The first recorded reference to the Rossmoor Annual Community Festival was an invitation to a Family Picnic for Rossmoor residents on May 1 1988. The Rossmoor Community Service District had been started in 1986-1987. The RCSD and the Rossmoor Homeowners Association sponsored the picnic.
In about 1991, the RHA assumed lead responsibility for organizing the picnic with RCSD as a cosponsor. The picnic was basically a large gathering of resident families with typical picnic games and activities. Special events such as landing and display of the Orange County Sheriff helicopter also occurred.
Around 1994, the picnic began to incorporate more rides and activities for children, (ponies trackless train, merry-go-round etc.) and a car show and the name was changed to Annual Family Fun Day Picnic.
The picnic was also moved from Rossmoor Park to Rush Park with the completion of the conversion of Rush School property to the park configuration and the RCSD main offices.
In 2007, Rossmoor celebrated its 50th Anniversary and this celebration included a parade through Rossmoor, displays of military equipment, and fire and law enforcement equipment. Booths for vendors and local community organizations were also included along with a car show and carnival rides. This celebration was two days long.
Subsequently the Picnic continued to have carnival rides for two more years. Since 2009, the Picnic has returned to its pre-1957 format and the name has been changed to Rossmoor Annual Community Festival to reflect the mix of activities. It continues to be organized by the RHA with support and co-sponsorship by the RCSD.
For 2013, the annual Rossmoor Community Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday May 5 at Rush Park, 3001 Blume St., Rossmoor. This year’s event will even be the best yet so “Be Prepared to be Amazed”
The event will start with the presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop 657 and National Anthem sung by Haley and Teri Smith. Elvis Impersonator, Gary Anderson, will then entertain us, followed by the We Care Second Annual High Heel Dash. For more information and sign up go to www.wecarelosalamitos.org. The Race starts at 11:30 a.m..
Vendors of all kinds will be everywhere displaying information and merchandise – many new ones and old favorites. Shop early for birthdays and holidays; learn more about your local public agencies and services available.
OCSD helicopter, boat, K-9 unit, classic police car and information booths will be in the parking lot.
There will be popular rides and games including bounce houses, pony rides, trackless train, dual lane slide and may more. All day wrist bands will be sold. The Car show, runs all day and there is no registration fee for this one. For more information contact Lee Lindquist at llindquist@socal.rr.com or (562) 879-8052.
New this year will be food trucks for our food venues along with A&J Concessions and RCSD selling bottled water, sodas, donuts and coffee. So expect to see Burger Monster, Rancho a GoGo BBQ and Front Porch Pops.
Entertainment will include LAUSD choral groups from Hopkinson Elementary and McAuliffe Middle Schools. Our favorite magician, Mr. Pork Pie is coming back as is Sportin’ Woodie Band.
The dog parade will be held an hour later this year, at 3 p.m. Registration starts at 1 p.m. No registration fee required for this event. Sponsors include Alpine Mortgage, Ameco Solar, Golden State Water Company, Lynette & Tim O’Bryan, Braithwaite Chiropractic, Coastline Auto Care, Printmasters, CR&R, West Coast Artwear, Dr. Heit Rossmoor VCA Animal Hospital, Dr. Wasserman, Pet Smart and Pet Sit Pros.
The event is co-sponsored by the Rossmoor Homeowners Association and Rossmoor Community Service District.
It is not too late to sign up for a booth or become a sponsor of this year’s event. For more information go to www.rossmoor-rha.org or call (562) 799-1401.
