Festival of the Butterflies Program

Join us in the Los Rios Historic District to see our 3rd Annual Festival of the Butterflies! The Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano will be strolling through Los Rios street and park, live ballet dancers, acclaimed environmental speakers will be speaking at the Los Rios Park Stage, vendors will have booths full of resources, merchandise, food & drinks around the Los Rios Park, a kids activity zone at the Los Rios Park playground, beer & wine cafe at the Goin Native headquarters and be sure to see the Butterfly Goats roaming through the park!

10:00 – 10:30

Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano & Amanda Cobb Improv

10:30 – 11:30

Speakers: Scott Logan & Dr. Eric Strauss

“Why Should We Care About our Native Pollinators?”

11:30 – 12:00

Ballet Academy Movement (BAM)

12:00 – 12:30

Opening Ceremony at the Los Rios Park Stage

National Anthem: Members of Mission Basilica School Choir, SJC

Native American Blessing: Adelia Sandoval

Goin Native Welcome: Marianne Taylor & Mary Crawford

City Welcome : John Taylor, Mayor

12:30 – 12:45

Butterfly Headpiece Contest

At the Los Rios Park stage

*Register near the stage from 11am - 12:15pm. Come with your headpiece already assembled and be ready to model it proudly! The judging criteria will be releavance to the theme, creatitivity and uniqueness, use of recycled/upcylced/organic materials. The prize will be dinner for 2 to a SJC local restaurant!

12:45 – 1:00

Children’s Parade

Starting at the Goin Native headquarters and ending at the Los Rios Park stage

1:00 – 1:30

Speaker: Wendy Caldwell

“The Monarch Butterfly”

1:30 – 2:00

Speaker: Susie Vanderlip

“What’s Up with Western Monarchs in OC and Southern California this season?”

2:00 – 2:15

Performance: Round About Players

Ghosts & Gold of San Juan Capistrano

2:15 – 2:45

Speaker: Katie Newman

“Butterfly Plants for the Garden & Kitchen!

2:45 – 3:15

Speaker: Laura Camp

“Native Gardening for Butterflies – and Hummingbirds too!”

3:15 – 3:30

Performance: Round About Players

Ghosts & Gold of San Juan Capistrano

Ron Ruhman

Master of Ceremonies
Ron is an incredibly versatile performer who has headlined comedy clubs throughout the United States, acted in numerous films and stage productions, and lent his voice to radio stations, commercials, and parades. He can be heard regularly at Concordia University in Irvine where he has been the Public Address Announcer for sporting events since 2005. Ron's half hour comedy special is available on Dry Bar Comedy.
Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano

A group of young, talented musicians! They have many achievements that include winning the Battle of the Mariachis in the City of San Juan Capistrano.
Ballet Academy & Movement

is Orange County's Elite Dance Studio, offering Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Competitive, Hip-hop, Pilates, Gyrotonic, and more for all ages and levels. Small focused classes, world-class instructors with world-class professional experience. Taking fall enrollments now! 400-C Camino De Estrella in San Clemente. www.bamsocal.com • Dance@bamsocal.com • 949.229.0846 • @BalletAcademyMovement
Members of Mission Basilica School Choir, San Juan Capistrano

Since 1928, Mission Basilica School continues to be a pillar of academic excellence in the center of San Juan Capistrano. Members of the middle school choir will perform our National Anthem.
Adelia Sandoval

is the Spiritual Overseer (Púul) and Cultural Director for the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians/Acjachemen Nation, the indigenous people of Orange County California. Adelia shares her Acjachemen Culture through art, writing, storytelling and singing. She is a Ceremonial Leader, Song Keeper, Wisdom Holder, Tribal teacher, healer and an ordained minister.
Mayor John Taylor

John was a former Mayor of San Juan Capistrano in 2013 and served as a member of the city council from 2010 to 2014.
Along with leadership in outside agencies such as OC Vector Control, Toll Road Corridor Agency, OC Fire Authority, and Joint Powers Insurance Authority, John also served our community as: President of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, President of San Juan Capistrano Little League, AYSO Coach and Referee, Member of the Los Rios Review Committee.
Round About Players

Short plays based upon San Juan History. Sponsored by The Alliance for San Juan Art and produced by Round About Players Partners.
Eric Gorsuch

Performs Western-Flavored Country Music. He developed his style from performing in the Southwest for the last 35 years and his early years working with horses. This is a mix of traditional Country music such as Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash with current Western Music from Ian Tyson and Dave Stamey. Throw in a little Bluegrass and some originals and you will hear a unique blend of acoustic sounds.
He has been a regular at Bad to the Bone BBQ in San Juan Capistrano for the last 10 years, and now also at Knott’s Berry Farm.