Fontana - City of Action
Fontana, located in San Bernardino County was originally a sleepy, dusty town of citrus orchards and cattle ranches astride Route 66 (now known as Foothill Boulevard) and numerous rail lines. Portions of Fontana's Foothill Boulevard remain as a legacy in providing this city with a firm link to the westerly migration of segments of the American population that sought relief from the Midwest dust bowl during the great depression. Locations such as the Wigwam Motel and Bono's Deli on Foothill Boulevard provide nostalgic reminders of an era still treasured by many visitors to Fontana and some of its 'old time' residents.
The earliest recorded landowner in the Fontana area was Don Antonio Maria Lugo, who received a land grant in 1813. Active development of the area, however, did not begin until the early 1900's when the Fontana Development Company acquired the acreage and began a community called Rosena a name that was changed to Fontana in 1913. A. B. Miller founded the town-site of Fontana in 1913 and built it into a diversified agricultural area with citrus, grain, grapes, poultry, and swine being the leading commodities.
Fontana was radically transformed during World War II by the construction of a steel mill belonging to the Henry J. Kaiser Company and the routing of the San Bernardino Freeway through a section of the town. Explosive growth soon followed, with the area becoming a prominent industrial exurb of Los Angeles.
Fontana's principal cultural/entertainment attraction is the California Speedway. Built on the former site of the Kaiser Steel mill, the racetrack plays host to two NASCAR Nextel Cup events a year and various smaller races. Nearby Big Bear Lake Arrowhead and Mt. Baldy offer some of the finest skiing resorts in Southern California and are easily accessible within one hour.
Fontana Days is an annual community celebration hosted by the Exchange Club. Its traditions date back to 1913 with the founding of the community. The philosophy behind the festivities is to build community spirit by giving residents a reason to get together. The four day event consists of a parade, car show, Hen Derby, carnival with rides/games, and a wide variety of food and merchandise booths featured by local merchants and service clubs.
The highlight of Fontana Days is the parade which attracts many participants from Southern California, as well as local school bands, drill teams, tall flags, and many other categories. This event involves the entire community, and all are welcome to participate.
Source: City of Fontana and Wikipedia Encyclopedia
