Courtney Droke

Greeting residents and community members, Hillcrest resident Addie Johnson enjoyed her Saturday afternoon at the Annual Hillcrest Country Fair. The event was a fundraiser sponsored by the resident association as a way to bring fellowship between Hillcrest and Pomona Valley. Various booths such as woodshop, raffles and baked goods were all displayed for visitors to view and help support the residents.

Madison Steff
LV Life Editor

Last Saturday the Hillcrest Homes retirement center held its annual Country Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Many would assume that this particular event might be a little on the boring side but on Saturday Hillcrest was the place to be.

“There is more stuff than I can possibly do in one day,” Betty Mellard a 16-year resident at Hillcrest said.

The fair began bright and early with breakfast consisting of muffins, doughnuts and pastries, with a performance by the Funsters square dancing troupe.

The dancers were Hillcrest residents dressed from head to toe in elaborate country and western costumes.

The community offers square dancing classes for residents who did not hesitate to show off their dancing skills.

Booths blocked off the streets of Hillcrest providing guest with the opportunity to purchase hand made crafts, baked good, linens, plants and raffle tickets. There was also a silent auction with several items up for bid including; wine, weekend getaways, jewelry, gift certificates and even a ULV spirit basket.

“I had to drag my husband away from the bake sale,” Mellard said.

At 11 a.m., the Hillcrest Wranglers performed continuing with the country style theme of the event.

“They have performed for us before inside,” Mellard said. “They are really good.”

They were followed by FireHouse Stomp, who provided a slight change in pace with a very upbeat music style consisting of a wide variety of horns.

“They’re pretty good as long as they don’t play that siren too much,” Anne Waddelow a four and a half year Hillcrest resident said.

A barbecue lunch was offered outside for $7.25, which included a hamburger or hot dog, two sides, a piece of pie and a drink. Hillcrest residents on a meal plan received the meal free of charge.

Inside the Mountain View Dining room, residents and guest were given the option to upgrade for a more formal lunch including southern fried chicken, honey baked beans, mashed potatoes and gravy and fresh fruit.

“The fried chicken was wonderful,” said Joe Schechter, a 12-year Hillcrest resident who was working the information booth at the event.

“Most of the people here are friends of residents, people interested in moving here and employees,” Schechter said.

Russ Schatz and his wife came all the way from Lomita for the fair.

He enjoyed sitting in the sun and working on his crossword puzzle while his wife shopped and looked around.

All of the proceeds from the event were contributed to the Hillcrest Good Samaritan Fund.

“I’ve looked at everything and now I’m going back again,” Mellard said.

Madison Steff can be reached at msteff@ulv.edu.