Wine and Roses returns for a night of celebration

The Wasco Elk Ladies will host An Evening of Wine and Roses on Friday, Sept. 9. The reception will honore the newly selected Grand Marshals, the Wasco Rose Queen and a featured artist.

Tickets are $50, and all the money raised will go toward the Elk Ladies' scholarship fund.

There will be wines from local wineries, craft beer and hors d'oeuvres.

"It is an opportunity for people in our town to get together and appreciate one another and, in turn, support a good cause," said planning committee chairperson Liz Gerber.

The Elk Ladies are an auxiliary of the Wasco Elks lodge and serve Wasco in many ways.

"We are a group of ladies that love our community and try to support it in any way we can. If someone asks for our help, then we do it."

They do food baskets, provide scholarships for Wasco youth and support cheerleaders and athletes, to name a few.

Gerber has been a member for at least 16 years. She said she has remained a member after so many years because she was born and raised here.

It is the first year the Elk Ladies will host the event; they hope it will be the first of many.

"It's an event that has happened annually for many years. To be asked to host is an honor because we are being trusted with this tradition," Gerber says.

Community advocate Sharon Sharp, Mayor Gilberto Reyna and Wasco Woman's Club President Jill Drescher are the featured speakers and will highlight the Grand Marshals' contributions to the City of Wasco and their commitment to public service.

The Ms. Wasco Rose Queen and featured artist, whose work will be on display, will also be recognized by them.

This year's Grand Marshals for the parade are residents Tilo and Jeni Cortez, Roger and Deloris Harrison, and Tim and Karen Holtermann.

The planning committee of almost a dozen members has been working hard to make the evening memorable and special.

"It hasn't been held in a couple of years, and I think people are excited to bring it back. Everybody wants to return to normal, and bringing the festival again to September is part of that."

In years before, they had almost 150 people attend, and they are anticipating a large crowd as well this year.

A new addition to the celebration has been added.

"It is the first time they decided to select an honorary Grand Marshal. Every year they will pick an organization to showcase, and this year it is the Wasco Elk Ladies," Gerber said.

The event will be held at the Wasco Elks Lodge at 16694 Wasco Avenue from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the Wasco Recreation and Parks District office or from any Elk Lady, including Liz Gerber at 661-472-3875 and Kathy Giesy at 661-378-7468.