Seeing Sacramento & Beyond

Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of Potential

Freeport Festa: You are Cordially Invited

Mary, Monica & Justina Invite you to Festa

Craving a particularly easy and fun-loving event? Do as the Portuguese do (and some not-so-Portuguese) and attend the annual Freeport Festa this holiday weekend. Food, drinks, dancing and general frolicking beneath large shade-providing old river trees makes for an inviting and pleasant spring-day escape. And with a 75-degree-day expected, there’s no excuse not to dip your toe into a new experience. Since the Festa is open to everyone, ‘the more the merrier!’

Festa Dinner
Saturday, May 29
Tri-Tip, Beans, Bread, Salad, Dessert
$15 per person
Music

Festa
Sunday, May 30
Parade starts at 10am
Mass at 11:30am
Auction at 1:30 (Donations are welcome)

Freeport-Clarksburg
Portuguese Hall
54113 South River Road
[North of Clarksburg in Yolo County - 2 ½ miles north of Freeport Bridge]

For more information, contact Monica Souza at (916) 925-8661.

“Roughing It” River-Style

The Sacramento and American Rivers run through the Sacramento Valley and converge near Old Sacramento at Discovery Park. Needless to say, river recreation – ranging from boating, jetskiing and fishing to riverfront dining, drinking and sightseeing – is a locals’ favorite. But there’s also biking, running and nature viewing on the beloved American River Parkway, which gets a near 5-star overall rating on Yelp.com. There’s nightlife and live music at various locations along the rivers, from the delta towns of Nicolaus and Clarksburg to the lake-bejeweled city of Folsom. There are beaches, boat docks, riverfront parks and plenty of visitor experiences (complete with river-view hotels) as well, lining certain swatches of land along the lush riverfronts. But if you ask any one local, you’re likely to get a variety of responses, suggestions and impressions of how the rivers help characterize our fair city.

For instance, Swabbies is a rustic restaurant and bar that serves up ultra-fried foods, refreshments for the whole family and live music every weekend. Just a few minutes northwest of the airport off I-5, it’s a bit of a local local’s secret, if you know what I mean. But it’s earthy and welcoming enough for just about anyone. You can putter up and dock there by boat or jetski, roll up on the hog, or pull up in the family station wagon. While it’s a bit of an old school ‘party place’, it’s one place you’re also likely to see a bachelorette party peacefully perched right next to a family birthday celebration.

The only thing I think it’s missing: An old weather-beaten Pirate ship half buried in the sand, along with the ghost of its captain dangling from the upper deck, his “Aaarrrrs” sometimes audible when the Delta breezes gently tousle your hair.

www.Swabbies.com
916.920.8088

Scotts, Celts, Kilts, Cold Beer!

Festival-Goers and Historical Characters Mingling


Since I live there, it’s probably okay for me to admit that Woodland is not especially well known for its fancy variety of world-renowned festivals… But having just attended the 134th Annual Sacramento Valley Scottish Games & Festival at the Yolo County Fairgrounds, I think this one’s worth writing home about.

Modeled after the traditional gatherings of Scots in their homeland, the weekend-long festival features Olympic-style heavy athletics and Highland dancing, pipe bands and Celtic rock groups, sheep dog trials, historical re-enactments and more.

Just like any festival, there’s plenty of good food and fun, cold beer and faire frills, shows and vendors (although I would have personally appreciated more of those). But unlike many festivals, this one’s got an eye-full of colorful kilts walking around, as well as those manly Scottish games playing out on the open field. This April, there was plenty of sunshine and luckily also plenty of shade beneath ye olde olive trees. And if there’s one thing about Woodland, everything’s pretty easy here: easy to access, easy entry… easy escape.

What began as a simple “Scottish Picnic Competition” in a park is now what allows the club to “benefit” the public through education, scholarships and charity. McKinley Park in East Sacramento was the site of the first Sacramento Scottish Games & Gathering on June 16, 1877. The festival moved to the 55-acre Yolo County Fairgrounds in 1997 due to it having more elbow room, ample parking and helpful fairground staff.

The event is hosted by the Caledonian Club of Sacramento, a nonprofit organization established in 1876. Club membership is open to any one of Scottish birth or descent, their kin, and to any person interested in the rich and historic traditions of Scotland. They host other annual events, including the Sacramento Tartan Ball in November.

Keep the Sacramento Scottish Games in mind next year; it’s a magical day for anyone interested in Scottish and Celtic arts, culture and history – or anyone just a fan of festivals, period. It takes place the last full weekend of every April.

www.saccallie.org, (916) 557-0764.

A Little Grape Escapism – Good for the Soul

Fill 'em Up


Raley’s Grape Escape is once again on the horizon, and I for one am watching its decent into town. (Ok, so that metaphor – er, pun, euphemism, Grape Escape-ism? – doesn’t paint an entirely accurate picture since the Grape Escape is strictly a Sacramento area-based event. But who has time to check oneself these days?)

One could say I personally need a little ‘grape escape’ myself. You may be able to relate, since I hardly think the earth’s increased headlong rotational spinning is affecting only me. But aside from our fast-moving lives, there are still things that help us slow down and savor the really good things in life… like food, wine and friendly, fun people!

Since I’m short on time (and attention span), here’s what some of my friends have said about past Raley’s Grape Escape events:

“There is something special about a park in the middle of a downtown. It’s fun to look around and see buildings and businesses yet be surrounded by trees and grass! Cesar Chavez park provides a nice background to the event…big enough to hold thousands of people but small enough to feel quaint and local.”

“During the Grape Escape, I love being able to move from live music and art at one end of the park to the Chef’s Challenge cooking competition on the other.”

“The event highlights local food and wine, many of which are grown locally. Having the event in a park that features/celebrates Farmers’ Markets, local musicians and food seems to be more than fitting!”

“People love this event because they can walk, take light rail or bicycle to it. It is in the heart of the city and you can walk to a great dinner afterward within a few blocks. The event takes on the vibrancy or life of the city, and it just gets better every year.”

~
On a festival-lover’s level, the ingredients that go into making the Raley’s Grape Escape so much fun also make it so Sacramento ~ like local musicians and artists, outdoor ambiance, locals and visitors acting so neighborly… And since the wineries of the Central Valley and Sierra Foothills are “emerging as some of the best in California” and the food scene in the Sacramento area is becoming well known for its fresh, innovative styles, this is one event that promises a spirit-soaring and tasty good time.

WHAT: Raley’s Grape Escape features wineries from 8 regional counties – Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin and Yolo, as well as food from a cornucopia of local restaurants.

WHEN: Saturday, June 5th, 2010, 4-7PM

WHERE: Cesar Chavez Park at 10th & J streets

PRICE: All inclusive (unlimited wine and food tastings) = $40 in advance, $50 at the door. (You can also get $5 off by purchasing tickets at any local Raley’s or Bel Air store)

MORE INFO (like parking, lists of participants, photos, etc.: www.RaleysGrapeEscape.com

Bon Appetit and sip like you mean it: slowly!

I love this image. It reminds me of a dream…

Old Downtown Buildings & Spaces

Iceland: Frozen in Only Memory Now

Iceland exterior, circa 2006

As an ode to North Sacramento’s late Iceland, here’s an article I wrote about it in 2006 (It was published in the Midtown and Land Park Monthlies).

Iceland’s Prolonged Triumph… and Extenuating Spirit

Why would I stop off at the ice rink? I can’t skate on ice without eight wheels – four beneath each foot, and my ankles wobble like weebles no matter how tight I thread the laces. Sometimes, however, and very often in actuality, what exists is much more than meets the eye; what intrigues, inspires or titillates lays beyond what it is we are already failing to really see.

Here’s the lesson: If you continue to pass the same people, places, things on by… having little clue of the stories, characters and colors within… you’ll really miss out on some of the very best stuff. Want me to cut to the chase already? There’s history here, mystery, sentiment… and perhaps even… ah, I’m not going to spoil the secret just yet. First, let’s take a little trek back in time.

During the1920s Del Paso Boulevard was the now-historic route Highway 40, and it was the main thoroughfare through town. The railroad came by here as well, and trains needed ice regularly. So one local man, previously gripped by tragedy at another local ice plant, seized his opportunity. It was Bill Kerth (aka: Pop Kerth), and he opened the American Ice Co.

For many years Bill was quite successful… until the arrival of the refrigerator in the 30s, when ice was no longer as necessary in the same capacity. So what did he do with his tremendous ability to make ice when demand for it decreased drastically? He thought outside the icebox, and created recreation and leisure out of necessity! He built our very own Iceland in the heart of the then bustling North Sac.

Chris Lord, the owner and manager of both the ice rink and plant keeps telling me story after snowballing story, and I’m entranced by a history that still feels so tangible. Chris’ own story at Iceland, in fact, began in ’62 when while walking home from the theatre one day he was hit by a flying snowball – lobbed at him straight from inside the ice rink.

The plant itself is now “the oldest operating ice plant in California” and it still fuels the rink today, as well as the public pool behind it. Although the water’s heated nowadays, back when I was a small fry, we weren’t so lucky. We had to swim in a concrete-bottomed ocean of melted ice.

Today Iceland is holding her own, although it’s no easy or given task. Chris tells me that it’s a “hard business in California,” that it’s “not a big money-maker, but is nostalgic and meaningful to a few.” “We’re all involved. The employees all care about being here.” It’s simply not a forgettable job (nor place for that matter) failing to touch those who come near.

“Everybody knows everybody in the business, and most grew up in the business. You learn fast that you gotta wear a lot of hats,” Chris says without the faintest hint of a smirk, as if no pun was intended (but I’m watching him because I hear he’s quite the jokester). And while there have only ever been a few other ice rinks in the Sacramento region, this one’s outlasted about 65 rinks throughout the state.

Chris continues sharing Iceland’s nostalgia and challenges, and tells me that summers here are slower than winters. I respond with surprise, thinking back to my own childhood when we used to come here to escape the Sacramento summer heat… I look from the bleachers out onto the rink and note the same odd smell that used to occupy the place before. I can hear ‘Wildfire’ playing in the background… and for all I know I could be ten again.

I’m certainly still wide-eyed and eager as Chris begins telling me about things that go bump in the night here. He says that both buildings are on the registry of haunted historic places. And yet it doesn’t seem to bother anybody. “We figure it’s probably just Bill Kerth rummaging around,” Chris admits. “It’s not creepy really. You have to be open minded.” It is, after all, a family-oriented place. That’s the way Bill intended it, and that’s the way it’s going to remain. While the ice plant did seem a little spooky to me (keep in mind, it was nighttime), I didn’t sense any reason to be afraid of ol’ Pop Kerth. His creation may have cold hands, but she’s sure got an enduring warmth to her ticker… Anyway, I’d personally worry more about remembering ye woolen mittens!

[Iceland offers multiple public sessions every day but Wednesday, figure skating school, freestyle sessions, ice dance classes, discount lessons, group lessons, shows and events, broomball, private parties, field trips and ice plant tours! 1430 Del Paso Blvd., 925-3121 or 925-3529, www.icelandsacramento.com].

(I recall some fascinating story about the invention of the Zamboni… I’m not sure why I didn’t include it in this version of the article. Anyway, sadly, a fire destroyed Iceland over the weekend. It is unfortunately not the only historic building in North Sacramento to have been a casuality of fires started in the rear of the building.)

Golfing for Charity: Hole in One

Did you hear about the charity events?

Do you like golf and charity? The great outdoors and little critters? Here are two options to fulfill all of the above just in time for spring and right around the bend:

You can help the SSPCA aim for the well being of our furry friends with the first annual PAWS, PALS, & PUTTS Golf Tournament on April 26th at the Del Paso Country Club. Specifically, the benefits proceed the Sacramento SPCA Senior Services, which help facilitate ongoing relationships between seniors and pets. Helping both people and animals… now that’s my cup of tea! For more information, call (916) 383-7387, ext. 9102 or visit www.sspca.org.

Or join the Yolo Basin Foundation in rooting for our feathered friends at the PUTTS for DUCKS Golf Tournament, Friday, May 14th at Wildhorse Golf Course in Davis. Proceeds from the golf tournament will fund Discover the Flyway, the hands-on wetlands education program that serves 4,000 students annually. It’s another win-win. Just call (530) 758-1018 or click on www.YoloBasin.org.

How Does Your Garden Grow? Or Does it?

Herbs for sale outside The Gifted Gardner on J St.

Baldness: More Than Just Hip These Days

My grandfather was already bald by the time he hit 50. Well, nearly bald, anyway… But I’d bet his hard-earned beer belly that he’d have shaved off the rest (and even forgone his toupee) for this great cause.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government, more than $12 million in 2009 alone. To date, over 106,000 volunteers have shaved their heads in solidarity with kids fighting cancer at more than 2,400 events in 50 states and 24 countries.

And tonight, St. Baldrick’s celebrates another hair-raising event at DeVere’s Irish Pub, Downtown Sacramento. With 170 shavees, they’ve already raised over $54,000. That’s accomplishment enough! But the team’s total goal is $75K, so let’s put our heads (and hearts) together and help make a difference. If you can’t make it to the event to watch the scalps revealed, donations of any amount are accepted at the link below.

Tonight, 5PM (March 15, 2010)
Devere’s Irish Pub, 16th & L

http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/eventid/44/eventyear/2010

Here’s to Health, Harmony & Happy Children!

Dreamy Days

Clouds Above Trees, South Lake Tahoe, CA

There’s a hummingbird-shaped cloud in the Sacramento sky with a rainbowed hue around it. Maybe I see a winged creature in an ambiguous shape because I was thinking about a bird in flight, and how that image reminds me of limitlessness.

As the cloud changes form and drops some of its excess mass, the rainbow stays with it, but stretches and extends from front, and over the top to back. In it I see pink and green primarily, colors that remind me both of purity and potential.

I hear church bells around the corner. And then I see a carnival and childlike lust for life and her dreams in the kaleidoscope of my mind.

Some things are visible but out of reach. Others are tangible yet finite. And still others are not literally seen or felt, but breathe life into the kind of dreams that eventually create new kinds of life.

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