Green Valley Lake marks 55th anniversary of Woodstock

By Elise Gray

Special to the Alpine Mountaineer

On Aug. 17, the serene town of Green Valley Lake awoke to a vibrant gathering of music, arts and baked goods, as locals nodded to the 55th anniversary of Woodstock with an annual celebration of their own.

This marked the fifth annual Woodstock Party held at the picturesque GVL Community Garden, aimed to reignite the free-spirited, harmonious atmosphere of the iconic 1969 music festival.

“Celebrating Woodstock again brings back memories of peace, love, and music, which never go out of style. At 75, it’s a joy to share this experience with the younger generation and to keep the spirit of Woodstock alive,” said Sandi Huckaby, a proud member of Mountain Community Alliance, a 501(c)(3) organization that sponsors the annual Woodstock Party and many other initiatives for the Green Valley Lake community.

The day began early, with vendors setting up ahead of the event’s start at 10:00 a.m. Before long, the town was brimming in tie-dye and peace signs. Booths were adorned with colorful wares, baked goods and refreshments – all handcrafted by local artisans.

Sharon DiSanto, of Green Valley Design, was one of many standout vendors. While selling her beautifully crafted kitchen essentials, DiSanto explained her journey as a local artist: “I’ve lived here for over 24 years, participating in craft fairs all over. Around 12 years ago, I retired from real estate and I decided I wanted to sew. A few years later, I began selling here at the garden. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Much like the original Woodstock, the festival attracted people from all walks of life, such as Tina from Galletina’s Bakehouse from Riverside, whose table was laden with double  chocolate chip cookies baked to perfection. Then there was Raven Womack of Raven’s Flight, drawing attention with her selection of herbal remedies, incense and candles, with many crafted from locally foraged plants. At 1:00 p.m., the much-anticipated musical performances began, marking the highlight of the event. The GVL Woodstock Band, a talented group of local musicians, took center stage. The band – featuring Heather Hein on vocals, Pat Huckaby on guitar, Chris Folsom on bass, Adam Hurlbut on drums and Steve Slaten on keyboard – delivered a nostalgic set of classic rock and folk tunes. Hein’s voice, with its subtle Janis Joplinesque tones, transported the audience back in time.

As the celebration drew to a close, the garden filled with laughter, music and hum of lively conversation. The GVL Woodstock Band’s set stretched into the late afternoon, ending on a high note. By the time the last song faded and the sun began to dip beneath the trees, it was clear that the event had been a resounding success, once again proving to be the highlight of the summer and a testament to the legacy of Woodstock and the vibrant, tight-knit community of Green Valley Lake.