Street Fair Celebrates Newhall, USA
By Margie Anne Clark Sunday, September 23, 2001
Signal Staff Writer
ome-town spirit and American pride was in high gear at the fourth annual Old Town Newhall Street Fair, held on Sept. 15. Hundreds of visitors flocked to the streets of down-town Newhall on San Fernando Road, for a day of fun and good old fashioned entertainment. The festival was sponsored by the Newhall Redevelopment Committee and the Old Town Newhall Association as part of an effort to showcase the historic downtown area, while giving community members a glimpse of the redevelopment process.
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Patriotism and a show of support to the victims and survivors of the terrorists attacks on the East Coast was evident in the red, white and blue attire worn by dozens of visitors to the event. U.S. flags dotted the streets and cars of down-town Newhall. Tim Ben Boydston, artistic director of the Canyon Theatre Guild, whose members entertained audiences throughout the day, said he was glad to see so many people come out for the event.
Stilt walker Matt Love greets children at Saturday's Old Town Newhall Street Fair on
San Fernando Road.
Photo by Nathan Caswell / The Signal
"It's a great turnout and it's good to see Americans out enjoying themselves and enjoying life ... and enjoying America," Boydston said. Emceeing the event was Mike Fleming, leader of the award-winning, headlining group, New West. "This is where it all began, and it's wonderful to have such a great event right here in the heart of Santa Clarita ... as Santa Clarita continues to grow, it's important for the community to gain an understanding of the rich western heritage of our valley," Fleming said.
During a special ceremony, City of Santa Clarita Mayor, Laurene Weste presented honorary plaques for four young men who have participated in national boxing championships through the Santa Clarita Community Center. Honored were Golden Glove Boxer Award recipients, Juan Ruiz Jr., Hector Guizar, Jonathan Oritz, and Michael Ortiz. Ortiz is currently training to qualify for the 2004 Olympics. "We are very proud of these young men who represent our city so well," Weste said.
Festival-goers enjoyed a wide variety of entertainment, food, and an interactive activities, such as face-painting, crafts, and games, as they strolled down the streets of a town that had its humble beginnings in the mid 1870's. The original town of Newhall began with the opening of George Compton's General Store, Newhall Depot, and the victorian-styled Southern Hotel. By 1882, the streets of down-town Newhall were teaming with horse-drawn carriages, as businesses began to take hold up and down San Fernando and Railroad Ave.
Reminiscent of days gone by, horse riders could be seen clopping down the streets and mingling with guests as they enjoyed the day's festivities. Just like old times, children and their parents enjoyed pony rides, a petting farm, and old fashioned treats provided by dozens of vendors who set up shop along the street for the day. Kettle Korn, barbequed sandwiches, caramel apples and fruited ices were just a few of the goodies visitors to the event enjoyed while enjoying the sights and sounds of the day.
Carol Rock, head of promotions for the Old Town Newhall committee, said she was happy to see many visitors attend the event. "The vendors are happy, the entertainers are happy, and it's just great to see the people coming out and having a good time," Rock said. There was something for everybody as a wide variety of entertainers took to the stage, and the streets. Acts such as the Canyon Theatre Guild singers, the Ballet Folklorico, and the Mariachi Alma de Mexico, kept audiences well entertained as did a special appearance by the barbershop quartets "Sings With the Fishes" and "Chords-A-Poppin." Other groups included ... and the Leasebreakers Jug Band, Mitch Speed and Mendin' Fences, Belinda Gail and Saugus Station. Chords- A-Poppin baritone singer Richard Winger said he enjoyed being a part of the festival. "It's fun to sing the old songs and be out among friends and see the kids enjoy themselves," said Winger who was accompanied by his wife Joan.
As a special treat for the children, the Jim Gamble Puppet Productions present three performances of "The Wide World of Puppets" at the Santa Clarita Repertory Theatre where the current showing of Steve Martin's hit comedy, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" has recently extended it's run to Oct. 5. Performing his own brand of enchantment for the children was John Chambers, who introduced the children to host of colorful life-like marionette characters.
The laughter of children echoed throughout the theatre as Chambers imagination and agility with the marionette strings, brought to life a juggling clown, a dancing monkey, a slippery penguin, and a mischievous puppy. Other characters included a weight-lifting American Eagle, a rapping rabbit, a trio of scary ghost busters, and a daring trapeze artist. Six year-old Aidan Kennedy and his sister Allison, 3 said they were glad they came. "It was really cool and I liked the ghosts the best," Aidan Kennedy said. Kennedy's mom Sylvia said she was impressed by the artistry of Chambers. "He was so good with the kids and obviously loves what he does," she said. "We've had an over-all good time — this is just a great event for families," she added. Chambers said. Doug Sink, president of the Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce stopped by to see the show as well. "We're having a great time — this brings out the kid in all of us," said Sink, who visited the street fair with his wife Sue. Craig Duswalt, artist producing director of the Repertory Theatre joined in on the fun with his 1 and half year-old son Tyler, and wife Natasha. "The show really held his attention — we had a great time," said Natasha Duswalt. Her husband Craig said it was nice to have a young audience in the theatre for a change of pace. "This is certainly one of the youngest audiences we've ever had here — I was having as much fun as they were," he said.
Weste said the redevelopment of Newhall is swiftly becoming a reality. "The Street Fair is getting bigger and better each year and it provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of Santa Clarita and its history — we're starting to see how much work has been accomplished," Weste said. She said plans are already in the works to implement a down-town street plan. "We are in the process of signing letters to take over the road from Caltrans — we're really looking forward to beginning the process of putting in planters and adding brick-work and other amenities," she said.
Weste said plans for a memorial park in the vicinity are also underway. "We need a place of solace and historical significance to allow the next generation to be reminded of the service men and women who have kept our country free," she said.
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