La Verne community spirit hits the streets, walkways and stages of the L.A. County Fair Wednesday, Sept. 23, during the annual La Verne Day festivities. From saluting the city’s community heroes to cheering on the local schools and organizations in a parade to watching the ponies run in La Verne’s honor, the day is fun for all.
Since it is your city’s day, don’t pay full price to join the fun at the Fair. La Verne residents, employees and friends can receive a buy one, get one free admission coupon from various locations in the city. Then, the fun starts at 2:40 p.m. at Fairplex Park where the Race of the Day is named in honor of La Verne. Don’t forget to stop by the Community Expo, where La Verne businesses, civic and community organizations will fill Pepper Street with booths offering information and goodies.
At 5 p.m., line the Fair parade route and cheer on local civic organizations, schools and community groups as they march down Broadway. Taking a prominent place in the parade are the town’s Community Heroes: young adult hero Logan Zylstra, a fifth grader at Oak Mesa School who volunteers during his lunch to tutor third graders and is a caring person and terrific student, always willing to help; adult hero Jon Blickenstaff, a former councilman and mayor whose dedication helped the city develop lasting partnerships between the city, the University of La Verne and Bonita Unified School District. Jon has had an influence on the entire community. Receiving the Jack Huntington Pride of La Verne Award for Exemplary Volunteer Service is Betty Kalousek. Betty is being recognized for her service to Old Town La Verne and the Old Town Business Improvement District. She has been active in the district since she opened her Generations Antiques store 14 years ago. She is the guiding force behind the annual Holiday Open House, the annual Halloween candy open house and coloring contest. Her family donated funds for the purchase and placement of the historic El Camino Real Bell in Old Town.
Alicia Mierke is the recipient of the Jim Scranton Pride of La Verne award. She is a member of the beautification committee and is active on the Bonita High Grad Night committee. Alicia is very involved in the Bonita athletic booster club, holding several positions within the club. She created a parent representative/coaches handbook that is essential to running a quality program.
La Verne’s senior hero is Ann Brown. Ann was recently named Outstanding Older American by the La Verne City Council. She dedicates countless hours to the Community Center through the nutrition program, special events and more. She is past program chair of the La Verne Computer Club and has organized a Toys for Tots drive that added to the La Verne Fire Department’s holiday drive.
The five heroes will be feted at the Community Heroes Celebration at 5:30 p.m. at the Pepper Street Stage.
The L.A. County Fair continues Wednesday – Sunday through Oct. 4, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Live thoroughbred horse racing Sept. 10 – 28, dark Mondays Sept. 14 and 21 and Tuesdays. For information on ways to save at the Fair, visit lacountyfair.com.
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