Solvang’s long road to becoming a Preserve America Community officially reached its destination Friday night; adding Solvang to a list of almost 800 historic communities across the nation. Those communities are selected for the program because they “protect and celebrate their heritage” according to Preserve America.
Solvang’s unique blend of Danish culture stacked on top of Spanish and Indian history, along with programs to educate the public about that history, helped to secure their designation. The March 5 event was the final step in the process that was started by the city council in September 2008. In October of last year, the city received a letter informing them of their selection as a Preserve America Community and on Friday the official Preserve America Community certificate was shown off to the public. Tracy Farhad, the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau’s Executive Director joined with Solvang Mayor Jim Richardson at the Elverhoj Museum. Farhad and Richardson took their place on either side of a red sheet, which they pulled back to reveal the certificate to a crowd including Solvang locals and 3rd District Supervisor Doreen Farr. A sign, bearing the Preserve America logo, was also posted at the entrance to Solvang.
Solvang’s christening will allow it, among other things, to compete for Preserve America grants. The city is eligible for matching grants up to a quarter-million dollars to improve and use historic and cultural areas. Solvang’s leaders are already eyeing a “heritage trail” that would lead the public through the city, highlighting significant spots. brookshire@syvjournal.com