-2886. Visit www.thevineyardhouse.com for a full list of events.

Trivia Night – 7-9 p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

Every Thursday

Chair Exercises – 10 a.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Arthritis Class – 10:15 a.m.; Poker – 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley – 12-2 p.m. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Rd., Solvang. Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center is offering a support group for care givers and brain injury survivors. Visit www.jodihouse.org.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors – 3:30 p.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Reluctant readers can read practice reading aloud to a trained therapy dog.  Call 688-4214.

BBQ Out Back – 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Bear and Star, 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. Enjoy live music as you dine. Visit www.thebearandstar.com.

Line Dance Lessons – 6:30 p.m. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez. Visit www.mavericksaloon.org.

Every Friday

Pilates – 10:00 a.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Bingo – 1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Live music – 5 to 7 p.m. at Carr Vineyards and Winery, 3563 Numancia St., Santa Ynez. Ages 21 and up. For more information visit www.carrwinery.com.

Firkin Friday at Figueroa Mountain Brew – 5-10 p.m. Every other Friday at the Buellton and Los Olivos Figueroa Mountain Brewery locations. For more information visit www.figmtnbrew.com.

Every Saturday

Guided Nature Walk – 10-11:30 a.m.; Junior Rangers – 12:30-1:30 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara. All Ages. Free. For more information visit www.sbparks.org.

Cachuma Lake Nature Walk – 10-11:30 a.m. Call 688-4515 or visit www.sbparks.org.

Every Week

Crafting – Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 12-5:30 p.m. Buellton Library, 140 W Hwy 246, Buellton.

Summerset Farm You Pick Berries – 9 a.m. Daily. Summerset Farm, 3450 Baseline Ave., Santa Ynez. Call 245-0989.

Coming Up

Log onto www.cityofsolvang.com or www.buelltonrec.com to see the full schedule of programs and events from adult sports, youth sports, teen dances, field trips and excursions.

The post September 19 – October 2 Events Calendar appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

By Drew Esnard

drew@santaynezvalleystar.com

Crowds gathered on Sunday under warm, sunny skies to eat, shop local vendor stalls, and watch the “Greatest Little Small Town Parade” at the 70th annual Los Alamos Old Days. The three day event, which kicked-off with a chili dinner and dance on Friday evening, is a held each year to honor, preserve and celebrate the town’s authentic Western heritage.

The parade’s theme was “Celebrating Our Community” and featured more than 400 participants in 41 entries from around the region. Mia Vazquez, a 26-year old native of Los Alamos began the parade with a heartfelt performance of the national anthem. Jim Gravitt, 20-year Los Alamos resident and active member of the community, honorably sported the title of 2016 Los Alamos Old Days Parade Grand Marshal

A group of seven unbiased, non-local judges declared the following Los Alamos Old Days Parade Winners: Best Theme Oriented Central Coast Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 982; Best Float Righetti High School FFA; Best Equestrian Entry Lienzo Charro’s Juan Chavez of Santa Ynez; Best Vehicle Entry 1949 FarmaLl Tractor owned by Charles Linquitl; Best Musical Entry Righetti High School Warrior Marching Band; Best Performance Group Olga Reed School Students & Faculty “Once a Bronco, Always a Bronco”; Best Overall Entry Small Farmer Andrew Wightman with his 1/3 size hay baler.

Los Alamos Old Days is sponsored, coordinated and hosted by all-volunteer members of the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club—a philanthropic 501(C)3 not-for-profit group of men, women and families—dedicated to preserving the town’s unique Western character and hospitality.  LAVMC provides scholarships and funding to local students and other non-profit organizations, as well as offering its facilities for rent for private events.  The Club is supported by tax-deductible donations from individuals, families and businesses.

The post Los Alamos Old Day Parade Celebrates Western Heritage appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

With great honor the Los Alamos Valley Mens Club members have selected long-time Los Alamos resident and community volunteer Jim Gravitt as the 2016 Los Alamos Old Days Parade Grand Marshal. The 70th annual Los Alamos Old Days Celebration is Friday, September 23 through Sunday, September 25, with plenty of fun for all ages in this historic, western-style town.

“Looking back on those who preceded me, I am especially honored. I will stand tall and wear the badge proudly. I have had a wonderful life with many blessings,” Gravitt said.

Admission is free and the public is invited to join residents and visitors who gather each year to honor, preserve and celebrate the town’s authentic Western heritage. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Our Community.” 

Gravitt retired after being an Electronic Engineer with Raytheon in Goleta for 40 years. He had a great job designing microwave systems. Now he fills his life with nonpaying jobs like Valley Community Mentoring, Cottonwood Community Fellowship, and Los Alamos Valley Senior Center. He also was Chaplain at the Men’s Club.

“We have a great little community here in Los Alamos. Where else can you go to find a small friendly town with so much to offer? Old Days has been one of our highlights that we have been proud of for 70 years. Thank you Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club members for this honor,” Gravitt remarked.

Los Alamos Old Days is sponsored by the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club (LAVMC)—a philanthropic 501(C)3 not-for-profit group of men, women and families—dedicated to preserving the town’s unique character and hospitality.  Highlights of the LAVMC Old Days weekend-long celebration include Friday evening’s Chili Kick-off Party & Dance,two-day Peddlers’ Mart & Artisan Faire, Saturday’s Car Show “Deeply Rooted in the Community”; the evening “Happy Hour & Silent Auction” with more than 100 items and Sunday morning’s “Greatest Little Small Town Parade.”

Los Alamos is located at the intersection of US Highway 101 and State Route 135 (Bell Street); just an hour north of Santa Barbara and 20 minutes south of Santa Maria in the heart of Santa Barbara County ranch, farm and wine country. The Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, founded in 1946, provides scholarships and funding to local students and organizations, as well as offering its facilities to rent for private events. The Club is supported by tax-deductible donations. Additional support for 2016 Los Alamos Old Days celebration is being provided again this year by Visit the Santa Ynez Valley.

Organizations and individuals interested in participating in the Car Show as well as the Parade are encouraged to visit the website for applications; and for complete schedule of 2016 Los Alamos Old Days events, see www.LosAlamosValleyOldDays.com

The post Longtime Los Alamos resident and volunteer named grand marshal of Los Alamos Days parade appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.