ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Founder Iris Zimbelman’s vision 36 years ago was to bring the light, lyrical sounds of Johann Strauss Jr. that she experienced in Vienna to Elk Grove. Since then, her vision has grown into a full musical and visual production that is now a cherished community tradition.

The 36th annual Strauss Festival once again transformed Elk Grove Regional Park to a beautiful and whimsical experience for audiences July 24 through July 27.

Every year, the performance carries a different theme.

This year’s theme, “Practically Strauss in Every Way,” featured a choregraphed adaptation of the classic film “Mary Poppins.”

The show comprises the 40-piece Camellia Symphony Orchestra and 86 dancers ranging from 4 to 74 years old. Strauss classical scores are showcased by a variety of dances such as polka, quadrille and waltz.

 

The 36th annual Strauss Festival once again transformed Elk Grove Regional Park to a beautiful and whimsical experience for audiences July 24 through July 27.

Throughout these four nights, Strauss Island (located in the middle of Elk Grove Park) is the center of the event with its scenic setting surrounded by water. The orchestra, led by conductor Maestro Paolo Reyes, is seated in the island’s amphitheater playing instruments that charms the audience with its sound.

The dancers, performing in front of the orchestra, captured gazes with their colorful costumes and graceful movements, visually complimenting the music.

Master of ceremonies Mark Hedlund started off by leading attendees on an adventure, beginning with Mr. and Mrs. Banks search for a new nanny.

Umbrellas twirling in the hands of the dancers throughout the night was the signature nod to the “perfect” nanny named Mary Poppins. 

Marjorie Jones has been a co-chair for the Strauss Festival board for 14 years. She said that the goal has always been to provide the community with a free presentation of waltz and Strauss music.

“We don’t have assigned seating or any of that because Iris’s dream and goal was to always make it free, so all the demographics of people could attend,” Jones said.

 

The Strauss Festival is a four-night show comprising the 40-piece Camellia Symphony Orchestra and 86 dancers ranging from 4 to 74 years old.

She attributed much of the ability to keep this festival going to volunteers and local organizations that give their time to ensure the show can continued to be enjoyed by the community.

The Elk Grove Historical Society, Rotary Club of Elk Grove, Soroptimist International and Elk Grove Lions Club are some of the strongest supporters of the festival, helping from production needs to managing parking at the event.

“We’re really proud of the fact that it’s so unique,” Jones said. “…and we’re just really proud of keeping this tradition alive.”

What also makes the Strauss Festival great is the welcoming environment that accepts dancers of all levels of abilities, Jones added.

“My granddaughter, who’s 14, this is her second year in the festival. She’s a special-needs young lady but she loves dancing in the festival. It’s been good for her self-esteem,” Jones said. “Everybody’s like a big family.”

The Strauss festival runs on tradition, with families performing and volunteering for generations.

 

Throughout these four nights, Strauss Island (located in the middle of Elk Grove Regional Park) is the center of the annual Strauss Festival with its scenic setting surrounded by water.

The family of Raelynn Springer, chief financial officer of the festival board, has been involved with the show for three generations. Springer’s father, Ray Bayles, became a festival dancer in 1988.

This is the first year that her father didn’t perform in the festival but Springer continues to carry on the legacy by being part of the experience with her family.  

“Regardless of age, we can all actively participate, whether it’s dancing, attending practices, helping with fundraisers, production meetings or taking part in special events,” Springer said. “It’s a unique and meaningful way for us to spend time together while giving back to the community we love.”

Springer expressed that the festival is “more than just a performance” and said everyone who participates becomes family.

“One of the things that makes Strauss so unique is our welcoming spirit. We embrace diversity and celebrate individuals for exactly who they are,” she said. “It’s one of the few spaces where everyone is encouraged to shine in their own way.”

Fellow Strauss Festival Co-Chair Beth Hedlund told The Elk Grove Citizen that she loves the show and sees the impact it has on the youth who participate. However, Hedlund said, there are concerns about raising enough funds for future years.

 

The classical scores of Johann Strauss Jr. are showcased by a variety of dances such as polka, quadrille and waltz during the performances had at the annual Strauss Festival at Elk Grove Regional Park.

“Iris Zimbelman wanted it to be a free performance so that families could come and enjoy; that is something we want to continue but right now, our funding is really tight,” Hedlund said. “So we’re going to have to figure out ways to get funding in order to continue the event.”

She noted that some of the festival’s biggest contributors over the years have passed away, leading to gaps in funding used not only to put on the show but also for fencing, porta-potties and facility costs.

Several volunteers dedicate their free time for festival needs and help save money in other ways, such as the seamstresses who refurbish costumes from previous performances, Hedlund said.

Although the festival happens once a year, planning is a year-round effort. The all-volunteer team meets monthly to coordinate production needs, rehearse dances, and design sets and costumes.

“There’s something magical about seeing young people dancing to classical music, confidently performing in front of large crowds, engaging with adults and community members,” Springer said. “And, most importantly, volunteering their time to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

The Strauss Festival reflects the strong sense of community that Elk Grove residents have shown through their ongoing support. For many families, the show holds a deep significance in their household and is something special as it differs from anything else in the area.

“I think just the feeling of family and the feeling that this is so unique to Elk Grove. There is nothing like it anywhere else,” Jones said. “We want to continue for many years.”

For those who are interested in donating to help support the show and continue tradition, visit straussfestival.com/donors or email [email protected] for more information.