Although proceeds have not been finalized, MacKinnon said one of the goals of the Moonlight Committee was “to make as much as we made last year to put in our hoppers” would be greatly welcomed, especially in light of the depressed economy. Businesses as well as community members “stepped up and showed great support for the cause,” and recognized what a “great event” Moonlight is for Santa Paula and the community.“We also wanted to thank the City Council,” considered another event sponsor for the time and equipment donated to help ensure Moonlight’s success, support appreciated by the “entire committee.”MacKinnon noted photographs of Moonlight at the Ranch III are now available for purchase online, and proceeds will also benefit the SPP&F Foundation. Those interested in browsing and purchasing can visit www.moonlightattheranch.com for the link to the photo site.At this point, with “Out of This World!” a success, the Moonlight Committee is looking forward to Moonlight at the Ranch IV. “We do not know what we’ll do next year,” but MacKinnon said the next event will only solidify Moonlight’s “reputation” for offering a “great party” providing a rollicking good time.Mayor Ralph Fernandez thanked MacKinnon for “all the good work... it’s good for us as a community.”
Council told Moonlight at the Ranch III was an ‘Out of This World!’ success
October 07, 2009
Santa Paula City Council
Moonlight at the Ranch III was an out of this world success, the City Council learned at a recent meeting where Police Chief Steve MacKinnon offered an update on the results of the August 22 celebration.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesMoonlight at the Ranch III was an out of this world success, the City Council learned at a recent meeting where Police Chief Steve MacKinnon offered an update on the results of the August 22 celebration. This year the fundraising event, held at Limoneira Ranch, saluted all things sci-fi with its “Out of This World!” theme.“I’m happy to report after much exhaustion and work by volunteers we were able to pull off Moonlight at the Ranch.... Essentially, we had a sellout crowd,” and as a reflection of the growing reputation of Moonlight events people are already asking about next year’s Moonlight.The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Limoneira Company were thanked by MacKinnon for “equally stepping up” with generous sponsorships, as were other supporters and the 40 regional restaurants and wineries that participated. “We had great music” by the aptly named Men on the Moon band, as well as “perfect weather... it was a lot of fun.”MacKinnon said the event is staged with a “two tier approach: one is trying to raise funds for the Santa Paula Police and Fire Foundation, but a goal is also to pull the community together” and demonstrate that Santa Paula is home to “great events” that draw attendees from throughout the county.And, one step beyond: “This year we were tracking ticket sales” that showed guests were coming to Santa Paula from throughout Southern California. “Word is getting out about Santa Paula” and its fun factor, with people noting, “’Geeze, they put on a great party!’ Moonlight” and other events have raised the city’s profile greatly, and are drawing more and more visitors.
