More than 100 members and their guests attended the Fair Oaks Historical Society’s 50th Anniversary Banquet on Oct. 25 at the newly renovated Community Clubhouse. Photo by Judy Andrews

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - October was an exciting month in Fair Oaks.

First, Noah Wright became the new honorary mayor, raising more than $45,000 for the community.

Additionally, the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District reopened Village Park with a new Performing Arts Center for hosting special events and year-round entertainment.

The month ended on another high note with the Fair Oaks Historical Society’s much anticipated 50th Anniversary Banquet, held on Oct. 25 at the park’s newly renovated Community Clubhouse.

More than 100 guests celebrated with the Fair Oaks Historical Society and enjoyed a special dinner program highlighting memories and events from Fair Oaks’ past through music, songs, stories and special guests.

Some of the Fair Oaks Historical Society Board of Directors are, from left, Bud Beebe, Pete Schroeder (vice president), David Navarro, Carolyn Spotts, Terry Clifton, Lynn Steen and Chris Highsmith. Photo by Judy Andrews

Fair Oaks Historical Society President Claudia Thorn greeted guests via video. Thorn was traveling abroad with her family and couldn’t attend in person. With 280 members, Thorn will share more about the organization’s future goals and outreach plans in the coming months. 

Singer, songwriter and local minister Carole Brewer started the evening with a beautiful rendition of The National Anthem, followed by a sit-down dinner from World Fare Catering.

“Fifty years is a significant milestone for the Historical Society’s enthusiastic members who recognize the importance of preserving the memory of the people and past events that shaped our town into what it is today,” Brewer said. 

Appetizers were provided by Sprouts Farmers Market and Carolyn Spotts, who also managed the event. David and Sandra Navarro provided the desserts.

Three friends and local business leaders socialize before dinner. From left are Realtor Mike Maddox, Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District Administrator Mike Aho and Financial Advisor Dustin Buck. Photo by Judy Andrews

The audience joined musician and Historical Society Vice President Pete Schroeder in singing "California, Here I Come," accompanied by organist Dave Moreno. 

Retired Fair Oaks Village mailman Mike Maddox served as the event’s emcee. Wearing his U.S. Postal Service pith helmet, Maddox kept the program running smoothly.

One of the evening's highlights was an interview between Maddox and Sue Roark, who reminisced about growing up in Fair Oaks. Roark served as the Fair Oaks Historical Society’s second president from 1976 to 1981, a time when the organization had only 20 members.

“I wish more people were aware of the effort the historical society puts into preserving our past and the true spirit of what the Village used to be,” Roark said. “It’s the small businesses and the people that carry the heart of this community.”

Organist Dave Moreno was one of the two acts providing entertainment for the anniversary program. Moreno flawlessly played silent movie era songs on a Wurlitzer/Morton Pipe Organ. The organ is currently on loan to the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District from the Sierra Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society.

Special guests included the Fair Oaks Historical Society’s second President, Sue Roark, seen here with Mike Maddox. Photo by Judy Andrews

The night’s entertainment also featured Scottish dancing and a bagpipe performance by Kyla Groeschel’s School of Highland Dance in Fair Oaks.

Banquet guests received a free copy of “Fair Oaks Village Park: A Century of History,” edited by Ralph Carhart and written by Chris Highsmith. The book was recently published to mark the Fair Oaks Historical Society’s 50th anniversary and the 130th anniversary of the Fair Oaks Colony. A limited number of copies are available for sale at $5 each at the Fair Oaks History Center and Museum, 10340 Fair Oaks Blvd. (next to the Sunflower Drive-in).

“Being a member of the historical society is a great way to get involved in community activities and make friends with other residents,” Brewer said. “Our gatherings are fun and uplifting. Our museum is interesting and informative, and our community roots are as solid as the mighty oak trees growing around us.” 

For more information about the Fair Oaks Historical Society, visit fairoakshistory.org. The History Center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.