Twinkle lights strung between the trees shone brightly as couples took to the dance floor. With the sun setting behind it, the historical park set the backdrop for Kingsburg's centennial dinner dance Saturday night.

Back by popular demand after a very successful debut last year, the dinner dance brought out many from the community in celebration of Kingsburg's 100th birthday. When guests were not dining, dancing or catching up with friends, they could peruse the various buildings at the historical park for a trip down memory lane.

The evening got underway with a dinner catered by Jonathan's featuring Harris Ranch beef fillet brochette. Each table was adorned with a framed 5-inch by 7-inch replica of the centennial banners centered among yellow daisies entwined with bright blue ribbons.

After dinner, Barbie Shakespeare with the Chamber of Commerce and coordinator of the event, welcomed the guests. Representatives from the offices of Sen. Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto, and Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, presented the city with resolutions congratulating them on 100 years as a city. Cogdill represents Kingsburg in the California Senate and Nunes represents the city in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Victor Davis Hanson, a notable historian, author and columnist with Valley roots, was then invited to speak. Best known as a scholar of ancient warfare and a commentator on modern warfare, Hanson is also a critic of social trends related to farming and agrarianism. His works have been widely published, and he has written numerous books. Though actually a Selma native, Victor Davis Hanson's family has deep roots in Kingsburg.

He recalled walking into the Bank of America on Draper Street as a young child with his great-grandfather and hearing Swedish still being spoken. He said that in his worldwide travels to as many as 40 countries, he hasn't seen many communities like Kingsburg.

After speaking briefly about the values of Western culture, Hanson concluded his remarks by encouraging the audience to be thankful for what they have inherited from their ancestors.

"What we have as a culture and a society is unique," he said.

As the last rays of daylight began to fade, vocalist Julie Noe-Bernsen took the stage, backed by a big band that included the likes of well-known local musicians Dale Engstrom, Mike Schofield and Sonny Galvan.

Noe-Bernsen spent two years in the early '80s as "Miss City Lites," the principle singer and dancer for the Flamingo Hilton's Las Vegas show, "City Lites," and has been a musical presence throughout the Valley for many years.

The dance floor was full just moments after the strains of "It Had to be You" filled the air, which was followed by the popular jazz standard, "Almost Like Being in Love."

Noe-Bernsen then announced that they were going to slow it down for her three girlfriends with husbands who would only dance to slow songs.

"Pastor, you're gonna love it, it's gonna be fine," Noe-Bernsen reassured a local pastor as she coaxed him onto the dance floor.

For many, the music provided by Julie Noe and Company was the highlight of the evening. Ron and Loretta Snedegar said that because they are both retired, they are always looking for an excuse to get out and enjoy an evening of fun, but they said they enjoy hearing Noe-Bernsen sing.

Barbara and Wally Engstrom sat at a table bordering the dance floor with family and friends and enjoyed the music.

"I'd like to hear this band play every year," Barbara Engstrom said.