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Celebrations
The Elk Grove Strauss Festival –
Iris Zimbelman created the idea of the Strauss Festival after traveling to Austria and succumbing to the Old World charm of waltz performances in Vienna. She organized Elk Grove’s inaugural festival in 1987 and served as producer for 10 years, never missing a rehearsal. Her creative genius, attention to detail, and collaborative abilities resulted in a labor of love shared by hundreds of volunteers, including her husband, Arnie, a retired history professor who built many elaborate props for the stage.
Iris’s irrepressible spirit, dedication, and accomplishments were recognized when she was named Elk Grove Citizen of the Year in 1989. After she retired from the Strauss Festival board of directors (after the 1998 production) Iris remained a loyal and gracious supporter of the festival, cheering the efforts of those carrying on the tradition. We have wonderful memories of Johann Strauss and the Beautiful Blue Danube in Elk Grove! We look forward to the return of the Strauss Festival!
The Elk Grove Dickens Faire -
This celebration has been with us for several years and has been held the week before Thanksgiving. It has been a full day of wonderful activities and a chance to spend a great day in our historic Old Town Elk Grove!
The website of the Elk Grove Old Town Foundation has this – “Call it Main Street, call it Old Town, or call it our treasury of history. Whatever name you give it, this special place is the heart of our great City of Elk Grove.” 66. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2021
I wrote that many years ago, and they still use it to describe our famous Old Town. The Old Town Elk Grove Dickens Street Faire is the start of the holiday season with entertainers and merchants appearing in mid-19th century costumes. Shops and businesses are all open, and there are craft and vendor booths. Santa Claus is rescued by the fire department, and there are always many activities for children. Everyone can stroll through Old Town and explore the variety of local shops and enjoy holiday music. There are many vendor booths and lots of delicious holiday foods. Christmas characters all over and everyone can visit with friends and meet new ones. There are more than 100 arts and craft vendors, commercial vendors and community groups on Elk Grove Boulevard from 2nd Avenue all the way to School Street.
BOOKS By
ELIZABETH PINKERTON The Dickens Faire Parade of Lights ends with Santa leaves his sleigh in time to help lead the History Happened Here, crowd in singing Christmas carols and then he Book 1 – River, Oaks, Gold flips the switch to light the great Christmas tree at Walnut Street. Book 2 – Fields, Farms, Schools We the People, a Story of Internment in America The Pumpkin Festival – This celebration has been with us since 1995, sponsored by the Cosumnes Community Services District, and it will take place again now in 2021. Everything connected to pumpkins will be there including the giant pumpkins, many contests and much entertainment.
Two recent celebrations sponsored by the City of Elk Grove are the Salute to the Red white and Blue that takes place on the 4th of July and the August Multicultural Festival. We all look forward to all the celebrations continuing when our lives return to NORMAL!
All book proceeds go for student scholarships, and I thank the many purchasers who have made possible the 80 scholarships with each one $1,000. Five more will be awarded in 2021 to seniors at Elk Grove high schools. To purchase books, make your check for books payable to Laguna Publishers and send to me at 9227 Lamprey Drive, Elk Grove CA 95624. Books are $20 apiece and California sales tax is included. Add $3 for shipping of one book; $5 for 2-3 books. Call me at 916-685-0606 or email me at elizabethpink@gmail.com.