'Yeah, yeah, yeah!": Beatlemania Invades 'Rock Back the Clock'

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.