Reyes Adobe celebrated

Agoura Hills held its inaugural Reyes Adobe Days last weekend, and according to city staff and visitors, the event was an unqualified success.

“It was an awesome three days,” said Dale Sumersille, Agoura Hills recreation manager. “We surpassed a lot of people’s expectations.

The festivities kicked off on Fri., Oct. 14 with a senior luncheon. Sumersille said 125 seniors attended the event. Friday evening, the Reyes Adobe Hay Fever teen dance attracted 75 teenagers.

The Saturday morning “Now and Then” parade featured 68 entries, although Grand Marshal Gallagher, the comedian and local resident, wished there were more children watching so he could shower them with toys and candy.

FULL THROTTLE—Old Agoura resident Rachel Wachs gallops to the finish line on her horse, Doc Holiday, during the Reyes Adobe Days riding contest at Old Agoura Equestrian Park. Above right, Wayne Kennan serves his special chili recipe to Old Agoura resident Ron Troncatty at the Whizin’s Center cooking booths. See additional photos from the weekend’s activities on page 38. Sumersille estimates that 2,000 people followed the parade to Reyes Adobe Park. A total of 5,000 participated in park activities throughout the day, Sumersille said.

LAUGHS—Comedian Gallagher takes five from his duties as parade grand marshal to clown around with friends. Children took turns rock climbing, riding ponies, petting farm animals, panning for gold, breaking out of a makeshift jail and taking lessons on how to make soap, adobe bricks and fresh tortillas.

“I think my ‘break out of jail’ is a hit,” said Gallagher, a friend of children and parents alike.

Through it all, there were dancers, singers and a flutist who played haunting tunes on Native American instruments.

Agoura Hills residents Patrice and Wayne Bouffard came to Reyes Adobe Days with their 2year-old son, Philip.

“We’re having a wonderful time,” Patrice Bouffard said. “Agoura Hills is a wonderful place for families.”

Wayne Bouffard was impressed that the activities were free of charge.

“It’s nice that we weren’t nickeled and dimed to death with all the events,” he said. “We owe a great deal of gratitude for all of the sponsor support,” said Sumersille.

Meanwhile, Bouffard’s son Philip squealed with delighwhile panning for gold and riding the pony.

“I thought it was an extremely well-organized event,” said Shawna Driggs, an Oak Park resident who came to the park with three of her four children. “It was extremely entertaining, fun and educational and there was good f o o d — w h a t more could you want?” Driggs said.

On Sunday morning, another 300 people showed up for a yummy pancake breakfast, followed by the Reyes Adobe Days Fun Run and 8K race.

“It was very cool seeing runners go down Reyes Adobe Road to Agoura Road,” Sumersille said.

Fifty equestrians participated in Sunday’s Horse Play Day at Old Agoura Park. About 100 spectators attended the gymkhana event. Also included was a Taste of the West food sampling.

The weekend featured lots of special music. Air Supply and Dave Mason performed at The Canyon club, while the final concert on Sunday was performed by the band, Venice, along with jazz band players from Agoura High School.

As for the weekend’s award winners, Tribal Winds Intertribal Dance Troupe won the Most Original category, while the Equestrian award went to the Old Agoura Rangers and Friends. Caravan West won the Best Use of the Agoura Hills’ Then and Now theme, and the Mayor’s choice went to the students of Agoura High.