Blasdel family selected as Grand Marshals
Because of their generosity and willingness to help those who help others, the Blasdel family have been chosen as Grand Marshals for the Lakeside Community Fair Parade on Saturday, July 14.
The Blasdel Family, owners and operators of the Vista Linda Restaurant and Cantina, have been an institution in the Lakeside, Somers, and surrounding communities for 32 years. Known for their Mexican/American
Cuisine, they also cater many weddings, corporate events, and fundraisers around the valley.
Most interesting is that the fundraiser benefits are done by “wholesale cost only” or completely donated food and services to help out the organization.
Alice, Mark, Renae, Ellie, and Isaac Blasdel will lead the parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, ushering in a day of family friendly activities, which is most appropriate considering they run a family involved business. Alice, owner, Mark, her son, and wife, Renee, currently operate the restaurant and all work together in the catering business.
Many valley residents still remember the original Vista Linda located near what is now the Rack Shack. After Mark’s graduation from UNLV and wanting to return to Somers, they decided to build the Vista Linda on Boon Road within view of the original site and continue the traditions of great food and family atmosphere.
Mark is currently the west shore’s local state legislator, again giving his time and energy to help build a better community and state, and Alice serves on the Somers-Lakeside School Board.
During Mark’s absence at the legislature, Alice runs the restaurant and catering business with Renae’s help.
Renae not only helps in the business, she also keeps the home fires burning while raising their two young children, Ellie and Isaac.
The Blasdels have consistently provided paper products, pre-cooked food, and equipment for the LCC Fair and Frosty Spaghetti Feed, Lakeside QRU, Eidsvold’s Octoberfest, and the Lakeside Pantry, as well as many other vallet nonprofits.
Previous Grand Marshals include Chris Palmer and Jerri Nelson in 2007, Leslie Knuth in 2008, Lois Buck and Lucille Ritter in 2009 and Dale and Lois Lauman in 2011. There was no parade in 2010.