By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

Los Alamos Days is “Back in the Saddle” for its annual celebration after the town had to cancel last year’s festivities due to COVID-19. The festival promises plenty of fun and entertainment for the whole family on the weekend of Sept. 24-26.

“Old Days” is a harvest-season opportunity to experience the historical town as it celebrates its country roots with attractions including the chili cook off and dinner dance with iconic tri-tip sandwiches. 

This year’s theme is “Back in the Saddle” and the event’s “Greatest Little Small Town Parade,” which will take place at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 26, will feature many equestrian riders and entries. 

Other weekend festivities include a Chili Cook Off starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24, with the announcement of the grand marshal for the parade. 

Then on Saturday, Sept. 25, there will be a car show on Centennial Street, starting at Bell Street, and the Artisan Faire at Ferrini Park starting at 9 a.m. until the mid-afternoon. The dinner dance starts at 5 p.m.

Admission at Los Alamos Valley Old Days is generally free, with paid portions of the weekend benefitting a variety of local organizations and the all-volunteer, philanthropic Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, which sponsors, coordinates and hosts the annual event.

Visitors revel alongside Los Alamos residents as they honor, preserve and celebrate the town’s authentic Western heritage.

To get more information or to register to enter the parade, log onto www.losalamosolddays.com.

The post Los Alamos Days celebrates a grand return appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

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.

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Contributing Writer

Los Alamos Old Days festivities draw large crowds from near and far.

The 73^rdannual Los Alamos Valley Old Days festival promises plenty of fun and entertainment for the whole family on the weekend of Sept. 27-29.

“Old Days” is a harvest-season opportunity to experience the historical town as it lightheartedly pokes fun at its country roots with attractions including “chicken poop bingo” and “cow pie bingo,” in spite of the town’s very serious culinary destinations and boutique lodging.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Old Days, Blazing New Trails.”

Admission at Los Alamos Valley Old Days admission is generally free, with paid portions of the weekend benefitting a variety of local organizations and the all-volunteer, philanthropic Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, which sponsors, coordinates and hosts the annual event.

Visitors revel alongside Los Alamos residents as they honor, preserve and celebrate the town’s authentic Western heritage.

This year for the first time, the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club has chosen two grand marshals for the annual “Greatest Little Small Town Parade,” John Traller and Sheila Glaser. The Old Days Committee nominated initial choices and then the general membership voted on it.

“I was on vacation and when I got back, Sheila said, ‘Guess what? We’re grand marshals of this year’s parade,’” Traller said.

John Traller has been a member of the Men’s Club for 12 years and was treasurer for four years.

“I’ve been with the Men’s Club for 12 years and was treasurer for four years. My wife Cathy, also a member, was my right hand. She paid all the bills, made deposits. We worked together at different functions,” said Traller. “While I was treasurer I was able to secure a 501(c)3 tax exemption status for the Men’s Club.” 

Traller received his master’s degree in taxation from USC, worked for Arthur Andersen for 15 years, then went out on his own. He taught federal taxation at UCSB for 20 years and retired five years ago.

He is also a past president of Kiwanis in Ventura, Rotary of the Santa Ynez Valley, and California CPA Society in the tri-counties.

At the Men’s Club, he is a past board member and writes the club’s monthly newsletter.

At age 87, Traller exercises five days a week at the YMCA in Santa Ynez, and on weekends he works out with his wife in their home gym.

“I’ve been exercising all my life,” said Traller. “That’s what keeps me youthful, plus I robbed the cradle when I married Cathy.

“Since my retirement I’ve gone back to school at Allan Hancock College, studying history, philosophy, anthropology, and comparative religious studies. I like Spanish as a hobby,” he added.

Traller’s other hobby is collecting cars. His collection ranges from 1931 to 1957, and he drives them daily around Los Alamos. “I used to have seven antique cars in my collection, but I am now down to three.

“It’s gratifying to be chosen grand marshal. I’ll enjoy waving at everyone from a new perspective, as I usually drive my Model A in the parade,” he joked.

Traller has three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He and his wife Cathy have been married for 26 years.

Photo by Pamela Dozois
Sheila Glaser –
Sheila Glaser has been a mainstay of the Men’s Club since 1996.

Glaser says that her hobbies are her family, her community and her dog, which she considers her third child.

“It is an honor to have been chosen, but John deserves it more than me,” she said. “He has been my right hand man since I became vice president of the Men’s Club in 2017.”

“When we moved to Los Alamos in 1993 it was a very small town and everyone knew everybody. It was so nice, quiet and peaceful. We were looking for a house to buy and our real estate agent told us about Los Alamos. We stopped in the Los Alamos Market to find a local newspaper looking for homes for sale. We drove around a little and found a house which was just perfect for us. We still live there,” she said.

“From the beginning I became active in school activities, PTO and Site Council and also at the Los Alamos Valley Senior Center. I am also a 7^thDegree Grange member.

“My heart has belonged to the Men’s Club since 1996. I served on or chaired the Raise the Roof Committee, the new tables and chairs committees, the Rec Queen events, Old Days Peddler’s Mart, Cook Your Own, holiday events, Bingo, and Christmas for the Kids for more than 15 years,” said Glaser. “I have delivered Thanksgiving baskets and worked anywhere I was needed. I have been the Men’s Club secretary and am presently its vice president. This sounds like lots of hard work. It has been. It has also been lots of fun and done with a smile. Thank you for this special honor.”

Glaser has been married to her husband Robert for 43 years. They have two children and one grandchild, a girl named Bowie.

The post Los Alamos to celebrate 73rd ‘Old Days’ festival appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

Los Alamos is the smallest town in the Santa Ynez Valley, but its Western culture and community pride can match any other community’s during the annual Los Alamos Old Days festival.

Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen Kate Compton rides in the Los Alamos parade.

The usually quiet little town was bustling again this year at the end of September for the 72nd annual celebration.

Highlights included Friday evening’s Chili Kick-off Party and Dance, a two-day Peddlers’ Mart and Artisan Faire, Saturday’s car show and Sunday morning’s “Greatest Little Small Town Parade.”

Many people in the crowd were unaware that one of the biggest names in pop music was riding on one of the community floats. The singer Pink (Alecia Moore) sat and danced to music on the Bump Box Rock float.

Pink recently launched her own label of wine from her vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley.

The other big celebrity in the parade was Grand Marshal Mary Frances Cesco, still vibrant at 106 years old. She and her float drew loud applause and cheers from the spectators.

The celebration was 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.

The club, supported by tax-deductible donations, provides scholarships for local students and funding for organizations, and offers its facilities to rent for events.

The post Local, international celebrities highlight Los Alamos parade appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Contributing Writer

Mary Frances Cesco was nearly 35 years old when the first Los Alamos Old Days was celebrated 72 years ago. Now, at 106 years old, she will be the grand marshal of this year’s parade.

And although she moved to town from Hollister only about a year ago, she has rarely missed one of the annual celebrations. Her daughter Mary Caldera suggested to the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, which sponsors the event, that her mother be chosen as this year’s Grand Marshal.

Mary Frances plays her accordion surrounded by her cousins.

“She is the oldest person in town and has been to almost every Old Days celebration since it began. Plus everyone in town knows her,” Caldera said. “My mother will be 107 on Nov. 15. She was born in the same year as Solvang was founded.”

This year’s Old Days is scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 28-30, with the parade stepping off at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Cesco was born when bread was 5 cents a loaf, milk was 34 cents a gallon, a new car cost $500, and the average price of a house was $4,800. Taft was president of the United States and the annual income was $983 a year. She has seen the dawn of the Industrial Age, from the creation of the automobile to space travel.

She was born in Napa, Calif., to Francisco Jose Terra and Florence Martin, immigrants from the Azores Islands. The family struggled to stay together, but when she was 11 her parents “chose to go their ways,” and the family moved to Gridley, a farming town in the Central Valley, to live on a ranch with her godparents and seven children.

She has fond memories of growing up with her uncle on the ranch. She recalls her father visiting her on many occasions and taking her for rides in his Model T. She also remembers her father being a very good woodworker, making anything he wanted to out of a tree trunk.

Los Alamos Old Days Grand Marshal Mary Frances Cesco

Cesco has only a third-grade education because she says “at that time schooling for girls was not considered important. Now you can never have too much schooling.” Around 10 years of age she taught herself to play the accordion. She says she could play anything after hearing it only once. She played through her adult years but says, “I don’t think I could play anything now.”

In 1929, at the age of 18 she married Tony Vierra, a Gridley resident, and they had two children, Bernice (Galdos), who passed away last year and “Little Mary” (Caldera) who has lived in Los Alamos for nearly 35 years.

“We lived through the Great Depression but it didn’t affect us much as we lived on a ranch. We had everything we needed to survive — milk, chickens, ducks, and meat,” said Cesco.

After 20 years of marriage she and her husband “went our separate ways.”

Still living in Gridley, she met her second husband, Milo “Mick” White, at a dance. She was a beauty, judging from her photos in an album her daughter lovingly fashioned for her 100^th birthday. They moved to West Sacramento where Mick owned a barber shop and Mary Frances worked as a model for Kendall’s Dress Shop. The album contained newspaper clippings of ads for Kendall’s Dress Shop featuring Mary Frances modeling the store’s apparel. At that time she also discovered she had a talent for color and design and began dressing up the shop window.

“That was the happiest time in my life. I loved working in the dress shop,” said Cesco. “Everyone was so nice there. I had a lot of fun.”

She also recalled that while living in West Sacramento, she entered a hand-crocheted tablecloth in the California State Fair and won first prize, for which she is extremely proud. She also recalled a story about her little dog, Ginger, who she said could “do everything but talk.”

“When Mick would come home I would say to the dog, ‘Go climb up the ladder, but stop half way up,’ and up she went, stopping in the middle. Then I would say, ‘OK, climb to the top,” and up she went and would stay there until I asked her to come down. Then I would ask her to dance, and round and round she went on her back legs until I said ‘That’s enough now.’ She was the best and smartest dog in the whole world.”

After Mick’s death, Cesco moved to Hollister to be nearer her daughters. There she met and married Everett Cesco, who encouraged her to take up oil painting. She proudly displays the dozen or so landscape paintings, mostly miniatures, on the walls of her new home. Her paintings are of such fine detail that they leave the viewer with the feeling of being able to step right into each one.

Last year, the family decided to bring her to Los Alamos, where she lives in her own home on the property of her granddaughter Susette and husband Al Bennett.

“I like it here, because I am in my own house and I do what I want. If I can’t find something to do outside, like trim the roses, I come in the house and read a book,” she said. “I am happy that I made the decision to move here. I like my house. The kitchen is a little small, but after all, it’s only for me.”

She was recently given a cane to help with her balance, and her response was, “Does this mean I have to use this thing for the rest of my life?”

“My mother remains active. She’s always on the go, involved in one thing or another. She is very independent,” Caldera said.

When asked by a resident if she voted for FDR, her response was, “It’s none of your business!” She minds her own business and expects others to do the same.

Cesco’s face and comportment are that of a beautiful 80-year-old woman. Still concerned with her appearance, she has her white hair coiffed regularly and dresses with style. She still has a driver’s license but doesn’t drive.

Her remaining legacy is her daughter Mary, two stepsons, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. She also has three brothers and two sisters, all younger.

When asked if she did anything special in her life to live so long, like daily exercise or taking vitamins, her response was simple. “No, I just keep moving.”

The “Greatest Little Small Town Parade” starts at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, on Bell Street in Los Alamos.

For more information on the weekend festivities, visit www.solvangusa.com/events/los-alamos-old-days.

The post At 106 years old, grand marshal has lived a full life appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The 72nd annual Los Alamos Valley Old Days Celebration is set for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 28-30, with plenty of fun for all ages in the historic, Western-style town.

With no admission charges, residents and visitors gather every year to honor, preserve and celebrate the town’s authentic Western culture.

Highlights include Friday evening’s Chili Kick-off Party & Dance, two-day Peddlers’ Mart & Artisan Faire, Saturday’s car show 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.

The club, supported by tax-deductible donations, provides scholarships for local students and funding for organizations, and offers its facilities to rent for events.

To get more information or to register to enter the parade, log onto www.facebook.com/LosAlamosValleyMensClub/.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY

6 – 8 p.m. (or till the food runs out): Old Days Chili Kick-Off Party: Enjoy chili, corn bread, and all the fixings to begin the celebration with a tasty kick. Featuring chili by several local businesses and LAVMC members. No host, cash only, full service bar. Chili cook-off winner announced. Tickets $7 per bowl at the door.

Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, 429 Leslie Street, corner of Centennial & Leslie St, Downtown Los Alamos.

8 – 11 p.m.: Dance featuring a local band (21 and over); $10 per person at the door.

SATURDAY

7 – 10:30 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast on the patio at the Men’s Club. Prepared by and proceeds going to the Los Alamos Junior Grange. $10 adults and $6 children under age 12.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Peddlers Mart and Food Booths along Bell Street (Hwy 135).

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Car show along Bell Street

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (or till the food runs out): Tri -tip beef sandwich barbecue, beer garden and music on the patio at the Men’s Club. Sandwich $8 (chips and drinks sold separately). Cold drinks and shaded tables available.

Noon: Cow Pie Bingo on Bell Street. Pick a square. Look for the cow on the West end of Bell Street.

5:30 – 8 p.m.: Old Days “Happy Hour” and silent auction at the Men’s Club. No host, cash only bar (until 9:00 p.m.) and music. Light fare will be available for purchase.

All proceeds support LAVMC youth activities. (21 & over only please);

SUNDAY

9:30 – 10:15 a.m.: Non-denominational worship service in Ferrini Park led by Rev. Warren Einolander from the Cottonwood Community Fellowship, Los Alamos. All ages invited.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Peddlers Mart and food booths along Bell Street.

9:30– 10:30 a.m.: Los Alamos Old Days Stampede 5K Run/Walk. Meet in Ferrini Park. Awards in five divisions (male and female) — 10 & under, 11-19; 20-39; 40-59 and 60+ years old. $20 per runner. All proceeds benefit Cal Swoosh Sports, a nonprofit organization providing sports opportunities for youth.

11 a.m.– 12:15 p.m.: Greatest Little Small Town Parade starts at Bell Street and  Augusta Street and continues west down Bell Street, ending at St. Joseph Street. Free to participate.

12:15 – 2:30 p.m.: The LAVMC tri-tip barbecue with all the fixin’s, including beans, bread, salad, and salsa (drinks sold separately). $10 adults, $8 seniors age 55+ or kids 10 & under on the Men’s Club patio. Live music, cold drinks and shaded tables.

3 p.m.: Celebration concludes.

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SYV Star Staff Report

The “Greatest Little Small Town Parade” on Sunday, Sept. 24, featured more than 350 participants in 37 entries from around the region during the 71^st annual Los Alamos Valley Old Days celebration.

The parade and other weekend festivities attracted an estimated 3,000 people to Los Alamos, according to organizers.

“I love the horses and eating candy,” said Sasha Burnett, 4, of Santa Ynez, who attended the parade with her parents, Rory and Nicole.

Old Days is sponsored, coordinated and hosted by members of the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club (LAVMC), a nonprofit group of men, women and families that is dedicated to preserving the town’s unique Western character and hospitality.

The club provides scholarships and funding to local students and other nonprofit organizations, as well as offering its facilities to rent for private events.  LAVMC is supported by tax-deductible donations from individuals, families and businesses.

The grand marshal of this year’s parade was Los Alamos resident and community volunteer Jim McCullar, affectionately known around town as Big Pops, Papa or Jimbo. Since moving to Los Alamos in 1994, he has tirelessly volunteered with LAVMC, serving on many committees and now in his second term as a board member.

He has been seen decorating the town with pumpkins, setting up luminaries, assisting with sandbag placements during wet months, removing graffiti and doing maintenance for the LAVMC clubhouse at 429 Leslie Street.

He is employed as a property manager by area businessman Dan Thompson.

The parade coordinator was Los Alamos resident Mary Anne Christensen. The parade began with the singing of the national anthem by Ilysia Pierce, a professional singer who serves as cantor at Temple of the Arts of Beverly Hills and performs in concerts, musicals and theater. She is part of long-time LAVMC volunteer Mary Caldera’s extended family.

Winners of parade awards were:

– Best Overall Entry: LOLA (Ladies of Los Alamos) Social Group

n Best Theme Oriented: Brigette Lopez, Queen of the Black & White Ball, sponsored by the Mexican Ladies Social Club of Santa Maria

– Best Float: Righetti High School Future Farmers of America Club

– Best Equestrian Entry: Santa Maria Elks Outriders & Historic Officers Wagon

– Best Vehicle Entry: Boots-N-Chutes All Airborne Association 1942 World War II military Jeep

– Best Musical Entry: Righetti High School Warrior Band

– Best Performance Group: Los Tequileros

– Best Youth Group: “Once a Bronco, Always a Bronco,” Olga Reed School students and faculty

– Best Tractor: 1925 John Deere, Jim Martin of Lompoc

For more information, visit www.LosAlamosValleyOldDays.com.

The post Western heritage on display for annual weekend appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

With the theme “Embracing our Heritage,” the 71st annual Los Alamos Valley Old Days Celebration is set for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 22-24, with plenty of fun for all ages in the historic, Western-style town.

With no admission charges, residents and visitors gather every year to honor, preserve and celebrate the town’s authentic Western culture.

Highlights include Friday evening’s Chili Kick-off Party & Dance, two-day Peddlers’ Mart & Artisan Faire, Saturday’s car show 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.

The club, supported by tax-deductible donations, provides scholarships for local students and funding for organizations, and offers its facilities to rent for events.

To get more information or to register to enter the parade, log onto www.losalamosvalleyolddays.com.

The post Old Days bringing fun, tradition to Los Alamos for 71st year appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.