Despite rain, people showed up at the 33rd Annual Presidents’ Day Celebration at Reagan Library
Published February 17, 2026, 01:12 AM
Despite the rain, people showed up at the 33rd Annual Presidents’ Day Celebration on Monday at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. James Rogers, director of Digital Strategy and Communications at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, said, “We’re grateful to everyone who came out despite the dreary weather. We had live music from Simi Valley’s Justin Honsinger Band, the Los Angeles Police Concert Band, arts and crafts, and interactive experiences that brought history to life for visitors of all ages.”
Mary Todd Lincoln, portrayed by Gay Storm, dances with an admirer during the annual Presidents’ Day Celebration at the Reagan Presidential Library on Monday, February 16, 2026. The event included presidential personalities, crafts, music and food. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Lorie Rodrigues, dressed as Mamie Eisenhower, poses for a photo with Dwight Eisenhower during the annual Presidents’ Day Celebration at the Reagan Presidential Library on Monday, February 16, 2026. The event included presidential personalities, crafts, music and food. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dwight Eisenhower memorabilia on display at the annual Presidents’ Day Celebration at the Reagan Presidential Library on Monday, February 16, 2026. The event included presidential personalities, crafts, music and food. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
George Washington, portrayed by David Grace, poses for photos at the annual Presidents’ Day Celebration at the Reagan Presidential Library on Monday, February 16, 2026. The event included presidential personalities, crafts, music and food. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Abraham Lincoln (J.P. Wammack) and Teddy Roosevelt (Peter Small), strike up a conversation during the annual Presidents’ Day Celebration at the Reagan Presidential Library on Monday, February 16, 2026. The event included presidential personalities, crafts, music and food. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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Mary Todd Lincoln, portrayed by Gay Storm, dances with an admirer during the annual Presidents’ Day Celebration at the Reagan Presidential Library on Monday, February 16, 2026. The event included presidential personalities, crafts, music and food. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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Presidential and first lady reenactors—from Mary Todd Lincoln to George Washington to Teddy Roosevelt—stayed in character throughout the day and “were a wealth of knowledge about the historical figures they portrayed. Just talking with them is a history lesson,” he added.
Rogers said that at the Ronald Reagan President Foundation and Institute, “We believe it’s especially important for kids to learn about Presidents’ Day in a meaningful way, which is one of the reasons we’ve kept this a free, family-friendly event. It’s not just another day off from school, but a holiday worth understanding.”
