The Lakeside River Park Conservancy’s annual Blue Moon Dinner, Auction, Gala, which took place Oct. 20, was not blue. The most gorgeous huge yellow Harvest Moon came up over the El Monte Valley just in time for the evening meal that was held at Hazy Meadows Ranch. This was a change of venue for the Conservancy, who in years past had their event on the beautiful trail and pond overlook on the Conservancy’s 100-acre property.
The Lakeside River Park Conservancy’s annual Blue Moon Dinner, Auction, Gala, which took place Oct. 20, was not blue. The most gorgeous huge yellow Harvest Moon came up over the El Monte Valley just in time for the evening meal that was held at Hazy Meadows Ranch. This was a change of venue for the Conservancy, who in years past had their event on the beautiful trail and pond overlook on the Conservancy’s 100-acre property.
Linda Hayes, the Ranch owner, had her Belgian Draft horses there to give guests an old fashion wagon ride around her ranch, it was a great way to start out the evening. Then the guests were treated to the Western Theme town and decorations which were a collection of old buildings, saddles, ropes, and country flowers and some folks kept to the theme by dressing in Western wear to play the part and get in the mood.
According to Kristen Deleon, the event coordinator, the silent auction and live auction items brought in more money than last year. The two hot items were a Taylor Guitar that went for $2550.00 and a James Hubbell watercolor painting, “The Archer”, which sold for $800. Those folks who were bidding had a lot of fun trying to outdo each other. Kevin Hale played the part of the auctioneer, encouraging the crowd to bid higher and higher, which they did with lots of laughter.
The keynote speaker for the evening was 2nd District, Supervisor, Dianne Jacob, who was excited about the possibility of land now owned by Helix Water District becoming available for the Lakeside River Park to purchase for a future Open Space Preserve and Trails System…something for everyone to enjoy. She stated that more than 60 businesses in the El Monte Valley are equestrian related. One of her goals is to have trails connect from El Monte Valley to Mission Trails Regional Park, a Trails System, which may, some day, go all the way to Dog Beach at the Pacific Ocean.
Robin Rierdan, the Executive Director of the Lakeside River Park Conservancy, said she especially appreciated film maker, Billy Ortiz’ video of the beautiful El Monte Valley, Linda Hayes for her Ranch contribution and the wonderful 40 volunteers who helped with the Blue Moon event.
