| Daly
City - For nearly two decades great food
and lively entertainment, in a country-like picnic
setting, have attracted many Pre-Independence
Day fun-seekers to Daly City’s Westlake
Park, located at 101 Lake Merced Boulevard. Starting
at 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 1st, this popular,
pre-holiday event will celebrate its 20th anniversary.
“Daly City may not have a fireworks display
to celebrate our nation’s birthday, but
our Pre-Independence Day gathering is one grand
picnic that has always drawn the hometown crowd,”
Mayor Sal Torres lauded. “This year, as
we revel at this 20-year tradition, we take great
pride in our community – one that remains
strong and resilient amidst the challenges we
face today,” he added.
During the opening program, four recently retired
members of the Supporters of Doelger Senior Center
Inc., a five-member adhoc committee, will also
be honored. The honorees are President Emeritus
Ed King and Past Presidents William Crocker, Al
Belotz and Michael Wyman. In all, the four served
the Daly City senior community a total of 74 years.
“Milestones often show us how far we have
come along, and helping us commemorate our achievements
are this year’s honorees,” commented
Michael Pacelli, current president of the Supporters
of Doelger Senior Center.
Sue
Horst, supervisor of Daly City’s Senior
Services Center, said this year’s festivities
will have a bit of nostalgic flavor. “A
whiff of the BBQ hamburger or the jerk chicken
jambalaya will quickly make attendees remember
why, year after year, they keep coming back for
more,” she wittingly noted.
Music lovers are expected to enjoy this year’s
entertainment variety as well. Key performers
who are poised to wow residents and their families
this Thursday include the Ukelele players, Chinese
Opera, Country Western Line Dance, Singer DCPD
Officer Doug Wilson, and accordionist Walter Travero.
Food will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m..
Back by popular demand, a lunch plate still costs
only $5. The menu highlights yesteryear favorites:
a choice between hamburger or hot dog, potato
salad, baked beans, apple pie and beverage, or
jerk chicken with jambalaya, apple pie and beverage.
An assortment of chocolates and baked goods will
sure to delight the pre-holiday goers.
A high stakes bingo, with a $100 top prize, is
scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Judges for the
bake-off contest will select a $50 winner in the
afternoon.
For added convenience, the City’s Parks
and Recreation Department will provide limited
bus service, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at four
sites: Serramonte Center (near Marie Callender’s
Restaurant), St. Andrew’s Church (Sullivan
and Southgate), and Lincoln Community Center (Acton
and Brunswick).
Proceeds from the Pre-Independence Day celebration
help fund the Doelger Senior Center, which provides
comprehensive services and programs to Daly City’s
growing senior adult community.
For more information about the event, call the
Doelger Senior Center at (650) 991-8012.
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