Los Banos Rotary Club History
Maxwell, Reese Tell Of Festival Plans

Bob Maxwell, publicity director for the Spring Fair and May Day Festival, and Jack Reese, in charge of the 4-day entertainment program for celebration week, Tuesday noon gave members of the Rotary Club a brief preview of what is being planned for the festival period.

Reese, who has handled special events and served as master of ceremonies at the Spring Fair for the past two years, is considered one of the best fair directors in the state. He has been in charge of special events at the State Fair for the past several years, and last year handled a total of 16 Fairs and Festivals in northern California.

Reese told of plans for the selection of the May Day and Centennial Queen, and the Coronation Ball; of the wrestling show to be staged April 29; the Kiddies' Parade and program on Saturday; and the big May Day Parade and other entertainment scheduled on May 1. Reese emphasized that the festival attractions this year will be centered in and around Fairgrounds Park, with a star studded entertainment program offered each day. As an example of the increased activity he said a special majorette competition is being planned for Sunday afternoon, together with a popular vaudeville team, the Hoosier Hot Shots, and with Bob Wills and his Texas Play Boys here Sunday for the dance finale.

Maxwell, who arrived in Los Banos last week after handling the Date Festival at Indio, complimented the Spring Fair board of directors and May Day committee for their elaborate planning, and said he was delighted to be affiliated with the festival in the capacity of publicity director. Maxwell is employed by the Merced County Centennial Committee, and will work with all centennial events planned in the county this year, concluding with the Merced District Fair at the county seat this fall.

Also on the Rotary program Tuesday was Keith Wheeler, local high school student who recently won the Lions Club student speakers contest and will represent this city in district semi-final competition to be held in the near future. Keith gave the talk that won him top honors here, entitled "Safety Through Sane Living."

Rotary President Jess Telles announced the regular club luncheon next Tuesday would be cancelled so the membership could join with the Lions Club in honoring high school basketball players at a dinner to be given at the DES hall next Tuesday evening. He also announced plans for a joint ladies' night program sponsored by the Merced Rotary club on Wednesday, March 23, in which all clubs in the county will participate as a part of Rotary's golden anniversary observance.

March 11, 1955

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