The 2016 Centennial Celebration that has paid tribute to the inspiring legacy left by Jack London upon his passing 100 years ago culminates with a gala evening on Saturday, September 17.
“Call of the Wild— A Jack London Celebration” will unfold at Beauty Ranch, the cherished spot that writer chose to make his home even after traveling the world, dubbing the location “Valley of the Moon, the most beautiful on earth.”
Attendees will experience the ghosts and voices of Jack’s adventures, encounter farm animals at the ranch that Jack would have had, feel the spirit of Jack and his “feisty mate” Charmian, and enjoy festivities as if Jack and Charmian were entertaining their frequent ranch guests. Period dress from 1900 or Ranch attire is optional.
The event also honors local wine-maker Mike Benziger, whose pioneering vision of a fully sustainable biodynamic vineyard is attributed to Jack London’s inspiration.
“I don’t know how many people realize this, but it is possible that Jack London was the first organic farmer in the U.S. —or certainly one of the early pioneers here in Northern California,” is how Mike Benziger describes the man who Modern Farmer Magazine called a “futuristic farmer.”
Benziger’s favorite quotes of Jack London’s is: “The closer you are to the land the more passionate you could be.”
“Jack’s innovations at Beauty Ranch were my inspiration to explore bio dynamic wine making, and I think that many others who now practice sustainable agriculture in Sonoma County would agree, that Jack London did it all first over 100 years ago,” Benziger said. “It is fitting for this Centennial Celebration that we pay tribute to Jack London and I am honored to be his standard bearer.”
The event includes cocktails in the meadow, full dinner, entertainment and special guests. There will be no auction, but a brief “Fund in Need” campaign, as Park leaders share the vision for the future at Jack London State Historic Park.
Since 2012, Jack London State Historic Park has been operated by Jack London Park Partners, a non-profit organization that came together to counter the threat of the Park closing during the 2011 State budget crisis. Under this stewardship, Park attendance has more than doubled, ongoing events have been instituted and the Park is thriving. Call of the Wild—A Jack London Celebration, is an opportunity to look pay tribute to the Park’s past and the man who inspired it, acknowledge the present by honoring a neighbor and Park champion and look ahead to the future of Jack London State Historic Park.
Tickets start at $200 and reservations for Call of the Wild—A Jack London Celebration can be made online at www.jacklondonpark.com.
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