Dean and Amy Tokuno stand among the blossoms on their family’s historic orchard in south Yuba City. Photo courtesy of Dean Tokuno

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - A historic orchard in south Yuba City will open to the public later this month, inviting the community to experience a new holiday gathering on land rooted in generations of local history.

The Tokuno Farm, in partnership with Be Xtra, Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way and the Rotary Clubs of Marysville and Yuba City, will host Elf-Tastic Orchard Evening on Friday, Nov. 28, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. This free inaugural event will feature an outdoor screening of “Elf,” food vendors, movie snacks, fire pits and a snowball-style “sock fight.” Organizers aim to collect new white socks during the event which will be distributed to those in need during the holiday season.

With the event fast approaching, the Tokunos say they hope the community will feel the same sense of family, simplicity and togetherness that has come to define their corner lot for decades.

Dean Tokuno lives today on the same property where he was born and raised — a farm with deep ties to local Japanese American history.

“It’s a wonderful legacy to come from,” Tokuno said.

Guests gather around a fire pit during an evening gathering at the Tokuno orchard, where the family hopes to host more community events. Photo courtesy of Brian Davis

During World War II, Dean’s father, Ted Tokuno, was incarcerated at Tule Lake, where he met and married his wife, Lucille. Both families lost property and businesses during their forced relocation, but in their absence an unexpected ally stepped forward.

“The owner and publisher of the Gridley Herald took care of our farms and kept them within the family,” Dean Tokuno said. “They held the deeds, bought them for a dollar and promised to sell them back for a dollar when they got out of camp. And he did — he made good on his word.”

After a career in fashion photography, Dean Tokuno and his wife, Amy, returned to the family farm to raise their children and grow walnuts. Although the walnut trees have since been retired, the memories remain vivid.

“Talk to our kids now and it’s still the same,” Dean Tokuno added. “They’re gonna say their favorite times were on that farm doing simple things like a campfire, or mud fights, or running around the orchard.”

An owl perches above the Tokuno family orchard, one of the many wildlife sightings on the 20-acre property. Photo courtesy of Brian Davis

“It’s really the simple things that make the biggest impression,” Amy said.

Over the years, the Tokunos have opened their property for birthday parties, music video shoots, a fireworks booth and even a private concert by country artist Tyler Rich. Each event reminded them how powerful a natural space can be in building community.

“That corner has always gotten a lot of attention,” Dean Tokuno said. “We’d like to see something positive happen with it and be able to share it more with others.”

As the couple explored ideas for the future of the property, they were introduced to Brian Davis of Be Xtra — a local nonprofit that provides direct emergency support to families experiencing hardship.

“It feels like you’re out in the country even though you’re still within city limits,” Davis said when asked about the property. “The place is something you really need to set foot on to truly grasp how special it is.”

Davis connected the Tokunos with Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way and the Rotary Clubs of both Marysville and Yuba City, ultimately leading to the launch of this month’s holiday event.

“We want to see where this goes and get a barometer of the interest,” Amy said. “It could go many directions, but the important thing to us is to create an atmosphere that is welcoming.”

A row of trees lines a quiet pathway through the Tokuno family orchard, which has been in the family for generations. Photo courtesy of Brian Davis

Amy previously worked with the Franklin School Parents Club, which ran a fireworks booth on the property — a location that Phantom Fireworks later described as the most successful in the region.

“Back then I was doing it on behalf of someone else, but this time it’s on behalf of the legacy of the corner,” Amy said.

Only a single acre will be used for the upcoming event, but the Tokunos see endless possibilities for the property. From seasonal ice-skating rinks to wedding venues and youth-centered game nights, the couple hopes the space can help fill a gap in local recreational opportunities.

“I personally feel like there just aren't enough things for our youth to do here,” Amy said. “And there really is something special about being outside in the air and under the stars.”

Tokuno Farm is located at the northeast corner of Franklin Road and George Washington Avenue in Yuba City. Parking will be available on George Washington Avenue. For questions, contact Terry at [email protected] or 530-743-1847. The event is alcohol-free and smoke-free. Guests should bring their own blankets and chairs.