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Special Event Hotels > California Speedway Overview City Information Dining Attractions Event Information |
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Fontana Attractions: FONTANA DAYS Fontana Days is an annual community celebration hosted by the Exchange Club. Its traditions date back to 1913 with the founding of the community. The philosophy behind the festivities is to build community spirit by giving residents a reason to get together. The four day event consists of a parade, car show, Hen Derby, carnival with rides/games, and a wide variety of food and merchandise booths featured by local merchants and service clubs. The highlight of Fontana Days is the parade which attracts many participants from Southern California, as well as local school bands, drill teams, tall flags, and many other categories. This event involves the entire community, and all are welcome to participate. Prior to the parade, the Community Services Division of the City of Fontana sponsors a Half Marathon and 5K Run/Race Walk which is touted as being the world's fastest half marathon course in the world. All proceeds garnered from the event are channeled back into the community supporting local programs for the young and elderly alike. CIVIC AUDITORIUM
The Civic Auditorium is the ideal venue for produced entertainment, community activities, corporate presentations and all media designed functions throughout the region. It is an exciting resource for the City of Fontana and surrounding communities. It represents an important symbol of civic pride within the city and has become the dynamic focal point of creative activities for all the citizens of Fontana and the Inland Empire. MARY VAGLE SCIENCE AND NATURE CENTER The Center offers an opportunity for a wide range of environmental education activities, which include a reptile viewing area, displays, diorama, and hands on programs. There is a one acre pond, three miles of self guided hiking trails, and the ninth most significant petroglyph site in the state. Hawks, rabbits, deer, rattlesnakes, foxes, and bobcats thrive in this protected habitat. After school science adventures club and summer science adventures day camp are also available along with a Junior Ranger Program, Eagle Scout Program, Nature Discovery Walk & Native American Indian Presentation. Many dedicated individuals and community groups volunteer their efforts in working toward the beautification, preservation and maintenance of the Center. FONTANA FARMS RANCH HOUSE A search for Fontana's roots invariably leads to an old farmhouse located on Pepper Avenue. The home was once part of Camp 1, a settlement that developer and farmer A. B. Miller started in the early 1900's to establish his Fontana Farms operation. Workers who lived in the camp with their families planted vineyards and orange groves for Miller, who founded Fontana in 1903. People can get a peek at Fontana's early farm life by visiting the house. The home, built before 1909, was remodeled in the early 1980's and turned into the Fontana Historical Museum. The five rooms contain decor dating back to the late 1800's and early 1900's, including a piano that belonged to Miller's mother. The Fontana Historical Society operates the museum and makes the most of the donations it receives. The most popular exhibit with school children is out back in the bunkhouse. Several pieces of wine making equipment such as a wine press are stored in another building. Blacksmith tools such as horseshoes, anvils, vises, and nails are stored in a third building. The museum's collection seems endless, and some pieces have seen better days. JOSEPHINE KNOPF SENIOR CENTER Josephine Knopf, known as the "Queen of the Senior Citizens", dedicated her life to helping the senior citizens of Fontana and has left behind a legacy full of accomplishments to the community. Josephine and Walter Knopf came to California from Kentucky in 1949. She began working with the churches in the Fontana area and became choir director. Josephine also worked with the underprivileged. One of her more lighthearted moments was when she started the "Sunny Hour Swingers Comedy Band", consisting of seniors ages 55 through 85. They entertained throughout California at nursing homes, rest homes, fairs, and club groups. Anne Dunihue, Hughie Moore, and Josephine were instrumental in initiating the first Home Delivered Meals Program in this area. The program was started with a grant from the Planned Action for Seniors Board, of which Josephine was a member. Josephine started working at the Senior Center in June, 1969. The City received the Center through a donation from the Federal Government and a small grant. Walter Knopf and other seniors spent many years cleaning the Center in preparation of its opening. Josephine was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors for the Center. Jokingly, Josephine claimed her appointment was because she had the biggest mouth and could be heard above the rest. After many months of hard work, the Center opened on October 25, 1969. Josephine, Walter and other volunteers obtained donations of furniture, appliances and fixtures. They worked 12-15 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Center provides a warm and friendly atmosphere in which to develop new interests and friendships. It also offers many activities, classes, and meetings. Referrals for assistance with medical services, legal advice, taxes, and many other needs are available. Josephine devoted her life to senior citizens, and in October, 1979, the Center was dedicated and named "Josephine Knopf Senior Center". She was on the County Action Board for 15 years as well as on the Board at Chaffey College for seniors. She was responsible for arranging transportation for the seniors of Fontana to go to the doctor, hospital, shopping, banking, legal appointments, and just getting out of the house. Josephine's dream for many years was to acquire a van with a wheelchair lift. By March, 1990, with the purchase of a new 13-passenger para transit van with a wheelchair lift, this became a reality. Josephine was also instrumental in starting the "Food Commodities Program" in Fontana. In addition, she helped organize the "Oldtimers Foundation" and began its home delivery program. In 1988 and 1989, she was honored by the California State Assembly, through Jerry Eaves, for outstanding service to senior citizens. The Business Professionals Women's Group nominated Josephine "Woman of the Year". Josephine was never too busy to help with the needs of all people. The community of Fontana has greatly missed her. |