Jul 9, 2007

Family fun center of town's holiday celebration

By Adria Murray / Society Columnist

From sequins to martial arts, hot dogs and Labradors, Los Gatos' Fourth of July festivities featured something for revelers of all ages - and breeds.

The Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Education and Recreation department sponsored several free activities on the Civic Center lawn. Kids had the opportunity to get their faces painted, join in the sack races, take home balloon animals, throw a dunk tank ball or two and jump to their sweaty hearts' content in the bounce house.

Kids also lined up beside a Santa Clara County Fire truck and took turns climbing into the driver's seat for a photo op with a firefighter. Young Justin Ho wrapped his hands around the wheel before he climbed down to receive stickers from firefighter Shaun Jordan.

As local band Jamnesia and lead singer Jeanne Miller played for folks on the lawn, the Sizzling Seniors dancers put on their hot pink and green sequined ponchos in preparation for their performance. Ranging in age from 64 to 86, members including Thelma Sorich and Bee Cierebie performed a hot Latin number to "Let's Get Loud," snapping their fingers and spinning in the midday heat. Director and choreographer Beverly Myers teaches the group of seniors dance aerobics though LGS Recreation. Aikido of Los Gatos also featured a few of its members engaging in martial arts, blocking advances and throwing each other to the mats.

Down the street, the San Jose Wind Symphony, celebrating its 50th year, performed a pops-style concert before a sea of umbrellas and a red-white-and-blue-clad crowd on the Los Gatos High School lawn. Luke Lenhart and brothers RC and Collin Currie staked their claim to a spot in the shade with their families, sipping orange sodas while waiting for the music to begin.

Capping the day's activities were an ice cream social, a barbecue and music by the Peninsula Banjo Band. Clubs and organizations present for the festivities included the Los Gatos Wild Cats marching band, the Los Gatos Rotary Club, Santa Clara County Fire and LGS Recreation.

Adria Murray's society column appears every Sunday in the Los Gatos News. Send event information to 324 High St., Palo Alto, CA 94301, or e-mail amurray@dailynews group.com or call 650-327-9090, ext. 328.