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Wes Van Dyke, at left, with father, Barry Van Dyke, will serve as Grand Marshals for the 6th annual Reyes Adobe Days October 1-3, 2010.
Wes Van Dyke, at left, with father, Barry Van Dyke, will serve as Grand Marshals for the 6th annual Reyes Adobe Days October 1-3, 2010.
By John Phane
The city of Agoura Hills is hosting its sixth annual Reyes Adobe Days Friday through Sunday, Oct. 1 – 3. The free festival attracts about 14,000 visitors, said Mayor Pro Tem Harry Schwarz during a recent press conference held to announce the event. The celebration is scheduled to take place at the Reyes Adobe Historical Site, a preserved 1850s adobe rancho at 5464 Reyes Adobe Road, (the intersection of Rainbow Drive, next to Reyes Adobe Park in Agoura Hills. The Adobe is believed to be the oldest home in the city.
Schwarz said: “It’s a celebration of our City and our area and particularly this house. It’s a wonderful way to be with your family and this is a perfect event to bring families together.”
Schwarz announced the Grand Marshals for this year’s event are actor Barry Van Dyke and his son, artist Wes Van Dyke. Barry is best known for his role as Lieutenant Detective Steve Sloan on the hit television program “Diagnosis: Murder.” He starred in the show alongside his father, show business legend Dick Van Dyke. In addition to his Grand Marshal duties, Wes will be the featured artist in Reyes Adobe Day’s exhibition at the Reyes Adobe Historical Site. At age 24, Wes has sold more than 50 original pieces across the country. His art can be viewed at http://web.me.com/wesvandyke.
Barry Van Dyke said he first visited the Agoura Hills area in the late 1960s when he played in a rock ‘n roll band at Paramount Ranch. He said the late Michael Landon of “Bonanza” and “Little House on the Prairie” was the master of ceremonies.
“I lived in the Valley at that time,” Barry said, “I thought they’d driven me to Wyoming or something. This was the ‘sticks’ at the time.’” However, he said he realized what a wonderful area it was and moved to Agoura Hills 35 years ago to raise his family.
He promised that his father, Dick Van Dyke, would put in an appearance.
Barry Van Dyke, at left, with father, Dick Van Dyke.
“My dad said he’ll be here,” he said. “He wants to be in the parade. He never misses a parade.” Barry said his father is planning on having his Barbershop Quartet, “The Vantastixs” perform.
Wes Van Dyke said: “I’m honored to be part of Reyes Adobe Days. I’m looking forward to having a fun couple of days.”
RAD kicks off with Fiesta at the Adobe on Friday, Oct. 1 at 11:30 a.m. It’s a senior luncheon and tour of the site, and features Mexican food, Spanish dancing, live music and art gallery. The event is $8 and reservations are required. Call (818) 597-7361 for information.
At evening is Night at the Adobe, a wine tasting and art reception. This event is at 6 pm. A $10 donation is requested, and it is for those over 21 years of age.
The RAD Race moves from Sunday to Saturday morning, and will take place before the parade. In addition to a certified 5K, RAD offers an Open Mile, Master’s Mile, Elite Mile, Family Mile and Dog Mile. The event begins at 8 a.m. and is followed by a pancake breakfast at the historical site. Entry fees include a T-shirt and food and are $20 for early registration and $25 day of event. The Family Run/Walk is $15 for early registration and $20 day of event. Sign up at http://ahmile.com. The pancake breakfast is $5.
The Parade with the Van Dykes is a mile-long procession with floats, cars, equestrians, bands and entertainment. The parade has a new route this year along Reyes Adobe Road. It will begin at Yerba Buena Elementary School in the 6900 block of Reyes Adobe Road and end at the historical site.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, the celebration at the Adobe will feature free museum tours; Art Scene; music; interactive historical demonstrations; pony rides; a petting zoo; a beer garden; a farmer’s market and much more.
On Sunday at 1 p.m., Savor will perform a tribute to Santana, and at 3 p.m., Tombstone Shadow will perform a tribute to Credence Clearwater Revival.
Also on Sunday will be a Gymkhana and barbecue at the Old Agoura Equestrian Arena beginning at 9 a.m. Gymkhana participants will compete in Bi-wrangle, Poles, Keyhole, Cloverleaf, Single Stake and the Old Agoura Switcharoo. The fee to enter is $5 per contest, or $25 for all six. Proceeds benefit the Old Agoura Homeowners Association scholarship fund. For more information, call (818) 597-7361.
All event information will be posted on the City’s Website: www.co.agoura-hills.ca.us.