September 17 - September 30, 2019
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Los Alamos to celebrate 73rd ‘Old Days’ festival
FYI Danish Days grand marshals will continue a long, strong family tradition. On Page 6
Small Western town is ‘Blazing New Trails’ By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
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he 73rd annual 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. “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.
‘Old Days’ schedule of events Staff Report
T Photo by Jeffrey Bloom Photography John Traller and Sheila Glaser will be grand marshals for the “Greatest Little Small Town Parade” this year, the first time that the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club has chosen two grand marshals.
he 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
Photo by Jeffrey Bloom Photography Los Alamos Old Days festivities draw large crowds from near and far.
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. LOS ALAMOS CONTINUED TO PAGE 27
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El Rancho Market
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. 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 OLD DAYS CONTINUED TO PAGE 27
Time to fire up the oven & try some of our fabulous menus Go to: www.californiafreshmarket.com/recipes/weekly
2886 Mission Drive • Solvang • 805-688-4300 elranchomarket.com
Saturday, Sept. 28
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