Rutherford Grange #371

Singer Chris Ericson of Astroslide rips the Rutherford Grange

 Historic Rutherford Grange Rocks on Halloween

 

One of the oldest traditions in Napa County met one of the newest on Halloween night when the staid, wood paneled walls of the 97-year-old Rutherford Grange Hall trembled and shook to the rock 'n roll blasts of four local bands packed with youthful energy.  Billed as the "Dawn of the Grange,” the raucous evening included a ghoulish haunted house crawling with live, bloodstained zombies; candied apples; dinner catered by La Luna Market; a table stocked with Napa Valley wines and some of most creative costumes in the county.

 

60s hippies, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, warrior Vikings, exotic ladies, fairy princesses, Scottish lasses, and the ugliest female troll to ever crawl from under a bridge, all gathered at the Grange for probably the wildest fundraiser this venerable institution ever witnessed.

 

Rutherford Grange Master Susan Hirschy said she believed that California Grange officials, who attended the party, were "stunned" by the number of people involved and the level of energy.  "It was just good to see life back in the historic building" said Hirschy.  She heads a six-month effort to revitalize the Rutherford Grange community service tradition that inspired the original American Grange movement. Hirschy said her band of eager volunteers, "40 members and growing," have embryonic plans for a food co-op; a series of presentations on green power, sustainable living and community gardens; plus a performing arts program for children.

 

Money for those programs must come from grants, renting out the Grange Hall and fundraisers like the Halloween bash.  Patrick "Pappy" Williams volunteered as ringmaster for this particular party.  He supervised everything from gathering the band talent to managing the haunted house construction and cast.  Williams also produces "Pappy Hour," a venue for local musical talent, on local cable channel 28.

 

Williams said he was "really worried" about attendance before the party but "the crowd size was perfect for what we were prepared to do."  He marveled at the diversity of the group.  "We attracted a lot more people than just the fans of these particular bands," he said.  Williams noted that this marked the "debut event" for a big show at the Grange.

 

Party participant Tyson Anderson said that new bands playing original music in Napa County struggle to find low-cost venues.  "They have to adhere to a particular demographic," he said. "They can only play covers of established hits or they never get invited back."

 

Before the rock 'n roll started, the Grange also hosted a "pre-trick-or-treat" party for children.  Events included the Haunted House (slightly less scary version), entertainment by Miss Jenny, face painting, a cake walk, plus arts and crafts.  "The children's event was beautifully done," said Hirschy, "we had several families that expressed an interest in joining the Grange."

 

Anyone else interested in joining the Rutherford Grange effort can click "Contact Us" at the right.

 

Check out our Halloween Party Photos