Marching to Her Own--and Parade’s--Drummers

For 30 years, Linda Owen has been instrumental in keeping music programs in the local schools.

Today she will be recognized for her efforts when she reigns as grand marshal of the city’s 32nd annual Heritage Parade. “Placentia: A Community in Harmony” is the theme for this year’s parade and festival.

“The reason we selected her is she has single-handedly, through many years as a teacher of instrumental music, kept music alive in our school system,” said Liz Spring, a Placentia Heritage Committee member.

Owen, 51, is the fine arts coordinator for Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District and is involved with music, visual arts and drama programs.

Active in the community since 1967, Owen said she is honored to have been selected, especially because this year’s festival will pay tribute to music.

“I’m just hopeful it will renew that understanding of how important music is for all students and that it brings that awareness to the community,” said Owen, who taught instrumental music in elementary schools for 20 years.

Owen, who lives in Yorba Linda with her husband of 29 years, Bill, is also a violinist and plays with the Santiago String Quartet and Pacific Symphony.

Spring said today’s festival will feature a variety of music to represent the diverse cultures of Placentia, showcasing mariachi bands, folk music, barbershop quartets, marching bands, even a kazoo band.

Festival activities today begin with a 7 a.m. pancake breakfast at Kraemer Memorial Park, followed by the parade at 10 a.m. A classic car show, crafts fair and antiques sale will follow at Kraemer and Bradford parks. Food will be sold by community groups at both parks.

“It’s the biggest public event in Placentia,” Spring said. “We invite people to come with their families, listen to music, eat good food and meet their neighbors.”

Information: (714) 993-8232.

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Placentia Celebration

Placentia’s 32nd annual Heritage Day Parade will step off today at 10 a.m. Kraemer Memorial and Bradford parks will host activities thoughout the day, beginning with a 7 a.m. pancake breakfast at Kraemer park.