Sunday Sept. 25th 9:30-4pm
at Luther Burbank • 4th & Junipero, Long Beach, CA

Long Beach, CA (October 10, 2011)–

The 2011 Restoration Trade Fair was a grand success, with hundreds of people coming from near and far to attend. Representing historic neighborhoods around the southland, and coming from as far away as Upland, attendees encountered a day filled with resources about neighborhood and residential preservation.  Vendors and exhibitors offered garden and home solutions and artists and craftsmen demonstrated their skills.

Other highlights included music from the 20-member Union Station Band, whose Big Band sound garnered raves on Facebook, and classic movie footage of Long Beach during this year’s film festival. Adults and children took part in the communal mosaic project to create a sign that will grace the Garden of the Mind gardens at the Burbank elementary school.

The quality of the vendors this year was again stellar and included Luke Hiller of Hiller Flooring (seen this past year on the PBS show, "This Old House") and Harold Greene of Antiques of the Future (seen on HGTV’s "Modern Masters"). Both reflected on what a great opportunity the Restoration Trade Fair was for them to meet potential customers as well as their restoration peers, and to support preservation activities here in Long Beach.

The post-event comments were wildly positive, too. Rose Park in partnership with Luther Burbank School was able to provide an educational experience that, as one attendee explained, "Provided great ideas for my place. I LOVE this event! Please keep having them." Margaret Schulz, who demonstrated basket weaving during the day expressed, "This was just the perfect place to experience restoration and craftsmanship."

"The Trade Fair was a success thanks to the hands-on support of our long-term sponsors," expressed event coordinator, Gretchen Swanson, "that included Anderson Real Estate Group, Alford’s English Gardens, UPS and Cottages & Bungalows magazine. And, the event—a fundraiser for Rose Park’s restoration activities—raised over $600 from its first-ever Silent Auction alone. We are appreciative of all those who donated."

About The Annual Restoration Trade Fair & Fundraiser -
This is a great place to gather knowledge and information about home improvement, restoration and renovation. The RPNA is a 501c non-profit organization; funds are used for education and participation in Rose Park’s restoration activities.

The Trade Fair offers opportunities to meet restoration specialists and artisans. Check out the vendor and exhibitor directory at

^{www.rpna-tradefair.org and Facebook ‘Restoration Trade Fair’.}

About The Luther Burbank’s Garden of the Mind Project

The Garden of the Mind project (taking its name from Luther Burbank’s eulogy) focuses on innovation, education and community through the permanence of heritage, the wisdom of art and the science of sustainability. The Garden of the Mind plans for 2011-12 include: 1) restoration of the schools entry, façade and grounds based on the school’s historical significance to Long Beach and the philosophy and science of Luther Burbank, a world renowned botanist; 2) launching a food initiative based on fruits and vegetables that can be grown in one’s backyard; and 3) supporting expanded roles of Burbank’s parents within the neighboring community.

About The RPNA

The historic Rose Park neighborhood is located in the City of Long Beach, California and just blocks from the beautiful Pacific Ocean between Cherry Avenue and Redondo Avenue to the west and east, and Fourth Street and Tenth Street to the south and north. The icon of our neighborhood is a small historic park located on Orizaba Avenue at Eighth Street.

The Rose Park Neighborhood Association is a recognized a nonprofit volunteer organization organized to represent the residents of this area and to protect and promote its interests. Our Association is responsible for one of the largest geographical association areas in the city, with more than 22,000 residents and two designated historic districts.

^www.rpna.org

Contact: Gretchen Swanson | gretchen.swanson3@gmail.com | 562-219-3526

In the meantime, once we have published our Historic District guidebook we will make it accessible both on-line and in print for easy use. Please contact us at info@rpna.org if you'd like to receive this.

Click the image below to open the PDF presentation in a new window.

Karen Highberger, owner of Karen Highberger Interior Designs and appointed member Long Beach city's Cultural Heritage Commission shares her thoughts in advance of this year's Restoration Trade Fair on the value of 'historically appropriate' design.

After several years of living in the OC, Karen moved to California Heights which had just been designated an historic district. "What a difference", Karen remarked. In Corona del Mar she had to co-exist with the unbridled undoing of quaint neighborhoods. She saw other coasts communities undergoing the same reformation, such as Manhattan Beach. To her, "Long Beach represented a collection of neighborhoods and wonderful architecture, worth preserving and restoring."

Once in Cal Heights she became active in its Neighborhood Association. "I bought my first home in Cal Heights, a historic district, because I wanted the protections the designation afforded". Now, Karen knew Long Beach from childhood. She'd been born here, raised in a 1920's Spanish style home and grew up appreciating the local architecture. This led to a career  in design, "I love the challenge of finding the correct materials and products for period homes while incorporating modern conveniences. In a way we can blend our current lifestyle with the best of the good ole days".

Highberger's vision is that in 2060, just 50 years from now, Long Beach will have raced ahead of other Southern California communities by maintaining its link to history, managing its historic assets and wisely adapting to the changing needs of its residents. She believes the mind set in Long Beach is capable of navigating the historic-development obstacle course. She sees a new appreciation for our existing historic buildings and districts.

Visit Karen at her booth at the upcoming Restoration Trade Fair, Sept. 19, 2010 at The Luther Burbank School (4th & Junipero).

562-528-6258

rewardus@yahoo.com

562-867-7511

wirwizz@verizon.net

dorettetwo@aol.com

www.doretteamell.com

800-577-6679

www.oldcalifornia.com

1894 Freeman Ave, Signal Hill, CA 90755

562-597-4252

www.lukehillerinc.com