Later today people from all over Central California will make their annual pilgrimage to Hornitos for the Patrons Club's famous Enchilada Dinner fundraiser.
Each year our sleepy little ghost town becomes a major tourist attraction, with cars and people everywhere. Last year I talked with some of the folks who were standing in line at the community hall. Everyone was friendly, and no one complained about the wait.
"We meet everybody here -- it's almost as good as the Post Office (to catch up on the latest news)," Susie Stonum said, while standing there with her husband, Neil. They come as often as they can, since 1972, because the food is good.
Others agreed, but mentioned that it's for a good cause, too.
Hugh and Carol Taylor from Oakhurst were here for the first time.
"Our friends have come before and said it's just great. So 20 of us came this time," Carol said. "It was cold and cloudy in the mountains when we left. We were surprised to get here and see the sun."
It's not always sunny this early in March, but that doesn't usually discourage visitors. Fred and Jan Youngren have been coming for years. They'd carry their two boys in backpacks and hold umbrellas.
"Now we're bringing our grandkids," Jan told me. "We enjoy the live bands and seeing people we haven't seen in years."
The Youngrens' older son, Ben, is now married and has two little boys, and Fred's mom, Charlene Wright, comes from Redding to join the family.
Ben said, "I'll be playing with my son here in the same park where Dad played with me."
Sharleyne Jarvi is a public health nurse in Mariposa. She and her husband, Paul, have come for over a decade. Their family members drive from Modesto, Merced and Sonora to meet them here as an annual tradition.
When I opened the door to peek into the kitchen, it was crowded and hot, and smelled wonderful. Men were close by to pull the heavy trays out of the ovens. The dining area remained full as guests finished the meal and left, making room for others to sit down.
Last year was the 60th anniversary of the event, with 800 to 1,000 people in attendance. Ruth Latona, a Patrons Club member, said, "It's a lot of work, but a lot of fun."
Her daughter, Connie, lives in Fresno and comes to help.
Everyone is on their feet for hours, from the morning when they start cooking, until evening and there are no more people to serve.
Finally, the workers sat down with their plates. They talked about how it was the best year they've had so far.
All the money stays in Hornitos, said Latona.
The Patrons Club is a nonprofit group, and the money raised is spent on improving the town's public facilities. One year the old school house got a new roof. This year visitors will notice the new wraparound porch and driveway, designed for deliveries and the handicapped.
Janet (Adams) Whitla was the hostess last year, and told me about her mom, Selma Adams, who was one of the original workers at the dinner years ago.
Dorothy Bauer is another old-timer, working at the dinner since 1951.
"I came here on vacation, met a hometown boy and got married," she said. And she's been involved ever since.
In those days the fundraiser started small with only a few dozen visitors. But each year it grew. Once a person or family comes for the first time, they almost always come back.
It's held on the first Saturday in March. Dinner is served from 4 until 8:30 p.m., or until the line disappears. The meal includes two enchiladas or chicken pie, garlic bread, coleslaw, beans and a sherbet cup. Coffee and takeout meals are also available. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Entertainment in the plaza will be provided by Rancho Valencia's traditional Vaqueros and prancing horses, with dancing by Sol del Valle.
For more information call (209)376-2320 or visit: www.hornitospc.com.
Last year at 9 p.m. the park was still lit up, country music played and people sat at tables visiting, enjoying the company and the weather. Rain or shine, this year's event will probably be another success.
Plus, it's held at the Stag Hall in the center of town. Just look for the crowd of hungry, happy people.
Debbie Croft writes about life in the foothill communities. She can be reached at composed@tds.net, or at her Sun-Star blog: City Girl, Country Life.
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