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Festival unites LV community

Claremont residents, Minnie Lomeli and her daughter, Calyssa, came to the La Verne Harvest Festival Saturday. They spent most of their time at the petting zoo where attendees were able to pet a bunny and see pigs, goats and roosters. / photo by Amy Babin
Claremont residents Minnie Lomeli and her daughter, Calyssa, came to the La Verne Harvest Festival Saturday. They spent most of their time at the petting zoo where attendees were able to pet a bunny and see pigs, goats and roosters. / photo by Amy Babin

by Gloria Diaz
Arts & Entertainment Editor

The smell of seasoned steak and scented candles brought out residents from La Verne and its surrounding cities for the annual Old Town La Verne Harvest Festival Saturday.

Everyone was out on D Street taking part in this celebration that brings families and pets out to enjoy the fall sunshine.

San Dimas resident Terry Appleby, 51, has attended the festival for 11 years.

“It is a good day out; it’s something to do,” he said. He was accompanied by his wife and his parrot, Fred.

There was an array of items for sale from 19 different booths, some of which included aroma burners, handmade jewelry and studded belts made especially for the hip and fashionable.

“The festival is used to promote the downtown business area and to bring the community out,” said Donna Eady, festival coordinator.

Unfortunately, there was a decrease from last year in the number of people that attended, which hurt sales.

Although the turnout was low, vendors like Kathy Bartlyn still enjoyed the festival’s atmosphere.

This is Bartlyn’s second year selling at the festival. This year she sold bracelets and stuffed animals.

“It is a lot slower today than it was last year,” she said, but added, “I think it’s great,” she said.

The Harvest Festival was designed to raise money for charity and to help those campaigning for political office.

Members from the One Voice Club at Bonita High School sold angel shaped bath soaps and shapes of people made out of rope, with all the proceeds going to the Garden of Angels organization.

Garden of Angels is a garden created to honor abandoned children.

It was started in 1996, and within five years, it has buried 46 children.

Representing the One Voice Club were Mrs. Cianciosi, Jennifer Courtice, Ashley Steinkamp and Nikki Poblete.

“We want to show the children that they are loved,” said club president Steinkamp.

Nick Presecan, a candidate for the Three Valleys Municipal Water District, was out campaigning with the help of his family.

Presecan’s opponent, Brian Bowcock, was also campaigning.

To entertain the kids while the adults shopped, the Wesleyan Day Care Center offered free face painting.

There were also pony rides available for $3, and a petting zoo with ducks, chickens, sheep and lambs for children.

Students from the University of La Verne, who came to the festival, enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.

“It is pretty good; it brings the community together,” said Clarita Morales, a junior.

For music lovers, a stage was set up in Mainiero Square on campus.

The stage featured the musical and vocal talents of Brad Annan who performed some Beatles classics.

The festival offered more than just shopping and animals; there were also delectable treats for people’s taste buds to enjoy.

Caramel apples and kettle corn brought an old time feeling to the festival. Funnel cakes, churros and grilled chicken were also sold.

“Coming from a bigger city, it was cool to see the community out, and I’m glad I came,” said freshman Nancy Reyes. “This was my first time at the festival.”

Next year Eady hopes to have a live deejay, preferably from ULV, to bring more of the college students into the area.

Gloria Diaz, Arts and Entertainment Editor
Gloria Diaz
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Amy Babin
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