MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — A series of community events to remember the Valley Fire and celebrate resilience will take place in Middletown on Saturday afternoon, following Friday’s commemoration in Cobb. 

The Middletown gathering will be held in Middletown Square Park, beginning with a ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Cal Fire Division Chief Mike Wink will host the ceremony. 

Designated representatives from the offices of Congressman Mike Thompson and State Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry also may attend. 

Speakers will also include former District 1 supervisors Jim Comstock and Moke Simon; Sheriff Luke Bingham; Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg; Callayomi County Water District Director Pat Giaccimini; current District 1 Supervisor Helen Owen, who will present a plaque dedication to the Middletown Area Town Hall; and Lake County Poet Laureate Brenda Yeager, who will offer a poetry tribute.

An open mic session will follow, inviting community members to participate and share personal stories. 

Attendees are also encouraged to bring a photo, drawing, flower or note to add to the community Memorial Wall, described by organizers as a space that “honors those we lost and celebrates our shared resilience,” the event poster said. “All ages welcome."

From 6:30 to 10 p.m., the Middletown Art Center will host an art and expression session featuring poetry, music, dance and visual arts. 

At 7:30 p.m., a free screening of “The Wild Robot” will be shown under the stars at the park. 

Email staff reporter Lingzi Chen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..