Old Mission Santa Ines Holds Church Rededication Service

Sunday, February 18th was a cold, cloudy day for the Rededication Services at the Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang, but spirits were not dampened by the weather. The church was filled to capacity by church members as well as invited guests that included elected officials, representatives of other California Missions, Chamber of Commerce members, Rotary Clubs, and priests and officials from outlying California churches. Following the ceremony, there was a museum dedication to honor Bill Warwick, who has served as its curator for many years, as well as a reception in the church hall hosted by the Hospitality Ministry. Pictured are the Knights of Colombus from Council #3570 La Purisma in Lompoc and Council #2475 Santa Maria who come to participate at many Catholic ceremonies in the area.

Free Valentine’s DayConcert for Music Lovers

It was a fun and festive night February 14th, when the Maverick Saloon presented a free concert featuring John Corbett and Wil Ridge, a little Valentine’s Day present for Valley sweethearts. About 260 people turned out, many dressed in their Valentine’s finest to enjoy the music and the mingling. Wil and guitarist Guy Bowdish opened for John Corbett and his band. They set the crowd on fire, despite some initial sound difficulties. John and his band took the stage and played some songs from his CD in addition to some Country Rock songs by other artists. John appeared to be having a good time; he and his band mates seemed in no hurry to end the night, so they treated the audience to a satisfyingly long evening of music.

Tour of California Time Trials Take Place in Solvang

A cheering throng egged on over 140 racers on Friday, February 23th for the Amgen Tour of California Time Trials.

After the previous day’s downpour, the Valley sparkled in the sun. Roads closed earlier than expected, and many businesses located in the heart of Solvang closed up shop for the day. Most of the tens of thousands that attended the race were followers of the sport, and had come to see some their favorite top riders in the world, but there were plenty of novices thrilling to their first pro race.

Cool temperatures and strong wind did not prevent enjoyment of the festivities and carnival-like atmosphere that prevailed throughout downtown Solvang, although it did slow the pace for the racers. Many of the sponsors had pitched tents with activities for the kids in attendance.

Several strategically positioned, huge screens displayed live feeds from race-cams following the cyclists on their route so that the crowds at the finish line could watch the race in progress. As they released the riders at one minute intervals, there was a wellspring of activity at the Mission Santa Ines starting point. The lead riders were expected to complete the time trial in 22 minutes, but strong cross winds prevented even the winner of the day, Levi Leipheimer, from crossing the finish line in under 30 minutes. He goes into the next leg with a 21 second lead and the word on the street is that he is “in the catbird seat. This event is his to lose.” He has been in the top ten at the Tour de France three times. He’s definitely got what it takes!

Gala Banquet Celebrates and Supports the Tour

The banquet room at the Royal Scandinavian was packed with revelers, still high from the excitement of race day. Locals and visitors tasted wine, feasted on magnificent asparagus, filet mignon and other dainties lovingly prepared by Grappolo staff, and danced the night away after enthusiastically bidding on autographed racing jerseys and other memorabilia.

Max Hanberg of the Solvang Shoe Store and Carol Petersen of The Touch of Glass were the hard working Co-chairs of the organizing committee for the gala, and for the race itself. Max was in very high spirits from the success of the day and enthusiastically spotted for the auction, snagging an elegantly framed set of pins from each stage of the race for himself