Valley Center’s Art and Music Festival is nearing its seven year debut, featuring the best headliners ever booked, organizers say.
The Laurel Canyon Ramblers and Tim Flannery and Friends are the top bands to perform May 8 at VC Community Hall stage/park, where activities will start at 10 a.m. and end at 7 p.m.
There will be food, (no alcohol), children’s activities, fine art booths with artists demonstrating wood carving, painting, iron work, weaving, quilting, etc.
Over 50 vendors this year will add to old fashioned family fun.
The Laurel Canyon Ramblers are a group of five old hands at bluegrass. Whether playing hard and fast old-timey tunes or gospel-tinged ballads, they manage to mix a modern sound with a traditional approach - the results are sterling entertainment.
Here is a run down on their qualifications:
The Laurel Canyon Ramblers, Herb Pedersen
Five string banjo, guitar, vocals.. Pedersen is a founding member of the chart-topping Desert Rose Band. He has played and recorded with some of the most respected bands in bluegrass, country and folk music: The Smokey Grass Boys, with David Grisman, Vern & Ray, The Dillards, and filled in briefly for the great Earl Scruggs, with the Flatt & Scruggs band.
He’s also one of the most sought after session musicians, having appeared on recordings by John Denver, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Gordon Lightfoot, John Prine, James Taylor, Buck Owens, Willie Nelson, Johnny Rivers, to name a few.
Bill Bryson
Bass, vocals... Bryson was also a member of the Desert Rose Band, winning the Academy of Country Music’s Bass Player of the Year award in 1990. Having also played in well respected bands such as The Bluegrass Cardinals, and The Country Gazette. His song, The Girl at the Crossroads Bar was recorded by Jerry Garcia, among others. He also played on the soundrack and appeared in the movie The Long Riders.
Kenny Blackwell
Mandolin, vocals...Blackwell studied under and was well taught by mandolin great Jethro Burns, while still living in the mid-west. Since moving to California, his musical talents not only on mandolin, but guitar as well, have kept him busy arranging and producing recording projects throughout the west, and playing with the best in the business.
Roger Reed
Guitar, vocals...Reed is a former member of Byron Berline’s L.A. Fiddle Band and the group, Sundance. His strong tenor voice and rhythm guitar work have long been admired in bluegrass circles. He has recorded with Byron Berline, Tony Trischka, and Earl Scruggs.
Gabe Witcher
Fiddle, vocals... This young prodigy has won practically all the local fiddle contests, and most recently has played with Beck and Willie Nelson. Witcher has been featured on television sound tracks, such as Any Day Now, and The Simpsons. A graduate from USC music school, Witcher is well on his way to having a very busy career in t.v. and film sound tracks.
Please join the festivities, sponsored by VCPRD, Bill Horn and the SD County Board of Supervisors & Harrah’s Rincon Casino. To find out more log on to: www.valleycenterparksrecreation.com. It should be noted that there is no charge to park or enter the festival.
By THERESA P. TROGDON
A Valley Center First! The misses were a hit.
History was made as the Rodeo Queen Competition starred nine contestants, who came out suited up in western regalia, their horses tacked in western wear, ribbons, braids and even one horse bore sparkling stars.
These girls were prepared with excitement and gave the some 75 spectators quite a show.
The three standing judges presented were David Lee Archer, for Horsemanship. Jennifer LaVine judging Photogenic and Kate Bridge judging Public Speaking.
David Archer is an internationally-known horseman living in Valley Center at his “Falconridge” Ranch. He has over 40 years experience as a horseman and has trained horses in Illinois, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Virginia and Tennessee. He has been a judge of Open & Walking Horse Shows. He’s been on PBS, Cable & local TV and radio stations. He has written training articles for various riding magazines and been written about in several newspapers. His motto “Be true to the horse & they will be true to you.” He presented himself in a sincere and attentive manner and after all the judging spent time giving tips to many of the girls.
Kate Bridge the judge for Public Speaking replaced Kim Laventure who was extremely busy having a baby. (She had a boy!)
Bridge is originally from England but is a longtime North County resident. She consults for two companies, Powerland Equipment in VC in Customer Service and liaisons offshore contracts for Rocket Science Acoustics. She is an English major, writer and a voice over for many large companies and a local radio station.
Her intuitive perception was helpful in judging the girls’ speeches.
Jennifer LaVine judging the Photogenics is a long time Valley Center/Pauma Valley resident. She was Miss Valley Center in 1976. She is manager of the Tri City Carpet in Escondido. She’s an avid hobbyist photographer with an eye for detail. She certainly saw spark and personality on this day.
Mackenzie Cayford was first contestant out and a hard act to follow. Her speech portrayed a cultivated young woman. She rode a 14 year old thoroughbred “Casper.” Both were dressed in teal and black.
Danyelle Barner followed with her 13 year old Arabian, “Kaida” wearing red and black. She talked about the progress she and Kaida have made throughout this competition.
Rachel Kelley, rode her 8 year old quarter horse “Flip” in black and red. They did a superb job together. Her speech was heartfelt and touching.
Emily Richardson in shiny red and blue delivered a polished dialogue. “Paloma” her 12 year old quarter horse was decorated in ribbons and painted stars. They gave a fine demonstration of riding to match.
Samantha Smith in pink and black rode “Cash” a 13 year old quarter horse and displayed a comfortable cowgirl look. Her riding reflected a rodeo style.
Lindsey Turner in silver & black picked up the pace in communicating her desires for position. She guided her 14 year old Arab quarter horse named “Shy Town” in performing an excellent ride.
Kalyn Peirce cultivated her personality with an uplifting commentary about who she is. In pink and black she significantly hit the riding patterns with “Brandy” her 14 year old quarter horse.
Keira Campbell demonstrated her Western fashion sense in pink fringes and denim. She and “Dolli” her Buckskin, offered the riding patterns with enthusiasm. She has a sweet country girl attitude and determination.
Alexis Boles presented herself in silver teal and black on her 16 year old Paint named “Ivy.” Her spontaneous nature showed through in both her speech and horsemanship.
The day gave spectators a sense of pride in these Valley Center girls and the gratitude of tradition staying in our growing country town.
The event set the ground rules for future possibilities and values that obviously these contestants are thrilled to be apart of.
We look forward to the crowning of our 2004 Valley Center Rodeo Queen & two princesses on April 30 at the Awards Dinner & Dance at VC Community Hall starting at 6 p.m..
If you haven’t bought your tickets yet you can purchase them at The Roadrunner, Terry’s Hay & Grain, VC Feed and Bear Valley Farm Supply.
A weed abatement company called Fire Prevention Services will give a presentation at the June meeting of the VC fire board.
For the last few meetings the board has been studying its options on adopting a weed abatement ordinance similar to that adopted by the County earlier this year.
At the April 15 meeting the board decided to follow the recommendation of Fire Marshal Joy Justis, who has met with representatives from the Pomona-based company.
Weed abatement companies typically are contracted by a fire district that has adopted an ordinance that requires property owners to cut back flammable vegetation.
VC has never had such an ordinance. The last time it held hearings on the idea, about four years ago, angry residents flooded the bay of the Lake Wohlford fire station and demanded that the board back down.
Since then, however, the Paradise fire has happened, and, as Justis observed recently, “people’s opinions may have changed.”
A weed abatement company would contact land owners and inform them that they need to cut back brush. If the owner doesn’t the company will do it and bill the owner.
The County’s weed abatement ordinance only applies to parts of the county that are not in established fire districts.
To adopt the ordinance, and amend the existing VC fire code and give it teeth to enforce, will be a three month process.
“If all goes well we could have this in force by next fire season,” Chief Kevin O’Leary told the board.
Thomas Ray Barron, a lifelong Vista resident, was testing his luck at Valley View casino Wednesday when he slid a $20 bill into a Wheel of Fortune dollar slot machine and won a $1,608,985 MegaJackpots award.
Barron immediately called his mom and dad at home.
“They were shocked and didn’t believe it at first,” he said.
Barron is a palm tree broker and has three daughters whom he plans to help with his winnings. He also plans to pay off his debt and “"to pay back the $40 I owe my mom,” he said.
Barron has been visiting Valley View casino for years. He was elated and shocked when his loyalty paid off. “I come to this casino because it’s close to home, it has great people and I like the machines. I was due for a win!”
Valley View has had three large Wheel of Fortune MegaJackpots in the last year.
Wheel of Fortune dollars slot machines are part of the Native American Progressive Systems (NAPS) network that links slot machines from various casinos to a single large progressive jackpot. So far this year, California players have won more than $19 million on Wheel of Fortune® slot machines. More than 4,900 MegaJackpotsTM progressive machines are in 156 Native American casinos nationwide, and MegaJackpotsTM awards hit every 1.9 days on average.
Looking for Padres tickets? Or, perhaps some theater tickets? Maybe a hot air balloon ride or some golf? What about a trip to Big Bear or Lake Tahoe? Perhaps a Thomas Kinkade Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco print? Or, a Special Effects Studio Tour for your teenager?
How about a little girls dress up box or a handmade poodle skirt outfit? All these items and about 50- more will be available at the silent auction this Saturday’s Jazz in the Gardens benefit at Pikake Gardens for the Theater Fund.
The Staples Foundation is sponsoring this event which will include Asian and Italian food, fruit and cheese, and dessert stations. There will also be beer and wine tasting by Stone Brewery, Wilson Creek Winery and Schwaesdall Winery as well as coffees.
You are invited to the event Saturday, 1-4 p.m. for afternoon in a beautiful location with friends in support of building the new theater for our high school and community.
For tickets call Denise McAndrews at 749-4218.
It took a year of planning, but a lifetime of searching for Valley Center resident Michael Duplessis to find his soul mate and capture her heart with a heroic display of love.
Heather Wasson woke up Friday morning, preparing for another routine day of work at Toyota of Escondido; unaware, that her knight in shining armor was about to deliver the wedding proposal all women dream of.
Outside the building where Wasson was buried in paperwork, Duplessis, many family members and friends, aware of the well keep secret, helped to coordinate details of the event.
Wasson’s mother, Mer, unloaded Gigger, the immaculately groomed, 23 year old, rescued horse, who would be carrying Michael for the delivery of his message to Wasson on the red carpet in front of the dealership.
Others handed parts of the custom-made armored suit to Duplessis as he donned his costume of polished satin steel. Gigger was fully decorated, down to the glitter polish on his black hoofs.
In an elaborate effort to pull this off, Duplessis was helped by others who gave unconditionally of time and talents.
Over the year that it took to prepare and plan, Holly, the couple’s best friend, was instrumental in giving advice, decorating and keeping the secret.
Custom stirrups had to be made to fit the feet of armor, phone calls to coordinate activities, adjustments to the armored suit itself so Duplessis could bend on one knee, and ask for his sweetheart’s hand in marriage.
Props had to be located and there was a lot of practice, practice, practice.
Gigger was a trouper throughout hours of mounting and dismounting, riding in the arena, and getting used to long flowing regalia attached all around his lean body.
Duplessis spent three months, after work, traveling to his future Mother-in-law’s home to get the routine perfect, all along hoping it would go off without a glitch.
And all this was happening while Heather Wasson and their four sons, patiently awaited Duplessis’s return home at the end of the day.
“That is how strong our bond is,” he said. “She never questioned me when I came home at eleven o’clock, sometimes three nights a week.”
In the parking lot, a crowd gathered as curiosity grew and family joined just before show time.
Everyone was in place.
Wasson was escorted downstairs and into the lobby just as Duplessis made his grand entrance.
Camera flashes highlighted the tears flowing down Wasson’s cheeks as she took Duplessis’s outreached gauntlet and he drew her near.
Michael and Heather’s sons, Tyler, 7, Chase, 6, Jaden 3, and Drake, 1 year old, presented their Mother with a single red rose as a symbol of the special day.
After addressing the crowd, Duplessis dropped to one knee as he spoke these words, “You have inspired me to be a better man, a better father and I wish that you will be my Queen, I beg you in front of all these viewers and God. Will you please marry me and be my Queen?”
“Of course, tomorrow!” was Heather’s choked reply as family surrounded the couple with hugs and congratulations.
The limousine was waiting. The newly engaged couple was off. The day was just beginning for Heather Wasson.
Their next stop would be Holly’s Day Spa in La Jolla, for a “pretty woman” treatment, then Saks and other boutiques to find a new evening dress.
A romantic dinner at Azul’s topped off the day before they retired to a balcony room over looking the beach at La Jolla Cove Suites.
Not only will Heather and Michael have pictures and video to remember this day by, they will have the suit of armor which Michael wore, and went to great lengths to acquire, displayed at their home in the country.
The Valley Roadrunner
P.O.B. 1529, Valley Center, CA 92082
Tel. 760.749.1112 Fax 760.749.1688
Website: www.valleycenter.com
Email: editor@valleycenter.com
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