Jim McCoy agreed, noting that the Aviation Museum has been a “tremendous boost to Santa Paula.”Entertainment included Raspberry Jam and the Everly Brothers Tribute Band, but it was the arrival of Elvis that was the showstopper: to the blare of sirens from the restored 1950s Santa Paula Police and Fire Department cars, a classic Howard taxied up to the crowd and then the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll stepped out to wild cheers.Elvis - aka Mark Curran, an acclaimed impersonator - rocked the airport with Elvis standards as crazed poodle-skirted fans, as well as few burly guys, rushed the stage screaming, crying and throwing themselves at his feet.“This looks like a city council meeting,” a party-goer cracked as the crowd cracked up at the antics.Bruce Dickenson was at the controls of the Howard accompanied by Clay Phelps and Johnny Miller driving the classic police and fire cars, said Janice Dickenson. She noted that SPPD Sgt. Carlos Juarez and retired officer Wes Easley happily loaned the vehicles they painstakingly restored for use at the party, just another example of “how supportive everyone is to the museum!” to the partyEveryone had the time of their life recreating the era that saw the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, including stand-ups of film icons Marilyn Monroe - who, Marilyn-like, mysteriously disappeared - and James Dean and Route 66 type signage.“It’s a wonderful party; people are so generous,” said Janice Dickenson before she turned and showed yet another guy the ring that signifies that she’s going steady.For more information or to arrange a donation, call the AMSP at 525-1109.
Elvis, supporters in the building for Aviation Museum fundraiser
October 09, 2002
Santa Paula News
Hundreds of Aviation Museum of Santa Paula supporters were “In the building” of CP Aviation with Elvis for the “Sky Rockin’ Hop!” where poodle skirts squared off with leather jackets - and, in one case, a really bad wig - for a night of 50s flashback fun.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesHundreds of Aviation Museum of Santa Paula supporters were “In the building” of CP Aviation with Elvis for the “Sky Rockin’ Hop!” where poodle skirts squared off with leather jackets - and, in one case, a really bad wig - for a night of 50s flashback fun.Saturday’s fundraiser raised the roof of CP Aviation at the Santa Paula Airport where a classic car and aircraft display spilled over onto tables decorated with candy-bearing Chevy’s and tea lights circled by a gold airplane.Many in the crowd opted for that distinctive 50s look as they heard museum booster Mike Dewey, whose own hangar is part of the exhibit, tell of efforts to raise the funds to raise a building on property adjacent to the airport.Chairman Bob Phelps of the AMSP Board of Directors also noted the effort and thanked event sponsors.The Hula Hoop contest started the night’s fun activities, and Master of Ceremonies Greg Andrews noted that the winner would be a hip swiveler capable of “Keeping it up the longest!”“I’m Sweet 16,” for party, said AMSP board director Janice Dickenson, decked out in the preferred 50s attire, down to a ring hanging from a necklace around her neck. “Some guy tried to hit on me, but I showed him my ring and said ‘Sorry, I’m going steady!’”Dickenson later lauded donors who stepped forward with generous contributions for the museum building effort, noting that “Santa Paula is on the rise,” and the museum has been a vital component in drawing visitors to the area.
