After 25 successful years, the ‘Rock Back the Clock’ committee has decided to mark the end of the annual 1950’s themed event held at Rancho Shopping Center in Los Altos.

“We all feel the event has been very worthwhile and successful, but it has run its course,” said committee member Ken Haukom. “The enthusiasm and contribution from all of the supporters and attendees is why the event lasted for so many memorable years. So a huge thank you to everyone who attended and especially to Rens Boorsma, of Sound Trax, our DJ that provided the music for all of the recent years!”

Over the years, ‘Rock Back the Clock’ raised well over $100,000 to support the popular Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade, which is hosted by a non-profit organization of approximately 35 volunteers who coordinate the downtown holiday parade on the Sunday after Thanksgiving every year.

"We will all miss the 'Rock Back the Clock' event. An entire generation of kids have enjoyed the music and dancing – and then they have brought their own children the last few years," said Dr. Kevin Sawyer, Rancho Merchant's Association president and chairperson of the event for the last 20 years. "The Festival of Lights Parade Association has always been and will always be dear to Rancho and our customers."

“The production costs of the parade is around $20,000 per year – and that does not cover float renovation or costume replacements,” said parade volunteer Nancy Schneider.

If you are able to privately support the Parade Association you can make a donation via their website at LosAltosParade.com.

This year marks a new era.

In continued support of the Los Altos community, Rancho Shopping Center will be hosting a Wine Walk fundraiser later this year with a diverse selection of the best vineyards in Northern California. To participate and for more information, please complete our contact form.

Written by Los Altos Town Crier Staff - Town Crier Report

Rancho Shopping Center’s annual “Rock Back the Clock” edges into a new era of rock ‘n’ roll this year. The poodle skirts of the previous 1950s-themed sock hops are being replaced by moptop wigs as part of the “Beatlemania” theme at this year’s event, scheduled 6-10 p.m. Sept. 12.

The purpose of “Rock Back the Clock” remains the same, however: It’s a major fundraiser for the annual Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade, with proceeds from the $5 admission fee supporting the holiday parade. This year’s parade is scheduled 6 p.m. Nov. 30 on Main and State streets downtown.

“We thought we’d do something different this year, with the 50th anniversary of the Beatles coming to America,” said Kevin Sawyer, DDS, president of the Rancho Merchants Association. “We look forward to hosting ‘Rock Back the Clock’ at the shopping center year after year. It’s great to see people of all ages from the community come together to raise money for the parade and have a great time.”

The family event will include local DJ Rens Boorsma of SoundTrax playing classic Beatles hits, gourmet food trucks (Eat on Monday, Small Fry, Tastee Bytes and Scoops) and beverages. Attendees will have opportunities to win prizes for dance and costume contests, and the evening will feature a “Moptop Sing-off” performance by winners of a Facebook Beatles singing contest. Event organizers invite entrants to post videos of their best impersonations of the Fab Four at the Rancho Shopping Center Facebook page at facebook.com/losaltosrancho.

Rancho Shopping Center is located at the corner of Springer Road and Foothill Expressway in Los Altos.

Hop on over with a sales receipt from any business at Rancho Shopping Center on Saturday, April 19th from 11am-2pm for a FREE photo with the Easter bunny! We will be posting the photos here after the event so you will be able to download them directly to your computer.

In the meantime, stop by Los Altos Bakery and pick up some adorable Easter cookies.

See you on the 19th! Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on Rancho Shopping Center happenings.