Only in Guerneville - June 2011

Well, it must be June, ‘cause tourists are coming here in droves, kids are wrapping up the school year and graduation caps are flying. And now that school is out, that must mean the beaches are open. The River Dams are scheduled to go in June 15th and will be removed in early October

Time for Parades! The first parade of the year, the 3rd Annual Sonoma County Pride Parade, hosted by the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. This year’s theme “Gay, Sera, Syrah”, the colorful and wildly entertaining Sisters bring “more GLITTER and more GLAM” to our wonderful little town. The Parade and Pride Celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, June 5th, with the parade starting at 11am, on Main St. Festivities will commence afterwards at the Guerneville Lodge, roughly ¼ mile East of Downtown (the old Inn @ the Willows). Check out more details at www.sonomacountypride.org.

Next is the 65th Annual Stumptown Daze Parade, Saturday, June 11th at 11am. This year’s theme, “Back in the Saddle, Again,” attributes to Guerneville’s uncanny ability to not only get thrown off a horse but to hop back on. With new businesses popping up like Spring bulbs, we’ve got a LOT to celebrate! And don’t miss out on the Firemen’s BBQ, immediately afterwards in Lark’s Parking Lot. The parade is hosted by the Russian River Chamber of Commerce. Drop on by the Office for a participation form and a flyer and help ring in the Summer Season, Guerneville-style.

June Tunes Fireworks Fundraiser. Yup folks, it’s tome to get your dancing shoes on, ‘cause the Chamber is hosting, for the third year in a row, a rockin’ concert/fundraiser for the Guerneville Fireworks. This year, come to Jerry Knight’s Historic River Theater on Saturday, June 11th, 6pm, after the Parade, for some awesome local music! First, opening the night we’ll have Midnight Sun playing world beats and reggae funk-style to warm you up. Then Bo Gypsy rolling out the rock and blues with original pieces as well some of your favorite classics. And be sure to save some energy for Dgiin, with their patented funky French, calypso style. It’s sure to be an awesome night! And to top it off, the Theater’s Bar will be open and there will be a raffle with awesome prizes! Presale tickets, available at the Russian River Chamber Office, are $15, $20 at the door. Call the Chamber Office for more details, (707) 869-9000. If anything, come to see just how much work is being done on the historic theater, including the brand new marquee.

More New Businesses! As if I could top off last month’s list of new businesses coming to town, believe it or not, there’s more! First up is Blue Door Mosaics & Gallery, a new pottery studio, offering mosaic classes, located right next to the Russian River Art Gallery. Owner Johanna Regan-Ottenweller has redesigned the former “Vine Life” store floorplan to accommodate gallery space with workshop space in the back and expects to be open by June 1st. On that day from 6pm to 8pm, Blue Door Mosiacs, as well as Russian River Art Gallery, River Reader and Glass Images, will be giving a preview of the following weekend’s Art @ the Source, so don’t miss it!


Next on the “new” list is the much-needed extension of Main St. Station. They’ve take on the lease of the old Etc., Etc. location, opened up the wall and expanded their dining floor. They expect to be done by early June.

Burma Shave Signs. You might be wondering what’s the deal with the red Burma Shave signs on River Road and Armstrong Woods Road. Dreamt up by town character, Wendell Joost, in celebration of the Antique Automobile Club of America’s national conference being held in Santa Rosa this year. The idea is to recreate the pastime jingles of the Burma Shave ad campaign to help bring these Antique Auto Club members, as well as other visitors, to the area. The signs will remain on the roadside from May until September, so those of you concerned about it “blighting” the country side can rest easy, as it is only a temporary art installation. Visit www.burmashavesign.com for details on the project and the History of Burma Shave. And if you really like those catchy jingles, River Reader bookstore has the Burma Shave jingle book “The Sign on the Road” available.

Only in Guerneville BLOG: Keep in touch all month long at Valerie's blog: http://onlyinguerneville.blogspot.com/