The Centennial Committee’s vision of having a grand celebration for the year of our centennial year, came to fruition on October 5th , 6th and 7th.
On October 5th the Centennial Committee held a “Back in Time” event at the Dry Creek Historic Ranch House hosted by the Rio Linda Elverta Historic Society. About 350 students and their chaperones from Orchard Elementary and Dry Creek Elementary Schools had a chance to experience some of the historic legacy of Rio Linda. They toured the Ranch House, enjoyed hay rides, lassoed a steer dummy, and even had a chance to throw a tomahawk. The hands on experiences were provided by Jerry Bestpitch and his crew from JB Ranch fame.
Simultaneously there was an “Early Timers Luncheon” at the American Legion Hall. Many of the visitors then joined the event at the Ranch House. In the evening there was a bon fire, a guitar player, children roasting smores, (provided by the Rio Linda Lions) and free hot chocolate (provided by the Historical Society). It was picturesque, a real “cowboy fireside chat.” There was even a tug-o-war between the visitors and a team of horses!
The next morning, October 6th, the celebration kicked into serious high gear. It started with the pancake breakfast at the community center, hosted by the Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District.
Then, parade began after a rededication of the Rio Linda Arch by Linda MacCracken, president of the Rio Linda Grange #403. The ribbon was cut by our Rio Linda Honorary Mayor, Judy Dorrell and our Miss Rio Linda 2012, Miss Samantha Moore along with the help of our District 4 Supervisor, Roberta MacGlashan. As the ceremony was in full swing, as planned, “a fly by” occurred thanks to the pilots from the Rio Linda Airport.
The parade had 418 individual participants and over 50 entrants. The revised estimate put the crowds during the parade and day at about 4,000.
The Depot Park Event had over 80 vendors and the Depot Stage was used all day for live bands, a ceremony, raffle of two free bikes and even a mustache contest! The Kids’ Zone had live entertainment, many arts and crafts projects with a centennial theme, and free train rides thanks to Liberty Ministries. Free carnival games provided by our local S.T.A.R.T after school program were a lot of fun and many kids enjoyed the free video gaming truck. Thanks to all the business and organizations that provided great activities and treats for our families.
The event continued on into the evening were about 150 people had gathered for the “lighting ceremony.” Rather than use candles they use glowed sticks. There was a surprise appearance by three Robots that lit up the area, and danced with music emanating from the on board robopod. As night fell over 100 light bearers lined up along the American River Bike Trail. What a sight of everyone joining hands along the trail. At about that time the search lights came on. They traversed the sky hitting the water tower making it flash as the light hit it. The crowd stayed into the night watching the light show and playing in the park. What a spiritual end to a great day of celebration. But it was not over yet.
On the third day, various churches gathered in Depot Park to conduct an Interdenominational Service. There was well over 300 parishioners and onlookers. Following the Service the Centennial Committee performed their last duty, the preservation of a time capsule. The gathered crowd had a chance to see the time capsule and the engraved covers attached, made by Rio Linda High School Metal Shop. Also, citizens had a chance to write a “letter to the future” and contributed to the time capsule. Some even placed books, photos, trophies, and toys. Children wrote letters to themselves. The Rio Linda Masons contributed special tools of their trade and of historic importance. The Masons also ceremonially placed the Time Capsule into its burial site. After the many photos, the lid was placed and sealed, and the dirt placed over the site, marking the end to the Centennial Celebration Event. There is a head marker with a beautiful granite plaque that says, “Rio Linda Centennial Celebration October 7th 2012, The citizens of Rio Linda California Dedicated and Placed a Centennial Time Capsule at this location to be opened on October 7th 2062.” The time capsule is a sign of our hope for the future. That our descendants will find it worthy to gather to celebrate what it means to be a community.
Thanks to all who made this spectacular event a huge success, and BIG thanks to Michael Wardle for the pictures.
