I think one of the most fun and unique days of the year here the Santa Clarita Valley is the CalArts Commencement. Every year it different and every year it is equally entertaining and visually different. There are several components that are constant like it is almost always on a Friday night and the graduates, trustees and honored guests are always lead by the African Dance and Music ensemble out into the graduation court yard. It is truly a unique, fun, and inspirational experience to watch or be a part of and it all takes place in our little valley once every May.
By the way, many residents of the area may not know this but CalArts is a World Class Art Institution. In fact, the museum of Modern Art in New York is doing a film retrospective on CalArts graduates next month. Included in the New york show are John Lasseter, Tim Burton, Sophia Coppola, and many other Alumni from CalArts.
Also, another fact about CalArts is that it infuses the local economy with $30 million dollars annually!