First published in the Jan. 19 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
We got rained on, we got lucky, we got flowers, we got volunteers, we got glue, we got cold and we got community!
We also got an awesome float completed, had a perfect parade and won a banner!
We achieved the Mayor’s banner, which is rooted in community, and if the Tournament saw that we were a community, then so did the world on Jan. 2.
Indeed, we were fan favorites for our transforming satellite, and amusing raccoons — and the amazement of the “potato wall” was endless. Everyone really marveled at our creative means of displaying humor and innovation.
Our village is you — our village is us. I want to heartfully and personally thank our village of Geppettos toiling away despite anything mother nature or otherwise got thrown at us … we met that all important New Year’s deadline.
We stretched boundaries, we experimented and we set standards (again).
Thank you, La Cañada Flintridge. We are proud to be your LCFTRA: The Heart of La Cañada Flintridge.
All are welcome to reach out and come by the site. De-construction begins this weekend. And we always need, and welcome, volunteers to be part of the magic. Come learn, come teach, but come — and have fun as we gear up for another community winner!
Ernest Koeppen
President, LCF Tournament of Roses Association
