In the short space of 60 days, the Auburn community has been the recipient of two major outdoor social events that literally "rocked" the area. Starting with Party in the Park in June and ending with the Black and White Ball last night, folks looking for fun, food and good music in a large outdoor setting just couldn't ask for more.

Party in the Park was a resounding success with an estimated 3000 people in attendance. Visitors from all over the local area ate, drank and partied to first class music and even by the Sheriff's estimate were very well behaved. ARD's once small community gift turned into a "regional" happening. Those that missed it truly missed an experience.

Last nights Black and White Ball was incredible. With three well known bands playing a wide variety of music, a person could move from one genre to the next as easily as walking a few feet down the street. It was obvious from the opening songs from Little Texas to the last waning moments of Tainted Love’s performance that folks were there to enjoy themselves.

Being on the outside looking in at the volunteer efforts of both groups that put on these events just amazes me. The literally hundreds (maybe thousands) of hours donated by community minded people is unbelievable. How do so many come together and give so much for a community. I assume that similar things happen in other communities but I only know a little about our community. I am amazed.

Congratulations to those that go the extra mile and provide such a quality of life to us all.

Curt Smith

Auburn California