Lifestyle Magazine April 2024

Inspiring Life In Our Community

Thoughts from the Editor

Over the past two weeks, I've found myself engaged in about six conversations revolving around the topic of seasons. Typically, I don't delve into discussions about the changing seasons, except when the onset of the hot season is upon us in the late parts of May. The unusual frequency of these conversations piqued my interest, compelling me to delve deeper.

One particularly memorable discussion was with my wife, whom avid readers of my articles may recognize as the garden master in our home. Recently, she shared insights into the seasonal behaviors of our fruit trees. Some trees prematurely shed their leaves and slowly blossom in spring. Others fruit early or delay until the deep summer to yield their bounty.

What struck me was her observation that even when it's challenging to discern a tree's type based on its current state, it remains inherently true to its kind.

Take, for example, our Cotton-Candy Aprium tree—a unique stone fruit hybrid that produces apricot-sized fruits with a flavor as whimsical as its name suggests. This tree, my personal favorite, has a brief but eagerly awaited fruit period each summer, bringing joy to family and friends.

Contrary to what one might think, this tree doesn't just become a Cotton-Candy Aprium during its flowering in spring or cease to be one after its fruit has vanished in summer. It is a Cotton-Candy Aprium throughout the year, embodying the familiar natural cycle of dormancy, loss, flourishing, and bounty.

With each season comes its specific tasks: pruning, thinning, harvesting, and fertilizing, all designed to enhance the harvest and the tree's health. A single seed's potential to establish an orchard exemplifies the impact of these seasonal tasks.

In the life cycle of a tree, overlooking a season can lead to adverse outcomes. And this concept mirrors our own lives, where challenging periods can foster resilience and hope. Seasons of rest offer tranquility and rejuvenation.

Today's pervasive myth suggests we can somehow shortcut time, seasons, processes, and even nature itself. Yet, incessant messages promote instant gratification and perpetual readiness that flood our inboxes and screens, undermining the virtues of patience and persistence.

However, the tree's life cycle underscores that each season is vital for our well-being, growth, joy, and hope. Attempting to bypass or abbreviate any season only hampers our development and diminishes our happiness.

You might currently be experiencing a life season that feels incongruous with the observable growth and vibrancy of the spring season. I encourage you to embrace and honor your current moment and process. Acknowledging its purpose while holding onto the promise of renewal and growth that each season inherently offers to us. Recognize that this moment, however challenging, holds significance and is integral to your journey, much like each season contributes to the life of a fruitful tree.

ERIC RILEY Executive Editor | Lifestyle Magazine CEO | Topograph

CONTENT EDITOR

Contributors

April 2024

Monica Fatica MANAGING EDITOR

MARKETING INTERN

Sue Burns

CONTRIBUTOR

Saegan Moran

CONTRIBUTOR

Scan here to read more about our monthly contributors, see a list of rack locations, or to sign up for a monthly subscription.

Marissa Carpenter

Terry Ommen HISTORIAN

Lea Veiss

Rylie Fox GRAPHIC DESIGN / PHOTOGRAPHER

Dakota Jacobi PHOTOGRAPHER / SALES

FRUIT

Avocado

Strawberries

Raspberries

Mandarins

Navel Oranges

Grapefruit

Lemons

Rhubarb

Blueberries

HERBS

Basil

Cilantro

Dill

Lemongrass

Mint

Parsley

LEAFY VEGETABLES

Red & Green Lettuce

Romaine Lettuce

Butter Lettuce

Bok Choy Cabbage

Chard

Kale

STEM VEGETABLES

Asparagus

Celery

ROOT VEGETABLES

Beets

Carrots

Daikon

Garlic

Onions

Radish

FLOWER VEGETABLES

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Artichoke

VISALIA FARMERS MARKET

YEAR-ROUND MARKET

Every Saturday 8:00am-11:30am

Tulare County Court House Parking Lot 2231 W. Main Street, Visalia

Over 70 Local Merchants

KAWEAH HEALTH FARMERS MARKET

SEASONAL MARKET

May-August 2024

Every Wednesday 8:00am-11:30am 110 S. Akers Street, Visalia

VISALIAFARMERSMARKET.COM

@VISALIAFARMERSMARKET

Kayvon Sarrami, MD

Sleep Medicine and Internal Medicine

559-738-7500

Say goodnight to sleep disorders.

You’re made for getting more from every day, and the energy to thrive through each day starts with a night of deep, restful sleep. But sleep doesn’t always come easy. That’s why we offer the Sleep Center at the Visalia Medical Clinic and sleep expert Kayvon Sarrami, MD. He’s an experienced physician focused on the vital connection between sleep disorders and overall health. Whether you suffer from sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, parasomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, narcolepsy or snoring, let Dr. Sarrami help you recapture great sleep.

joshua tree

505 W Center Ave, Visalia

Tue-Sat 10:30am-5:30pm (559) 740-7914

1878 N Mooney Blvd Suite E, Tulare glitzybella.com

118 N Willis St, Visalia

Sponsored Content

Feel Good Gifts for Mom

Treat the mother in your life to something wonderful.

Tue-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm • Sat 10am-2pm (559) 747-2270

mavenskinandbeauty.com

mavenskinandbeauty

109 S Church St, Visalia

Tue-Fri 10am-3pm (559) 625-5242

sweetmemoriesfloral.com

sweetmemoriesflowers

Shop for locally made products and name-brand clothing for the perfect gift at Joshua Tree. Even better, plan a day out on the town and take your mom to this quaint shop situated in Downtown Visalia. Unique clothing, accessories, and gifts can be found here, just right for that cool mom in your life.

Come join the fun and check out their new GB headquarters IRL on Fridays from 9am to 3pm, or shop their website anytime! Brands like Paige, Show Me Your MuMu, Varley, Quay, and more can all be found in stores and online.

The woman in your life deserves to be pampered! So treat her to a lovely spa day, or buy her the perfect gift, such as a body scrub and a cozy new robe. Whether it's a facial, brow fluff, or lash fluff, this spa day will be the perfect treat for any mom who needs a relaxing day off.

Create even more 'sweet memories' and shop at this modern retail florist shop for a Mother’s Day arrangement. With beautiful wraps and vase arrangements ready to go, just pop in to pick up the perfect gift for Mom. Get ahead of the game and order early!

joshua_tree_visalia

glitzybella1

FUN & SUN & EVERYONE

Words by Lifestyle Staff

PICKLEBALL : Rally the Fam For This Racket Sport

Sour or sweet? Neither! Both? Pickleball combines elements from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, using paddles and a smaller court. Its quick rallies and strategic shots offer fun for entry-level players and seasoned players, making it ideal for families!

Is a hole-in-one with frisbee golf a basket-in-one? Your family can decide! Frisbee golf, or disc golf, combines the fun of frisbee throwing with the precision of golf putting. Players aim to complete each "hole" in the course, marked by metal baskets, in as few throws as possible. The game is ideal for any skill level, and is low-impact for any older family members.

(P.S. A hole-in-one is called an “ace”.)

OUTDOOR GAMES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

BADMINTON: A Little Birdie Told Us…

What do you get when you have a birdie, rackets, a net, and 2-4 players? Badminton! This centuries-old sport is active and intense, with exciting rallies sending the birdie (or shuttlecock) back and forth over the net. Families will enjoy this spirited game, testing quick reflexes (and true sportsmanship when they miss a stroke).

VOLLEYBALL: Bump, Set, Spike!

Yelling “MINE!” counts as good communication—on the volleyball court, that is. This high-energy sport emphasizes teamwork and communication and promotes physical fitness, social interaction, with a heaping helping of family fun. Plus, nothing feels better than blocking your sibling’s killer spike.

BOCCE BALL: Garden-Variety Strategy

Bocce, a classic Italian game, is a fun relaxed game for most age groups. On flat ground, each player takes a turn throwing their larger bocce ball toward the “pallino”—the smaller target ball. Whoever can get their ball closest to the target during this social, engaging game wins. Bonus points if you pair this with an Aperol spritz (recipe on p. 39) for the adults.

CORNHOLE: Tossing Fun for Everyone

Over the past few years, this backyard game has skyrocketed in popularity—probably due to its simple setup. Players score points by tossing bean bags toward an angled board with a hole, aiming to get the bags into the hole or onto the board. Luck, skill, and easy socializing make this popular with plenty of families, with some creating a tournament to add extra competition.

Whether you have a group of teens that won't put away their phones, or a variety of ages that want to get involved, you can find the right activity for your family to bond and have fun again...outside! Gather up the equipment, dust off the ice chest, and polish up the family trophy (even though everyone's a winner when you spend time together).

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS WITH TULARE COUNTY RENAISSANCE FAIR

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

Words by Lifestyle Staff

Photos provided by Tulare County Renaissance Fair

Each spring, Plaza Park transforms into a vibrant celebration of history, culture, and pageantry, courtesy of the Tulare County Renaissance Fair. For decades, this event has transported attendees back to a time when knights donned shining armor, troubadours serenaded fair maidens, and merchants peddled their wares amidst the bustling streets of a medieval village. And this year, the fair is extending its magic over two weekends instead of one, promising even more enchantment for all who attend.

The Roots of the Renaissance

Started in 1989 by a history teacher and his wife, a pharmaceutical technician, the fair began as a humble endeavor funded on a credit card. The Guild of St. Mortimer, formed the following year as a non-profit organization, has been instrumental in supporting the fair ever since. Queen Elizabeth I, portrayed by Pat Stanley, has graced the fair with her regal presence from the beginning.

The Heart of the Fair: Fostering Community

At the core of the fair's success lies its dedicated team of volunteers, who tirelessly work to bring the medieval world to life. Randy Smith, a key figure in the fair's organization, emphasizes the vital role played by volunteers, who serve as the backbone of the event: “We are a family—there’s definitely a sense of community within our group.” And that community welcomes individuals of all talents to join the guild. The Guild of St. Mortimer, operating as a 501(c)(3) organization, relies on volunteers and engages in educational outreach, attending other fairs to represent and educate on medieval life. Getting history right while keeping crowds entertained is a big balancing act for the organization—one that extends into their educational methods, as well.

It Takes A Village

Beyond entertainment, the fair serves as a valuable educational tool. With the City of Visalia granting permission for an expanded event spanning two weekends, the fair now has the chance to welcome school groups. Students will get to interact with historical figures and experience the past firsthand.

“We are all about education,” Randy says. The fair's mission to provide scholarships for arts and history is backed by support and contributions, further enabling the fair to foster an appreciation for history and the arts with the younger generations.

A Tapestry of Memories Not Yet Complete

Over the years, the fair has created countless memorable experiences for both attendees and participants. From lively interactions with fairgoers to thrilling jousts and battles, each moment is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Renaissance era. Like any endeavor, the fair has faced its share of challenges, such as relocating to new venues. However, the fair has adapted to overcome these obstacles. Looking ahead, Randy sees a bright future for Renaissance fairs, considering them key to preserving and understanding history in modern society.

Journey Through Time

The two full weekends of the Tulare County Renaissance Fair welcome visitors with a wealth of entertainment, including jugglers, comedians, storytellers, and animal interactions. With over 30 vendors offering handcrafted wares, and a food court, beer garden, and immersive performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So come, step back in time, and experience the magic of the Renaissance firsthand.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of making the fair happen, representing and educating.”

Randy Smith

NATURALLY DYED GOODS

LOCATED IN FRESNO, CALIFORNIA

Vacation every weekend

Vote For Your Favorite

Thank you for participating and nominating the great places, people, and things you love about living in our communities. We've now tabulated the nomination results and narrowed down the finalists for each category. We wish all of the nominees success in 2024! For each category (listed to the right), we have up to 5 finalists for you to vote for. The finalists in each category who receive the most votes by April 28th will be the winners. We will announce the category winners in May and feature them in the June issue of Lifestyle

Finalist Voting Now Open

• Craft Brewery

• Local Coffee Shop

• Cocktail Lounge

• Brunch Spot

• Sweet Treat

• "Good For You" Food

• Boutique Shop

• Food Truck

• Event Venue

• Florist

• Aesthetics

• Fitness

• Artist / Artisan

• Kid's Activity

• Photographer

• New Business

• Pet Services

Finalist Voting for the Best of the South ValleyReader's Choice Awards is open between:

Wednesday-Thursday

O@tonystaverna

Tony’s

Tony’s

TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH US!

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES AND LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS

WHEN: Saturday | April 13

WHERE: 3440 W Flagstaff Ave, Visalia TIME: 8:00am-12:00pm

OUR SERVICE

• Hot Air Balloon Rides

• Cultural Entertainment

• Food from Around the World

• Cultural Novelty Vendors

We will be hosting a dog walk and costume contest. Bring your four-legged friend and dress up in the theme of traveling the world!

RSVP: (559) 527-8245

qpshannonranch.com

DOG WALK: 9am

VENDORS ON SITE: 9am-1pm

BALLOON RIDES: 8am-12pm

The Shannon Ranch Community is checking off our bucket lists!

We are inviting Lifestyle readers to this special invitation-only event. RSVP to join us for tasting flavors from around the world and to enjoy live entertainment.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES

Riders will receive a commemorative photo. All riders must sign a waiver, and rides are $10 per person and by reservation only. Each ride is approximately 3-4 minutes long, with 4 riders per ride.

Please contact us at (559) 527-8245 to reserve your early bird spot from 9am-11am.

REFINED HAVEN

Words by Lifestyle Staff Photos by Topograph

In northwest Visalia sits Tuscany Villas, an apartment community that brings vibrancy and a sense of welcome to each of its residents. With indulgent amenities and charming Tuscan-inspired architectural finishes, Tuscany Villas is the sanctuary residents have been seeking—to connect with others and enhance their lives.

WELCOME HOME TO TUSCANY VILLAS, WHERE EVERY DAY FEELS LIKE A RETREAT.

AMENETIES

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES ARE NESTLED THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY DESIGNED TO CATER TO EVERY RESIDENT'S NEEDS.

REFRESHING POOL

Residents can relax and unwind in the sparkling pool during the summer months, complete with cabanas and daybeds.

FITNESS CENTER

Staying fit is convenient, with a 24-hour fitness center equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and more.

CLUBHOUSE

Easily gather with friends and neighbors in our beautiful clubhouse (equipped with a kitchen) perfect for hosting events or enjoying a quiet evening.

CONFERENCE ROOM

Adjacent to the clubhouse, residents may reserve the conference room for business meetings.

OUTDOOR SPACES

Wander the beautifully landscaped grounds, with seating areas and walking paths throughout the space. Near the pool, enjoy picnic tables and barbecue grills, too.

PET-FRIENDLY

Furry friends are welcomed with open arms in our pet-friendly environment that has designated areas for walking and play. Dog park coming soon!

APARTMENT FEATURES

EACH THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED APARTMENT LAYOUT AT TUSCANY VILLAS PROVIDES BOTH COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE.

SPACIOUS LAYOUTS

Each of our one- and two-bedroom floor plans offers a spacious living area with vaulted ceilings along with extra soundproofing and walk-in closets.

MODERN FINISHES

Enjoy contemporary features and finishes, including stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and soft-close cabinetry.

PRIVATE BALCONIES OR PATIOS

Fresh air is right there. Step outside onto your own balcony or patio, to enjoy your morning coffee or the evening breeze.

IN-UNIT WASHER AND DRYER

Laundry day could be any day, any time. Enjoy the convenience of a washer-dryer combo unit in your apartment.

THE PERFECT BLEND OF LUXURY, COMFORT, AND COMMUNITY.

Photo Provided by Tuscany Villas

COMMUNITY EVENTS

At Tuscany Villas, residents are more than just neighbors; they can be part of a vibrant and close-knit community. Regularly scheduled events and activities at the clubhouse, organized by the dedicated, on-site management team, provide opportunities for residents to connect and forge lasting friendships.

EXPERIENCE TUSCANY VILLAS APARTMENTS

Discover the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and community that embodies a picturesque community at Tuscany Villas Apartments in Visalia. Schedule a tour today and experience the difference for yourself.

TUSCANY VILLAS

6710 W DOE AVE, VISALIA

(559) 608-4518

TUSCANYVILLASLIVING.COM

@TUSCANYVILLASVISALIA

JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE!

WHERE: TUSCANY VILLAS CLUBHOUSE

DATE: APRIL 18TH

TIME: 4:30PM-6:30PM

Master Gardeners and CalFresh plant seeds of hope for women in a detention center.

AT TULARE COUNTY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, EVERY MEMBER IS VALUED, AND EVERY DREAM IS ATTAINABLE. SPONSORED

TULARE COUNTY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Asteadfast pillar for our diverse community, Tulare County Federal Credit Union (TCFCU) has a rich history, spanning decades. They are dedicated to their members, providing trusted financial solutions, personalized service, and unwavering support to help individuals and families thrive. As a member-owned cooperative, they prioritize the good of the community, empowering members with tools to achieve their financial aspirations.

Lifestyle: What sets Tulare County Federal Credit Union (TCFCU) apart from other financial institutions? How does it uniquely serve the needs of our community?

TCFCU: Tulare County Federal Credit Union was founded in 1939 to provide financial services to educators. However, in 2002, we decided to expand our services to the community while maintaining our dedication to education. Education is part of our history and ingrained in our DNA. Now, we are proud to have established a high school branch—the only one in the county at present. We take great pride in the accomplishments of our program and would be delighted to extend it to other local high schools.

Lifestyle: Many community members may be unfamiliar with the benefits of banking with a federal credit union. Please explain the advantages of joining TCFCU and how it differs from traditional banks.

TCFCU: Traditional banks are typically owned by shareholders, but credit unions like TCFCU are member-owned. Plus, we have a pretty amazing volunteer-based Board of Directors. When you join TCFCU, you become a member-owner and get to enjoy lower fees, competitive rates, and personalized service.

Lifestyle: Can you share the positive impact your financial institution has made on the lives of its members and the broader community?

TCFCU: In addition to saving our members money, we are proudly committed to fostering financial literacy among students. Through Bite-of-Reality, a real-life simulation program, we provide an interactive experience that empowers teens to make informed financial decisions. This hands-on activity not only equips them with essential money management skills but also offers a deeper understanding of the realities and challenges of budgeting and financial planning. By investing in the financial education of our youth, we’re helping to build a more financially savvy and resilient community for the future.

“We were able to refinance our home with a low interest and payment we could afford. We were able to build a pool for our family...something we never thought we could do. The joy and excitement that our boys had when swimming in the pool for the first time and the memories we are going to be able to build throughout the years will be amazing. Thank you!”

Jeanette

Branch Locations: Visalia, Tulare,

Porterville (559) 686-1791 or 844-720-2901 | tularefcu.org

“I had the opportunity to work with a couple amazing folks at the credit union and they have supported my wife and I by helping us finance our car and even our wedding. A self-professed money idiot, they have helped me learn more about and improve my financial health.”

Tom

Lifestyle: Along with those efforts, you have the only student-run high school branch in the county. Can you share about its purpose and mission?

TCFCU: The high school branch located in Porterville serves a multitude of purposes. First, it serves as an educational platform where students learn essential skills in personal finance. Second, it offers a unique work-based learning environment for our student interns, providing them with hands-on experience in various aspects of Credit Union operations, ranging from marketing to basic lending practices. Last, it fosters invaluable relationships with students, as we become some students' trusted primary financial institution; for others, this relationship leads to potential career opportunities. Currently, our Member Support Officer and Compliance Officer are our first and second-year student interns.

Lifestyle: Technology is rapidly changing the banking industry. How does TCFCU leverage technology to enhance members’ banking experience while still maintaining a personal touch?

TCFCU: We're passionate about balancing updated technology for a seamless digital banking experience, while ensuring personalized service at our local branches. Recently, we implemented system upgrades to ensure smoother account access. While our digital banking platform allows members to handle nearly all banking needs online, we understand the importance of human interaction. So: Even in the digital realm, you can engage with real, knowledgeable staff members through our contact center message system. No automated bots here—just real people wanting to help.

Lifestyle: Looking ahead, what exciting developments or initiatives can community members expect from Tulare County Federal Credit Union in the coming months or years?

TCFCU: Get ready to see more of us in your community! We love being involved in local events and collaborating with schools. We particularly enjoy engaging with students through events like Bite-of-Reality. In 2025, we’ll be expanding and opening a new branch in northwest Visalia. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to grow and serve our community even better!

Recipe by Lifestyle Staff | Illustration by Saegan Moran

BLOOD ORANGE APEROL SPRITZ

MA K ES 1 COC K TAIL

APEROL IS AN ITALIAN APÉRITIF WITH A VIBRANT ORANGE HUE. IT'S CHARACTERIZED BY ITS BITTERSWEET TASTE, FEATURING FLAVORS OF ORANGE, RHUBARB, HERBS, AND ROOTS.

INGREDIENTS

1½ oz Aperol

½ oz blood orange liqueur, such as Solerno

3½ oz prosecco

splash of soda water

orange slices, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes. Add Aperol, blood orange liqueur, and prosecco to glass. Top with soda water.

2. Stir gently.

3. Garnish with orange slices and serve.

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT SPRITZ

Prosecco is the primary ingredient. Pick a good Italian sparkling wine to make your Aperol spritz taste even better.

If you like cold drinks, keep your ingredients cold. Chill the prosecco, Aperol, and soda water before making the drink to avoid a lukewarm spritz.

Ice will keep your Aperol spritz cold and refreshing. Fill up your glass with ice cubes before adding the other ingredients.

Stirring vigorously can break up the fizz from the prosecco. Stir gently when mixing the ingredients, and keep the bubbles coming.

Play. Practice. Party.

Play. Practice. Party.

Rose Festival— A Look at Our Flowery Past

Words and Photos Provided by Terry Ommen

he bygone historic Visalia Woman’s Club worked on many community projects during its more than 100-year history. From planting oak trees in 1922 along present-day Highway 198, to providing scholarships to local nursing students in 1943, the now-disbanded group proved to be an effective and important service organization that left its mark on a grateful community.

Most of its projects focused on community needs, but occasionally the civic-minded women directed their attention inward. In 1915, one such effort involved raising money to build a clubhouse. The result left no doubt in the club’s ability to raise funds while exciting the community

The club had purchased a lot on S. Locust Street on which to build, but the ladies pondered how to fund the construction. The answer came with the successful two-day run of the Visalia Rose Festival. The idea of a festival wasn’t entirely original, but stemmed from the Hanford Woman’s Club’s own rose festival, held a year earlier. So with an example to follow, the Visalia ladies began planning their event.

On February 8, 1915, Sallie Larkins, wife of prominent local attorney, E.O. Larkins, and Sarah Grant, wife of well-known businessman Austin Grant, presented the rose festival idea to the Visalia Board of Trade. The two representatives of the woman’s club explained that roses were at their peak in April and that the event would attract many visitors to town. The ladies were convincing, and the board of trade gave their blessing to the idea. James T. Boyer, secretary of the board, R.R. Harris, and Alex M. Simons were appointed to assist the women.

Carolyn Spalding driving westbound on Main at Church Street in her decorated electric vehicle in the floral parade. Virginia “Polly” Perkins is her passenger. The Visalia House can be seen directly behind the vehicle.

[Courtesy Diane P. Hodges]

Visalia High School principal Alex M. Simons is shown here as a Captain in the local unit of the California National Guard. He served as the Grand Marshal of the Visalia Rose Festival and was the company commander of the local guard unit that went to the Mexican border in June 1916. He was stationed at Nogales, Arizona.

So with this endorsement, they went to work organizing the festival. Flowers, especially roses, would play a central role in the event, so whether the activities were parades, displays, dinner, or dances, nature’s flowering blooms would be the theme. Yards and gardens throughout Visalia would become the fields to harvest the needed flowers.

Opening festivities of the event began on the evening of April 9, 1915, at the Riley Pavilion—a hall leased and operated by the Visalia Moose Club. It was completely decorated with flowers, with all the work done by members of the women's club. Opening night attendance exceeded expectations, and even with additional chairs, many had to stand in order to fit.

The festival began with a pageant called Dance of the Seasons performed by local young ladies. Maurine Toomey represented spring, Jennie Collins, summer, Dorcas Gilbert, fall, and Alberta Wishon, winter. As they danced for the audience, Marlowe Anderson played her trumpet and Edna Scott appeared. Edna was crowned “Queen of Flowerland” in a beautiful ceremony and was presented with a crown of roses.

The Dance of the Fairies was next. Six young ladies performed with precision in front of the audience, earning two encores. Next, another group of youngsters carried out a dainty flower dance dressed as adorable carnations, followed by young boys who marched on stage dressed as sunflowers. The evening ended with the hall cleared and open dancing continued until midnight.

The next day, festivities resumed at 10:30am with a floral street parade. Alex M. Simons, the principal of Visalia High School, was chosen to serve as Grand Marshal and led the parade. Parade entries included decorated automobiles, mounted riders, and decorated horse-drawn vehicles. A surprise entry was the 32-piece Australian Boys Band who just happened to be in Visalia on a goodwill tour. They were invited to take part in the festivities, and pleased the audience with their rousing rendition of “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary.”

From 11:30am to 2:00pm, the club served chicken dinners, and the public was invited. At 2:30pm an indoor children’s parade commenced inside the Riley Pavilion with most entries being flower-festooned baby carriages. Following the indoor parade, the hall was again cleared for dancing, as the final Rose Festival event.

Cash prizes were awarded in several categories, and a number of the participants caught the eye of the audience and the newspaper. The Visalia Morning Delta observed, “The car which probably received more favorable comment than any in the line from the bystanders, was Mrs. W.R. Spalding’s electric, driven by that lady, accompanied by Miss Virginia Perkins, which followed. The outfit was a picture of dainty floral decoration, modest in treatment, harmonious in color, artistic in design. The body was covered with fern leaves and real pink roses. Each flower was selected for its perfection, the finest yards in the Highland tract being searched for perfect specimens. Suspended in front of the dash were two large pink butterflies with outspread wings and the movement of the springs of the car, causing them to undulate, almost conveying the

impression that the mammoth insects were pulling the silent, gliding vehicle.”

Praise for the Rose Festival came from all quarters. But none of the accolades were more glowing than the local Delta newspaper that opined, “Without the slightest doubt the festival was the most pleasing and the most successful venture ever staged in the city.”

A man named J.D. Cooper, who happened to be traveling through Visalia on business, commented, “…the Visalia Rose Festival outclassed any festival I have ever seen, and have witnessed the Santa Rosa Fête and the Portland annual event.”

The Visalia Woman’s Club was very pleased, too. Through the newspaper they expressed thanks to everyone who helped and attended. They proudly reported that $735.00 was netted from the event—an amount “which is rapidly nearing the point where the new clubhouse can be started.” Thanks to the Rose Festival, the new Visalia Woman’s Clubhouse was not only started, but finished at 401 S. Locust Street, and opened to the public for the first time on April 20, 1917.

Carolyn Spalding with her passenger, Virginia “Polly” Perkins, driving in her beautifully decorated vehicle en route to the Rose Festival parade.

April Agenda

Spring beckons, and events around town are calling your name!

APR 4, 11, 18, 25

Spring Food Fest

When: 5:00pm-9:00pm

Where: 4211 W. Goshen Ave

Hosted by: The Woodlands reveleventsco.com

Thursdays Saturday

APR 6

1st Saturday Art Tour

When: 10:00am-4:00pm

Where: Mapped Locations

Hosted by: Arts Consortium 1stsaturdaytr.com

THREE RIVERS

APR 19-21 APR 6 APR 13

Friday-Sunday Saturday Saturday Saturday

Fast Times-80s Concert Experience

When: 8:00pm

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre

Hosted by: Visalia Fox Theatre foxvisalia.org

VISALIA VISALIA

Cigars & Bourbon

When: 5:00pm-9:00pm

Where: Garden Street Plaza, Downtown Visalia

Hosted by: Downtown Visalians downtownvisalia.com

California Antique Farm Equipment

When: Fri 3:00pm-7:00pm • Sat 8:00am-5:00pm

Sun 8:00am-12:00pm

Where: 4500 S Laspina St

Hosted by: International Agri-Center antiquefarmshow.org

TULARE VISALIA KINGSBURG

APR 20

Kingsburg Car Show

When: 7:00am-4:00pm

Where: Downtown Kingsburg, Draper St

Hosted by: City of Kingsburg kingsburgchamber.com

As April unfolds, may you be reminded that amidst life's challenges, there is always hope, strength, and the potential for beautiful transformations. We aim to uplift one another, shaping our community into a beacon of positivity and possibility. Here's to embracing every moment of our inspiring lives together.