The kids are back in school, Labor Day has come and gone and the weather is starting to cool off as Fall approaches, but do NOT fret…the Coloma-Lotus Valley still has plenty of fun to offer in the coming weeks!
This weekend, September 7th-9th, marks the 31st Annual American Whitewater Festival! Head on down to Henningsen Lotus Park for a weekend of fun for all ages. Friends of the River will host a “gear swap” on Saturday and Sunday. There will be kayaking events such as Whitewater Rodeo, Slalom Kayak Race and Down River Race for those who wish to show off their sweet river skills. There’s also games, food and river demos all weekend long, so bring the whole family down for a relaxing day on the river! Then a dinner and silent auction on Saturday night will benefit Friends of the River, American Whitewater, and the American Canoe Association. To learn more about this great event, please visit their website at: http://www.americanriverfestival.org/
If you are looking for something just a little different this weekend, then do yourself a favor and go see a melodrama at the Olde Coloma Theatre. The theatre has been around since the late 1930’s and is currently operated as a non-profit by many passionate and talented locals. The current melodrama “Publish or Perish” or “Write Away” will play through this Sunday, September 9th. All performances are written, produced, directed and performed by the Coloma Crescent Players. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8:00 PM and Sunday’s matinee at 2:00. The tickets are just $5.oo for kids and $10.00 for adults, and proceeds support this wonderful organization. The talent and fun that this little theatre is producing is sure to surprise and delight you! The next play will open September 28th and will run through October 28th, and is amply titled: “Hilda’s Haunted Hilltop” or “Home Is Where The Haunt Is”! You can learn more about the Olde Coloma Theatre at: http://www.oldecolomatheatre.org
And now…raise your arms in the air and wave them from side to side…jump up and down with excitement…because the 6th Annual American River Music Festival is finally here! This 3 day festival takes place over September 14th, 15th and 16th and gives the word “festival” proper respect. The main stage, and vendors offering: food, art, beer, wine, and more are situated at Henningsen Lotus Park on the bank of the South Fork of the American River. The festival offers full day performances on both Saturday and Sunday, but that is just the beginning! The whole community gets involved and offers live music all weekend long at local campgrounds, restaurants and bars too! Not to mention “join-in” shops, hikes and whitewater rafting trips that are available with different ticket package options! This festival of music and moving water was named “Best of” by the Sacramento Bee, and was touted as “one thing you shouldn’t miss in 2012”! Tickets and packages are still available, and affordably priced, starting at just $35 per day with many combo pricing packages available. The line-up is just too much to list, but you can be guaranteed a good time! For more information about this festival and a full schedule of artists and events, please visit their webpage at: http://www.americanrivermusic.org
So, I hope to see you around town…at the theatre or chillaxing in or by the river because everyday is a good day in the Coloma-Lotus Valley!