By Clyde Noel
Town Choir Staff Writer
The Rancho Shopping Center rocks when the music starts for “Rock Back the Clock.” Last Friday’s 14th annual social event for families provided an evening of fun, food and enjoyment for local residents.
Preschool kids started arriving an hour before the music started to practice their hula-hoops for the contest. While event volunteers were still putting on the final touches, parents checked out the food booths that would later supply their families with dinner and/or snacks.
Disc Jockey Rens Boorsma said he selects special music when he spins platters for “Rock Back the Clock.”
“It’s my most hectic party I do all year because it’s music from the 1950s,” Boorsma said. “The kids want all the new stuff, but it’s ‘Rock Back the Clock.’ I still slip in some Motown stuff with Aretha Franklin and James Brown.”
Boorsma played all the old stuff, such as “Louie, Louie,” when it was time for the twist contest.
The hula contest began as “Lolly Pop, Lolly Pop” played and 47 kids took part in two sections, with 4-year olds first. The parents also joined in the contest.
The Stanford University Band and the “Dollies” missed their annual appearance at this year’s event. They were in Boston with the football team for the Stanford vs. Boston College game.
Instead, Gerry the police dog and police officer John Korges treated the crowd to a performance from the Los Altos Police Department.
As the party progressed, the age levels changed. By closing time, teens took over the event with their own individual dance styles.
“It’s fun dancing and being with my friends. Many of us went to grade school together and now we’re in different high schools,” said Sandi Hu of Mountain View.
“Rock Back the Clock” is run by volunteers, with proceeds helping produce the Festival of Lights Parade, held the Sunday after Thanksgiving in Los Altos.
“Rock Back the Clock” attendance is typically around 1,500 to 2,000 people, enough to provide $5,000 for the parade.
Kevin Sawyer coordinates the Rancho merchants who volunteer their time and prizes for the numerous dancing contests. All prizes are small in nature, but appreciated by winners who gloat.
“I had to come back and volunteer,” said Mark Zarzycki, former Rancho tenant. “It’s great to see families having a good time together and having fun. It’s a Rancho tradition.”
Parent Pam Lytle comes each year to support the merchants. This year she helped pass out flyers for “Yes, on Measure H.” The Parent Kick-Off is 5 to 7 p.m. tomorrow at Camp Springer Elementary, 201 Covington Road.
