By: Donna Duperron
‘Whoa Nellie’ was a phrase coined by college football commentator Keith Jackson. This past Saturday was one of those ‘Whoa Nellie’ days in the City of Torrance.
I attended the City Yard Open House, TOCApoolza, the Cars, Bikes and Coffee at Honda, and the Torrance Summer Nights concert at Wilson Park. Between these four events, I stopped by Torrance Bakery for eclairs, FOX Drugs for snacks and Red Car Brewery and Restaurant for a pizza. It was truly a fun day that provided several opportunities to visit with friends.
City Yard Open House
The City Yard Open House was a highlight for hundreds of kids in attendance. They were encouraged to sit in dump trucks, fire trucks and police cars. They were invited to play games to win prizes. They watched in amazement the bucket truck lift workers, the drone that flew overhead and the goats that ate grass. City Departments and other organizations welcomed attendees to learn about the environment, recycling and water conservation.
TOCApoolza
From the City Yard, I walked to TOCApoolza, a family event with a variety of entertainment like art exhibitions and vendors. After looking at artwork and visiting different booths, I made my way to the main stage sponsored by the Torrance Refinery Company. A band was performing, Rikki Don’t Lose That Number’ by Steely Dan, which seemed to be a big hit to those in the audience.
Cars, Bikes and Coffee at Honda
From the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, I drove to Honda for the Cars, Bikes and Coffee event, something I really looked forward to. Growing up riding both dirt and street bikes, I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of vendors, the rows of cars and bikes, and the professional way this event was set up to encourage the sharing of stories and friendships among attendees.
As I walked down each aisle, I looked at a variety of Hot Wheels, admired remote control cars being operated and the cars and motorcycles on display.
Most importantly, however, I enjoyed the intangible item this event brings: the opportunity to meet new people and to rekindle friendships.
Honda provided large umbrellas on lush green grass that encouraged picnicking, participation in games like cornhole and the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful Saturday morning, enjoying a decades old hobby, cars and motorcycles.
Torrance Summer Nights at Wilson Park
From the Cars, Bikes and Coffee event, I traveled to Torrance Summer Nights at Wilson Park. What a crowd and what a show! Monica Harte, Cultural Services Manager and Torrance City Council member Sharon Kalani welcomed guests. Locked Out of Heaven, a Bruno Mars tribute band, was a huge hit as attendees danced, tapped their feet and sang along.
To say this was a ‘Whoa Nellie’ type of a Saturday was truly an understatement. At each event I attended, there were literally hundreds of people. There were opportunities for family gatherings and for meeting new friends. But most importantly, this particular Saturday provided businesses, organizations and individuals the opportunity to shine and to show why Torrance is such a vibrant community.