Ah yes ! 1951 ... I was going into 6th grade at Farragut Drive School ... after an awesome 5th grade experience with Mr.

Jim Mattheis ( it was his 1st year as a teacher). John Toren ended up being our 6th grade teacher.

I went to the 1st Fiesta La Ballona at Vet's Park with my Farragut Drive buddies: Steve Westerfield, Dennis Tiernan & Jack Williamson. There were the carnival rides - the booths - etc. And I recall the annual parades with the local dignitaries - the Sideburn kid & his whip & the Machados - Talamentes & Lugos in their colorful Spanish outfits. I also kind of recall them "locking-up" local bigwigz in "the Pokey" to raise $$$ for some charity.

I / we continued to go to the annual Fiestas during our years at CCJHS & CCHS ... they were always fun & gala affairs ! 

Wayne Flaaten

CCHS 1958

Whidbey Island,WA