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The history of San Carlos Hometown Days

In a letter dated 8-23-79, to C.R. (Bob) Allen, San Carlos City Manager, Mayor Pat Bennie wrote, “I have been thinking for some time that a day set aside for the purpose of building community spirit and old fashioned camaraderie would be a lot of fun.” She went on to add that she would select a cross section of people as the steering committee before presenting the idea to the council and that she envisioned service clubs providing the manpower for food and beverage booths at a reasonable cost to families. A baseball game with either the police, firemen or Babe Ruth would be an added feature and that community retailers might like to donate prizes for some of the contests and be recognized at the event.

In the fall of ’79, a small group of community members were invited to attend a meeting at Mayor Bennie’s home. That night the title Hometown Days, featuring a western theme was born and September 1980 became the target date. The first board included Tom Curry, Philip Shecter, Margery Ranch, Dr. Ron Perry, Audie Justus, Joyce Riddell, Joe Judge, Ron Thrasher, Ann Lamantia, Janet Reika, Wayne Leonard, Dulcie Morrison, Terri Tedford, Ken Trimingham, Bob Lanzone, Connie Barba, Bill Lindebrug, Irene Tye and Pat Bennie. Each of them would serve as chair people for a variety of tasks.

The goals and outcome of this family oriented day followed Bennie’s original focus to provide non profit community clubs and organizations, an opportunity to participate, earn a few dollars and offer the community a good time at little expense. There would be no commercial business. As plans developed, it was decided to hold a 2 day event with clubs being charged a minimal amount for booth space to defray expenses for printing programs, award ribbons and advertising materials.

After months of planning and organizing, the September weekend arrived. It rained Saturday morning! Bennie and her chairs met in the Kiwanis Building and fortunately they decided to go ahead with the event because the sun came out and so did hundreds of people! The Kiwanis Club barbequed steaks and burgers and a band played for dancing under the stars. Sunday morning, The Rotary Club held a pancake breakfast and people streamed into the park after church services.

Clubs and organizations expressed their pleasure about the success of this first time park social. Artists were pleased with their recognition and sales, attendees loved the weekend and all agreed that the event should continue the following year. Without any funding, the HTD committee put an exciting new event on the San Carlos calendar. Little did we know that 25 years later we would continue to celebrate Mayor Pat Bennie’s dream of a spirited old fashioned fun-filled community gathering.

San Carlos Hometown Days 2009