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Old-fashioned ice cream social Sunday
Ravenswood fundraiser offers free family attractions

Step back in time to enjoy an Ice Cream Social at Ravenswood Historic Site in Livermore on Sunday. Entertainment will include the Pleasanton Community Band and Bill O'Neill Banjoes, folks in old-fashioned garb, and vintage cars including Model T's.

"It's a lot of fun -- and it's pretty there, too," said Sandy Silva, president of the Ravenswood Progress League, the volunteer group that leads tours and runs the gift shop at the 1885 country estate.

Hot dogs and lemonade will be for sale as well as several ice cream flavors at the annual fundraiser. Volunteers scoop the ice cream and also play croquet dressed in vintage clothing. Activities will include face-painting and a petting zoo, as well as Livermore's new history mobile unit.

"There is so much to see and do that day, and it's free," Silva said.

She also noted the volunteer group is always looking for others to join them in keeping the Ravenswood cottage and summer house open to the public and to run the fundraisers. Besides the Ice Cream Social, each year the league hosts a festive, old-fashioned Victorian Yuletide and an elegant Spring Tea served by volunteers in Victorian dress.

The Ice Cream Social will take place from noon-4 p.m. Ravenswood is located at 2647 Arroyo Road in Livermore and is part of the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District.

--Dolores Fox Ciardelli