Saratoga News

The Masonic group, the Sojourners, will present a flag ceremony and a 35-minute show featuring the heroes of '76.

Hometown Celebration offers food, entertainment and fun

By John Pancharian

Those willing to brave a Civil War skirmish will have the opportunity to speak with Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson July 3 at Villa Montalvo. The 1998 Saratoga Hometown Celebration will feature musical entertainment, food, a chance to meet local politicians--as well as great statesmen of the past--numerous booths operated by community organizations.

"This is about bringing the community together," said Marlene Duffin, president of the Saratoga Lions Club, this year's event organizers. She added that the celebration--which will feature more entertainment this year than the previous two events--will provide an opportunity for local charitable organizations to make some money.

Duffin said the key event this year will be a presentation by the Sojourners, a Masonic group attired in the uniform of the Continental Army. They will present a 35-minute show titled "Heroes of '76.".

Other key entertainment includes the American Civil War Association's historical re-enactment, in which members clad in the blue and gray will clash using replicas of Civil War weaponry.

There will be country music, the Old Smoothies Ukelele Band and Christian rock, tours of Villa Montalvo and much more. The entertainment will also reflect the immigrant nation in which we live with performances by Sister City Taiko, and French-born singer and storyteller Monique Duval entertaining the children.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Westside Substation will send out their bicycle and K-9 units--the dogs Marco and Kato love attention, as do the deputies who handle them--and will provide fingerprinting for children as a public service.

The celebration lasts from noon to 5 p.m., and admission is free. Villa Montalvo will be closed to regular traffic during the event, but there will be frequent shuttle service from West Valley College's Fruitvale Avenue parking lot--organizers suggest a $1 donation. For more information call 867-1410.

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