FAQ
1. What is the Stroll through History, Woodland, California?
The Stroll Through History is a free community street fair and ticketed home tour of vintage homes. Woodland’s circa 1900’s downtown central street, (called Main Street) is blocked off from College to Sixth Street and filled with historically costumed people, exhibits, vintage vehicles, a historic themed vendor fair and free children’s activities as well as a Farmer’s Market. The Freeman Park at 5th & Main Street is the focus of all day entertainment and refreshments. Heritage Plaza is the start of free walking tours and bicycle tours. Landmark buildings interiors are open for tours. Tickets are available for the open homes tour of historically significant homes. See the full schedule of events.
2. When is the Stroll through History?
Saturday, September 12, 2009 on Main Street all day long. The Kiwanis pancake breakfast starts the day 8:00 a.m. , walking tours start at 8:30 a.m. with the Farmer’s Market, Vendor Fair, Exhibits and children’s activities including the Pet Parade start at 9:00 a.m. Open Homes Tour starts 11:00. Vendors close at 4:00 p.m., Home Tour closes at 4:00 p.m.
3. How much does it Cost?
There is no entry fee and no parking fee. All Main Street activities, entertainment, guided walking and bicycle tours are free. Bring your own bicycle. Enjoy the street fair and free entertainment or purchase a ticket for $25 each to the open homes tour of historic Woodland homes located in Woodland neighborhoods.
4. How do I get there? Where do I park.
See Map and driving directions. Woodland is only 20 minutes North on I-5 from the State Capitol in Sacramento. You may park in any parking lot or parking space which does not have an event happening there and all along neighborhood streets. Main Street from College to Sixth Street will be closed to all traffic and cross traffic. See the parking map for suggestions. Home tour parking is on neighborhood streets.
5. Are there events for children at the Stroll through History?
The Stroll is wonderful for children and all free! Children especially like the dozens of costumed characters on the streets, sporadic historic reenactments, model trains, doll houses, horse drawn vehicles, music & dancing, food, and antique cars and fire trucks. In 2009 there will be a special activities for children in Freeman Park.
6. What kind of food is available?
Basic low cost food is available at the Kiwanis breakfast & lunch. Many restaurants serving a variety of food styles are available along the blocked area of Main Street as well as at Freeman Park.
7. What is handicap accessibility?
Private residences on the home tour have many steep stairs, small rooms, and awkward spaces which may prove difficult for the mobility impaired. However, all the Main Street events are in an area blocked from traffic that is paved and flat. Pedestrian sidewalk ramp improvements have been completed. Heritage Plaza is a flat tiled plaza with folding chair seating easily moved around to accommodate wheelchairs. The nearby landmark building Methodist Church will also offer its fellowship hall for relaxation to get out of the sun as well as permanent rest room facilities. There are many nearby ADA compliant restaurants with a variety of food choices plus basic foodstuffs available at the Kiwanis breakfast and lunch booth. Special diet foods can be consumed at the tables with umbrellas surrounding the Heritage Plaza area.
8. How do I purchase tickets for the Open Homes Tour?
(1) Tickets available online from August 1st to September 11th. A credit card is required.
(2) Tickets can be purchased by mail. Arrange for ticket delivery by mail or pick up your tickets at the ticket booth on Stroll Day.
(3) Tickets can be purchased in person at businesses in downtown Woodland or at the ticket booth at Freeman Park on the day of the event.
9. How are the homes selected for the home tour?
The Stroll Through History Committee selects the homes. Selection based upon the age and historical significance of the building and the appropriateness of interior decoration and landscaping to the period of the building. All open homes tour sites are private residences within a short walking or driving distance of Main Street.
10. What is Stroll through History, Inc. and how is it managed?
The Stroll through History, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation managed by the Stroll through History Committee who produce a community wide event each year the Saturday after Labor Day. 2009 will be the 21st Year. The major portion of funding for the Stroll comes from sponsors and ticket sales.
11. What is done with the profits of the Stroll through History?
The Stroll through History Committee uses the funds raised during the annual event to improve the Stroll through History event and to fund grants for local historic restoration and community cultural resources.
12. Can I get a job with the Stroll through History?
No, the Stroll through History Committee uses all volunteer management, event coordinators and labor. To volunteer to work on business administration or Stroll events, see volunteers.
13. Can I volunteer to help at a Stroll through History event?
Yes, the Stroll through History would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who have give, and continue to give, their time and effort to make this event the success it is today. You can be one of the volunteers at this year’s Stroll!
14. Can I or my group sponsor a new exhibit, entertainment, or historic themed event at a future Stroll through History?
Yes, the Stroll through History Committee is always looking for activities of local historic and cultural interest, especially those of interest to families and children. We would be very interested in having you contact us to discuss your participation.
15. How do I apply for vendor space or artist space for the Stroll through History?
Visit the vendors and exhibitors page of this Web site for rules, information, and application packet. If you have any additional questions contact us.
16. Does the Stroll through History hire entertainers or services contractors?
Because there is no admission charge, all Stroll through History entertainment talent generally comes from local volunteer individuals and groups. All costumes and accessories are the personal property of each volunteer. The Stroll uses independent contractors for professional services such as equipment rental and printing. If you wish to volunteer entertainment or have services which would benefit the Stroll contact us.
17. How is the poster selected?
Each year the Stroll through History sponsors a poster contest which is open to any Woodland high school or College student enrolled in any art course. The Stroll through History Committee selects the winning design which is also adapted for T-shirts, ticket books, and other advertising.
18. Do the sponsors influence what happens at the Stroll?
No. Our generous sponsors provide money and services which are used to purchase supplies, rent equipment, pay for printing and advertising, and finance production of the Stroll through History events. These functions are managed by the Stroll through History Committee.
19. How did the Stroll through History get started?
In the spring of 1988, Lloyd and Ida Ingraham opened their Victorian home at 620 Cross Street as a fundraiser for the first Stroll through History, which took place in the fall of the same year to celebrate the history of Woodland.