Always call ahead to make sure events have not changed
Mineyard and Cottage Living History, Empire Mine SHP, 10791 E. Empire Street, Grass Valley
August 1, 2008 - August 1, 2008
The historic Mineyard comes alive as volunteers portray workers of the past and enact a working day at the mine. Meet the office staff and other mine workers, see and hear the working machinery, smell the Blacksmith's burning coal and feel the coolness of the mineshaft. Call for details (530) 273-8522 or visit www.empiremine.org. Now through October.
“Docent Days”, Marshall Gold Discovery SHP, Located in Coloma on Highway 49 between Placerville and Auburn
August 1, 2008 - August 1, 2008
Make the most of your visit to the park. See docents doing formal and informal interpretive programs. See the sights, hear the stories & learn the history. Check at Visitors Center for time and location. For more information call 530.622-3470. Every 2nd Saturday Year Round
Summer Concerts in the Plaza, San Diego Old Town State Historic Park
August 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008
Enjoy live music in the Plaza, sponsored by Plaza del Pasado and Old Town State Historic Park Merchants Association. The park is located on San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street in San Diego, and is conveniently adjacent to the Old Town Transit Center, with Coaster, Trolley, and MTS Bus service. August 2, 9 & 16, 4pm-8pm
Founders Day, Colonel Allensworth SHP, N Bakersfield; 20 miles north of Wasco on Highway 43; seven miles west of Earlimart on County Road J22
August 2, 2008 - August 2, 2008
Join us for the celebration of the founding of the town on August 4, 1908. There will be great entertainment, speakers, and tours of the historic buildings given by the Friends of Allensworth volunteers. Lots of great food and beverages as well. Call 661-849-3433 or visit www.friendsofallensworth.org. 10am-4pm
Dragoon Era Program, Fort Tejon SHP, 37 miles South of Bakersfield on I-5
August 2, 2008 - August 2, 2008
Come and take a step back in time and see California as it was in 1856. You can witness life at this U.S. Army post of the far west. You’re invited to view the living history demonstrations of everyday life of the common soldier and civilian men, women and children at this mountain outpost. Bring a picnic lunch and relax under the magnificent Valley Oaks. Call for details. (661) 248-6692 or visit www.forttejon.org. 10am-3pm
“Living History Day”, San Juan Bautista SHP, in the city of San Juan Bautista on Hwy 156
August 2, 2008 - August 2, 2008
Costumed docents take you back in history while demonstrating blacksmithing, candle making, weaving and much more. Fun for the entire family. Park admission free. 831-623-4526. (First Saturday of every month), noon-4pm
Whitey Harrison Outrigger Canoe Classic, Doheny SB, near the intersection of I-5 and Hwy 1, at 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
August 16, 2008 - August 16, 2008
Cheer over 1,000 paddlers who come from all over California to compete in the long-distance outrigger canoe paddle from Dana Point to Laguna Beach and back. Learn how you can be a participant by visiting www.danaoutrigger.net. Sponsored by Dana Point Outrigger Canoe Club. Call for details. (949) 496-2704.
3rd Annual OLD GROVE FESTIVAL, Armstrong Redwoods SR, Guerneville
August 16, 2008 - August 16, 2008
Turn back the hand of time and come listen to the Junius Courtney Big Band, a 20 piece authentic swing band, at the Forest Theatre in the heart of Armstrong Redwoods SR. The opening act is a showcase of local talent: Russian River Variety Show. Gates open at 5:00pm with the opening act at 5:45pm. The main act will begin at 7:00pm. For more information about admission fees, seating, food, beverage and parking, please contact www.communityconcerts.com or (707) 869-9403. Additional shows will take place in August and September. This event will benefit Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods.
Family Day, Calaveras Big Trees SP, NE of Stockton, four miles NE of Arnold on Highway 4
August 16, 2008 - August 16, 2008
Truly a day for the entire family!! Live Birds of Prey, Carriage Rides, Live Butterflies, Miwok Demonstrations, Nature Crafts, Story Telling, Arts of Bear Valley Exhibit, Sun Spot Viewing, Live Music, Smokey Bear, Cocked Hat Bowling, Fly Fishing Demos, BBQ, Ice Cream, Baked Goods, Lots More! For more information call 209-795-3840.
Columbia’s History Mysteries, Columbia SHP, 4 miles N of Sonora via Hwy 49
August 16, 2008 - August 16, 2008
Families are invited to solve an actual crime that occurred in Columbia in the 1850's. Families search for clues, interview witnesses "from the 1850's" & solve the mystery. This fun filled morning ends with a trial at the Justice Court. Reservations are required: 209-588-9128. $15 per family.
“Full Moon Madness”, Henry Cowell Redwoods SP, off Hwy 9 in Felton
August 16, 2008 - August 16, 2008
Join a moonlit guided tour of the redwoods and moon gaze through telescopes. Activities include music, multi-media presentation about the park's nocturnal critters, crafts for kids and refreshments. For more information, please call (831) 335-7077. 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Mountain Man Encampment, La Purísima Mission SHP, 3 miles Northeast of Lompoc on Purísima Rd.
August 22, 2008 - August 23, 2008
Buckskin clad members of the American Mountain Men set up an encampment to share mountain men history and skills. Visitors may experience cooking, hide preparation and tanning, leather working, rope making, engraving horn, gunsmithing and blacksmithing. For details call (805) 733-3713 or visit www.lapurisimamission.org 10am-2pm
“Back to School Night, 1861”, Columbia SHP, 4 miles N of Sonora via Hwy 49
August 23, 2008 - August 23, 2008
The public is invited to participate in Back to School Night, 1861, at the Old Columbia Schoolhouse in Columbia State Historic Park. Visitors will enjoy live music, schoolyard games, and classroom sessions led by costumed interpreters inside the old brick schoolhouse on the hill. The upstairs of the building will be open for visitors who wish to climb the old spiral staircase, and even ring the old schoolhouse bell. The two-story brick schoolhouse is thought to be the oldest one of its kind in the state, and was first opened to students in 1861, to serve the educational needs of the growing mining town of Columbia. It saw continuous use until 1937 when the new Columbia School on Parrotts Ferry Road, was opened. Call Mike Keene for details. (209) 533-4176. www.columbiagazette.com 5:00pm –8:00pm
Miner’s Picnic, Empire Mine SHP, 10791 E. Empire Street, Grass Valley
August 23, 2008 - August 23, 2008
The picnic was originally an annual event held to benefit the widows and orphans of the miners. Now it is held for the benefit of all the park visitors. Come and enjoy a day of entertainment, including games for the children, gold panning, cake walks, equipment exhibits and demonstrations. Food and beverages will be available for purchase or bring your own picnic. In addition, living history volunteers dressed in 1905 period costumes will be at the cottage and in the mineyard ready to explain the history of the mine. Call for details (530) 273-8522 or visit www.empiremine.org and click on “Miners Picnic”.
Heritage Day, China Camp SP, Hwy 101 N from San Francisco in San Rafael, take San Pedro Rd. N 2.5 miles to park entrance
August 23, 2008 - August 24, 2008
The China Camp Shrimpung Village comes back to life with music, costumes, dance performances and crafts that commemorate the Chinese heritage. Guided tours and a wildlife exhibit are included. Call for details. (415) 456-0766
Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival, In the town of Bodega, Sonoma County
August 23, 2008 - August 24, 2008
Two days filled with incredible seafood, wonderful quality crafts, wine and micro beer tasting, eco-booths and more. Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods is a beneficiary. www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org or call (707) 869-9177 or visit www.winecountryfestivals.com
USS Potomac Adventure, Angel Island SP, San Francisco Bay
August 27, 2008 - August 27, 2008
Begin your adventure with a leisurely cruise to Angel Island SP onboard FDR’s Presidential Yacht, USS Potomac. Enjoy a docent led tram tour of Fort McDowell, one of the oldest military posts in the nation, and other significant historical Angel Island sites. A gourmet box lunch and beverages will be provided on the tour. The USS Potomac will leave and return to Jack London Square. $85 per person. Reservations required (510) 627-1215. Visit www.angelisland.org/potomac.htm for more information.
“Gold Rush Days”, California State Railroad Museum, Old Town Sacramento
August 29, 2008 - September 1, 2008
Travel back in time to the California Gold Rush! Throughout Old Sacramento you will find an Embarcadero Tent City, dirt covered streets, live entertainment, living history demonstrations and costumed characters. Tour authentic Gold Rush businesses and ethnic villages, participate in hands-on demonstrations and period games, and take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or wagon. Steam-powered excursion train rides will be available Saturday, Sunday and Monday only, departing hourly 11am-5pm (regular ticket prices apply). For additional details, visit www.discovergold.org or call the Old Sacramento Events Hotline at (916) 558-3912. Labor Day Weekend
Train Rides, Railtown 1897 SHP, Jamestown on 5th Ave, 3 blocks from Hwy 108
August 30, 2008 - September 1, 2008
Regular steam-powered excursion train rides depart on the hour 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday over the holiday weekend. Also, enjoy an old-fashioned Ice Cream Social all three days in the Railtown Depot! (209) 984-3953 or www.railtown1897.org. Labor Day Weekend 11am-3pm
