9/11 Tribute and Ramona's Got Talent Enjoyed by about 300

About 300 people—some barely recognizable in their '60s outfits—turned out to commemorate the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001 and to enjoy an evening of dancing, music and dinner in Ramona on Saturday night. It was the 2nd annual Ramona's Got Talent Show, which coupled as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on a plane in Pennsylvania in 2001.

The Town Hall Brass Band performed while a '60s diner-style burger meal was served and some people adjusted their '60s wigs. Then an opaque white curtain was brought down on the stage and a slide show of the events of 9/11 was displayed with a narrative. This was followed by a slide show of images of nature from around the United States, set to "God Bless America."

State Sen. Joel Anderson spoke briefly about how Americans were all "strangers" on that day in 2001 but that after the terrorist attacks we were like family and friends—brothers and sisters. In a brief interview with Patch, he said he was enjoying being back in Ramona. The senator had reportedly been on a plane back from Sacramento at 3 a.m. Saturday.

Ramona's honorary mayor, Sharon Davis, told the crowd that she had good news.

"We have the money to restore the town hall. There's just one problem: it's still in your pockets." The comment was met with a lot of laughter.

Renovation of the west wing of the 117-year-old adobe brick town hall on Main Street is under way. Woody Kirkman, a trustee on the town hall board, said the board had recently received a donation for the renovation from Barona Casino.

After the speeches were over, the dance contests began. Winners were given prizes ordered by Davis from Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley.

A silent auction and classic cars completed the festive evening.

Kirkman said that a rehearsal planned for Sept. 8 had to be cancelled because of the regional power outage.

"We had no chance to do a dress rehearsal," he said.

Town hall trustees wore '60s clothes and were set to perform as The Beatles in the talent show later in the evening.

Update Monday:

And the winners are ...

Most Money Collected: 1st. Ramona 'Rockettes' 2nd. Leo Woodruff 3rd. Marissa Maris & Chance Onder  

Dignataries Choice Awards: 1st. Kirk Boughner 2nd. Deneen Burley 3rd. Town Hall Trustees