Society & Culture
The Solvang Trolley is truly a family-run business. Since the traditional Danish style trolley hit the Solvang Streets in the 60’s, the trolley business has been passed down from family to family. Today its owned by the Orona family. Sal Sr. drives the horse and trolley, Sal. Jr. gives tours, Lorena works the stables and the ice cream parlor where tickets are sold, and Claudia (Clau) also serves as tour guide and ice cream scooper. Many in town may not know that Solvang Trolley gives free rides to locals (though donations are appreciated). My children and I rode the Trolley for the first time this week. We picked up our tickets at the Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor inside Hamlet Square, across the street from the Trolley stop at Copenhagen and 2nd Street. We waited just a few minutes after the prior tour exited while the Orona family carefully cleaned all the surfaces with antibacterial spray. Then we were off. Our 30 minute ride let me see the town as a tourist would, and it was truly a special experience that made me so proud of our town. For the first part of the episode, you’ll join me and my children on the trolley. In the second part, we’ll chat with Clau Orona about the trolley’s history, her family’s purchase of the business, and how they’ve adjusted their practices since Covid-19. We also chat about the upcoming hearing at Solvang City Council on July 13th, where the Orona’s permit to operate their business is at stake as the Council considers other alternatives. Also mentioned in this episode: Bethania Lutheran, Father Bobbie Barbato, Elverhoj Museum, Hans Christian Andersen Museum, Valley Fresh Market, Solvang City Council. Brooks Firestone makes a special cameo.Kira’s Slime Lab is featured in Small Business Spotlight.