Antique cars, art, crafts, live music and more will be part of the 2023 Saratoga Blossom Festival held April 29 from 10-4 PM at the Heritage Orchard and Saratoga Civic Center (13777 Fruitvale Avenue). The event is free and open to the public.

Activities include a wide range of music; organizations such as the Master Gardeners, Beekeepers of Santa Clara Valley and more; local civic organizations such as the Saratoga Library, AAUW, Rotary, BookGoRound, Saratoga historical characters; book authors; Saratoga history lectures; and artisans. Gourmet food trucks will also be part of the fun. Over 15 children’s activity tables, petting zoo, and entertainment for all ages.

The Girl Scouts are handing out flowers commemorating the historic festival. First produced in 1900, this historic event ran successfully for 41 years. Come help celebrate this tradition.

Produced by the Saratoga Historical Foundation and sponsored by the City of Saratoga.

For more information: 408-867-4311 or http://www.saratogahistory.com.

The Saratoga Historical Foundation presents, "Hearts, Leprechauns, and Fools", a new exhibit explores the impact traditions have on the fabric of the community. The exhibit covers over 30 holidays and associated traditions. The exhibit opens on February 11 and ends In June.

Traditions are the stories, beliefs, customs and routines that pass to us from older generations. They have been passed down, in the hope of keeping the tradition alive until the next coming generations. Many traditions originated in Europe and were brought to the US by immigrants. Some have roots in religion. Mother's Day is a tradition that originated in the US by a woman who wanted mothers to be recognized. The Blossom Festival is a tradition that originated in Saratoga in 1900 celebrating the agricultural heritage. Participating in a tradition creates long lasting memories.

The Saratoga History Museum is located at 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road in Saratoga. Admission is free. The Museum is open from 1-4 on Friday, 10-4 on Saturday and 1-4 on Sunday. For more information go up to www.saratogahistory.com or call 408-867-4311.

The attached presentation gives a quick overview on the roles of a blacksmith in 1850 as well as the blacksmiths that once worked in Saratoga. The information was given in a presentation to the Saratoga Foothill Club as well as was part of a display in the Saratoga Library lobby.

Click here for the presentation: The History of Saratoga Blacksmiths

Saratoga Historical Foundation presents the newest lecture on her book, "The Valley of Heart's Delight: True Tales from Around the Bay". Her talk will take place at the Saratoga Foothill Club on March 14 at 7:00 PM. The Foothill Club is located at 20399 Park Place in Saratoga, CA.

Chapman will share glimpses of the intriguing true stories shes been researching since she returned to her home state of California, from her travels as a journalist. Did you know director Alfred Hitchcock once had an estate in the hills above Saratoga, a residence that had a direct impact on his screenplay for “The Birds”? That crooner Bing Crosby helped start a local youth center? That the Santa Clara Valley was once home to an extensive electric rail system used by early 20th century commuters? These are some of the tantalizing tales she will share in her upcoming program.

Chapman’s newest book "The Valley of Heart's Delight: True Tales from Around the Bay," joins "California Apricots: The Lost Orchards of Silicon Valley," and "Historic Bay Area Visionaries" in a triple tribute to the vibrant stories of California. Chapman is a journalist who covered Washington D.C for more than a decade. Now back in the Golden State, she writes full time and gives lectures. Follow her at: robinchapmannews.blogspot.com.

Blacksmith Exhibit Scheduled to Open 2023

A new blacksmith exhibit will open in 2023 demonstrating the work a blacksmith of the 1850s would have handled. Interactivity and sound effects will add to the ambience. Also planned is a nonfunctional outhouse as part of the turn of the century theme of all the structures in the Saratoga Historical Park. All the structures, the McWilliams House, one-room schoolhouse, museum, and soon the blacksmith exhibit are used to teach pioneer living as well as Saratoga's rich history.

If you would like to contribute to this exhibit, ($5000 contribution and higher and your name will be on a plaque on the outside of the exhibit)-- send your contribution to:

Blacksmith Exhibit
c/0 Saratoga Historical Foundation
PO Box 172
Saratoga, CA 95071

Your donation is tax deductible.

Free Activities

Explore our Pioneer Living program for 3rd-5th grades, and take a walk around Saratoga to spot Bats and Other Wildlife using these pictures.

Pioneer Living.

Bats and Other Wildlife in Saratoga.

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