Ice Cream Social Draws Crowd to Descanso Library

Descanso resident Julie Salmons won a Dreyer's Ice Cream block party for the town. She wrote a short essay on why Descanso was the town worthy of winning the Dreyer's Slow Churned Neighborhood Salute contest. Citing the many fire fighters and forest rangers who live and work here, and the many fire scares we have had, evidently Dreyers felt our town deserved an ice cream break. Julie was chosen as the grand prize winner among thousands of entries across the nation.

The Descanso Library agreed to host Julie's party. She served the many varieties of ice cream to more than 75 local residents, including many of the volunteer fire fighters in town, scores of young children, oldsters, and even one service dog, Strider.

Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the yummy treats. The adults seemed to favor the traditional flavors like caramel swirl and pecan praline, while the kids went for "takes the cake" and cookies and cream. For more information on the Dreyer's block party giveaway, visit www. slowchurned.com

72nd Annual Deep-Pit BBQ Big Success

Our Lady of Light, Descanso's tiny Catholic parish, held its 72nd annual deep-pit barbecue on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Every year, many residents of Descanso and outlying areas -- not just Catholics, but Protestants, non-believers, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Native American spiritualists, and beyond -- come together to support this community parish and celebrate the end of summer.

The annual event is the main fundraiser for Our Lady of Light and a fun-loving get together for the town. Live music by the Danielle Tucker Band had many on the dance floor, while children enjoyed fun and games. "Grandpa's Attic," the rummage sale of donated items, is always a big hit with bargain shoppers, as are the craft booths of local artisans. But the main draw is the food and beverages. The beef is slow roasted for 18 hours, wrapped in muslin, soaked, and seasoned. Beer and wine are served for adults, which helps get more people on the dance floor.

According to The Alpine Sun, the annual event started 72 years ago as a wedding celebration at the church. Everyone had so much fun, that the church members continued the party every year.

Congratulations to Our Lady of Light.