“JINGLE AROUND THE PARK”
On Sunday, December 10, the Villa Park ‘Asphalt Harbor’ was overflowing with joyous laughter, music and civic pride. So many times the comment, “the best VP Dryland Boat Parade ever,” was said by those cheering on the 28 entries lead by the Grand Marshal, Eileen DeSantis. There is no doubt that the 2023 entourage combined the largest and best lighted vessels…and jingle bells, too. It included several youth groups plus local agencies and businesses while hundreds lined the streets in awe of the colorful lights and holiday decor. The awards this year were fuzzy teddy bears with jingle bell necklaces.
A special highlight (no pun intended) to the parade this year was Lit Riders. They are an award winning bicycle club from So Cal that love riding their bikes at night with glowing L.E.D. lights and amplified synchronized audio.
Special thanks to the OC Fire Department and Sheriff for their service along with the VPCSF Event Chair, Forrest Case plus VP Rotarians Marianne Koepnick and Diane Rothi for organizing this event on behalf of the VPCS Foundation.
SANTA COMES TO VILLA PARK
HO! HO! HO! You just gotta know...the old bearded guy, riding on a shiny red fire engine, made 31 stops around the Hidden Jewel on December 2nd to listen to holiday wishes and pose for so many photos. Coming to his aid to pass out candy canes to the good kids and biscuits to their excited dogs were the VP City Council. This legendary tradition resulted in many block parties laced with food and good cheer. Yes, the amazing photos below by Dee Dee Franks tell it all.
Marine Thanksgiving - 2023
80’s DAZE CONCERT IN THE (VILLA) PARK
“I Had the Time of My Life” was clearly the feeling of numerous attendees at this unique 80’s themed musical event in the Villa Park High Outdoor Amphitheater on July 21st, especially for those dressed in rad attire. Many also enjoyed the opportunity to do the twist… not on the dance floor, but with the mini rubrics cubes that were given for cool rags or VPCSF membership.
Who couldn’t feel “With Every Breath I Take” that unique performances by 80’s DAZE had everyone warmly “Walking on Sunshine” thanks to the generous $ sponsorship from OC Supervisor Don Wagner/County of Orange for this VPCS Foundation and VP High/Orange Unified free event.
“Don’t Stop Believin” in American pride. Boy Scout Troup 850 Color Guard presented our nations colors and our Amaya Semrow sang our National Anthem as the concert crowd cheered their performances. As usual, VPCS Foundation Events Chair, Forrest Case, “Always Had Something There to Remind Me” of the many folks who contributed to the evening. And, it was super cool to have Congresswoman Young Kim and the staff from OC Supervisor Wagner’s office sharing American values from their perspectives.
“I Love Rock and Roll” and “I Want to Dance With Somebody” was obviously true by the consistent group of young and old on the asphalt amphitheater dance floor. Some just chose to “Jump” while others loved to enthusiastically “Walk Like an Egyptian” during the variety non-stop of 80’s tunes and trivia for an hour and a half. It was obvious all evening that many “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”.
Thanks go to the volunteer VPHS Interact Club members who eagerly responded to “Need You Tonight” as they assisted with the set-up, food sales and trash pick-up at Concert.
Want more information about other upcoming fun events sponsored by the Foundation or becoming a VPCSF member? Forget about calling “867-5309/Jenny”.
SPRING ARRIVES IN VILLA PARK!
With a financial grant for multi-cultural community events from the SC Edison Company, the VPCS Foundation was able to commemorate the season on March 25th with NORUZ, a celebration coinciding with the Spring Equinox, dating back thousands of years to the Persian Civilization.
Colorful decorations outside the Villa Park City Hall were accompanied by beautiful displays of Persian dishware and objects as children were invited to play unique games, enjoy crafts and have their faces painted. Persian dancing by both adults and children encouraged the crowd attending this event to also participate in the merriment of the music provided. And, who could pass up the delicious cuisine provided to celebrate this unique occasion?
Many thanks to Marjan Roshangar, Nazanin Ahmadinia and Mina Asad for their awesome talents in bringing this celebration to life under the direction of our Councilman Jordan Wu.
