Fourth of July festivities in Los Gatos begin at 10 a,m. at Oak Meadow Park. Town Council members will kick off the event with a welcome, followed by a flag raising of the flag and a rendition of the national anthem. Veterans will be recognized and honored, followed by a children’s bike and stroller parade. The San Jose Wind Symphony will provide patriotic music. There’ll be concession stands and food trucks, the Billy Jones Snack Shack will serve barbecue, and a beer and wine garden will provide beverages. Bounce houses will give children a chance to jump away their energy.
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The Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad will be running, along with the W.E. Bill Mason Carousel. Did you know that Walt Disney and Billy Jones shared a love of railroads? Walt Disney was a dedicated fan of model railroads, and when he began developing the format for his Anaheim theme park, he knew he wanted to expand on the steam railroad he had built in his own backyard.
In the early 1950s, Disney paid a visit to Los Gatos and the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad. He was impressed with what he saw as well as with Jones, and the two men became friends.
Jones also had a railroad in his backyard, which was relocated to Oak Meadow Park and has become a fixture of the Los Gatos community. Disney’s Carolwood Pacific Railroad was relocated from his backyard to the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park.
There will be plenty of music around town this summer. Los Gatos Music in the Park has been a free public summer concert series since 1988. Held on Sundays, 5-7 p.m., on the Los Gatos Civic Center lawn, it’s a fun mix of musical genres in a family-friendly atmosphere. This year’s series features Taylor Rae on July 20, Eyes Like Lanterns on July 27 and Wolf Jett on Aug. 3. The complete schedule can be found at [email protected].
Jazz on the Plazz is also returning, celebrating 23 years of live jazz in Los Gatos. This free concert series is open to all, thanks to local sponsors, donors and volunteers. Reserved seats are available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Los Gatos Music and Arts’ live music and youth music programs.
A great lineup is planned: On July 9, Full Spectrum Jazz Orchestra will perform Pat Metheny’s music; July 16 will feature the San Jose Jazz All Stars and jazz vocalist Ren Geisick; on July 23 the Monterey Jazz Regional All Star Band and vocal ensemble will entertain; and dancers will enjoy Heidi Evelyn Dance Orchestra on July 30. For the full schedule, visit jazzontheplazz.com.
For those who’ve been enjoying the first Monday of the Month Movie at the Los Gatos Cinelux theater, the event will take July summer break, returning Aug. 4.
Gardenia Restaurant, located in the Victorian mansion downtown, now has outdoor dining under the trees and live music every Friday evening. Gardenialosgatos.com
Joseph and Janice Gali, the husband-and-wife team behind Gali Vineyards, offer estate-grown, award-winning wines in their tasting room at 21 W. Main St. Gourmet charcuterie and cheese boxes are available to purchase during your tasting. Galivineyards.com
Happy summer! If you have business or social news about Los Gatos, I’d like to know: [email protected].
