Event to Revisit California’s Past

California’s rich history will be explored at a weekend event featuring a fashion show straight out of the 1850s, gold panning, ethnic dancing and lectures by noted historians.

The Chatsworth Historical Society organized the event to celebrate California’s sesquicentennial anniversary and the 112th birthday of Chatsworth.

The event, which begins Saturday at 10 a.m., will include a performance by Mexican flamenco dancers, a demonstration by world champion trick roper Felix Lopez and programs on the Gold Rush, the Chumash and John Sutter, on whose Northern California land gold was discovered in 1848. At 2 p.m., Goodwill Industries will present a period fashion show.

On Sunday, events will include music by Roy Rogers’ protege guitarist David Arlen and the Valleyaires Barbershop Chorus, and dance performances by Chinese, Scottish, American Indian, East Indian and clogging troupes.

Programs on Valley history, local renegades, Chatsworth’s history and Pio Pico, California’s last Mexican governor, will also be included.

The celebration will run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine, at the Homestead Acre at Chatsworth Park South, 10385 Shadow Oak Drive, at the western end of Devonshire Street. A free shuttle bus will be provided for those who park at the Chatsworth Metrolink Station.

The event is open to the general public for $5 per day or $8 for both days; $1 for ages 5 to 17, and free for those 4 and under. The fashion show is an additional $3 per person.

For information, call (818) 882- 3572.