The public is invited to meet one of Orange County's founding families – the Moulton family – and learn about the history of this great community during the city's Founder's Day celebration on Saturday, Oct. 12

Held on the rustic Aliso Viejo Ranch site, the Founder’s Day Fair is an annual city event commemorating the heritage of Aliso Viejo. This year’s theme is “A Tribute to the Moulton Family” – embracing the history of the family that called the area in and around Aliso Viejo home long before it was developed.

The event takes place from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the 7-acre city ranch located at 100 Park Ave.

This dynamic event offers a glimpse of California ranch life through historical displays and antique farm equipment exhibits with hands-on activities; live local entertainment featuring teen bands, youth theatre performers, and strolling musicians along with a carnival fun zone boasting rides and games, a rock climbing, petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and more.  A ranch-style barbeque and other tasty fare will be available for nominal fees, and a beer and wine saloon will be on tap for the “over-21” crowd.   

Mary Lee Lindquist will give a special performance as “Nellie Gail Moulton” at 3:45 p.m. before interviewing members of the Moulton family at 4:30 p.m.   Lewis Moulton purchased the ranch at the turn of the century, and portions of the expansive land remain in the Moulton family.  

At 5:30 p.m., Mayor Carmen Cave will host a special tribute to the family before popular local band, “Family Style,” caps off the day performing from 6 to 8 p.m.  

The Founder’s Day Fair is not only fun, but it gives the public, including students and teachers, the rare and wonderful opportunity to learn about local history from some of the people who made it.

Kelly Tokarski