Orland parties in shade

Sparse but steady crowds dotted Orland's Library Park over the weekend as the town celebrated it's 101st birthday, about four months ahead of schedule.

"It's a little slower than we hoped, but it's nice to see steady crowds and it's always good to get the whole community together," said Karen Gilmet, a co-organizer.

Dozens enjoyed summer activities and a variety of locally prepared barbecue chicken, fresh cheeseburgers and pizza during "101 in the Shade" in downtown Orland.

The early birthday party was put together by the Orland Centennial Jubilee Committee, which organized the city's large 100th birthday party last year.

This year's party was organized specifically to help the committee repay the city $4,000 to $5,000 for last year's celebration, organizers said.

"The (city's) birthday is not actually until November," Gilmet said, "but, we needed another event to pay for the last one."

"101 in Shade" subcommittee had no funds for advertising and may have been hurt by competition from the Farmer's Market in Willows, as well as the Gonzales' Flea Market on Sixth Street in Orland.

Several hundred packed the Orland Flea Market, potentially siphoning customers who may have been unaware of the city's event several blocks away.

Event Chair Terri Barr said Monday that no totals were available and said it was not known if the committee had raised enough to clear it's debt with the city. Barr said totals raised would be available some time Wednesday.

Barr said she was not sure if the committee will need to organize another activity to cover their debt.

"We'll have to count everything up and see what's what before we do anything else," Barr said Monday.

Despite light crowds, those in attendance seemed to enjoy the community activities, local yard sales and, of course, the food.

Leigh Ann Byerly, who, along with her husband, Jim, own Orland's Farwood Bar and Grill, served gourmet grilled cheeseburgers Saturday. The handmade burgers were grilled to perfection by Jim Byerly and topped fresh swiss, cheddar and pepperjack cheeses and crisp onions, tomatoes and lettuce.

"We really like coming out for community events," Leigh Ann Byerly said. "It gives us a chance to introduce new people to our restaurant and expose them to our food."

Orland High School may have gotten a boost for extracurricular activities from a raffle ticket sale at the park.

Miriam Sanchez, 16, patrolled the park with several friends for hours Saturday.

"It's a lot of fun, it's hot, but it's not (101 degrees), but there is a lot of shade, which is good."

Contact Rob Parsons at 934-6800 or rparsons@tcnpress.com.