Who's up for more Craft Fairs?

'Tis the season for shopping and what better place to take your kids, than to a craft fair. You can find one of a kind gifts made from local artists. In this type of economy, it is a win-win to support your local artists. PLUS, these folks tend to have the cutest kid items you've ever seen: hats, scrafs, booties, clothes, and tutus.

Here is a listing some of the craft fairs that will be happening on Sunday, Dec 6

Dickens Holiday Crafts Fair

Finley Community Center (2060 W. College Ave)
Saturday, 9am-5pm, Sunday, 10am-4pm
$2 admission for ages 18 and over
Holiday shop for hand made gifts sold by their artists
Refreshements, holiday music, and fun
Prize giveaway benefits scholarship fund

30th Annual Holiday Open House
Luther Burbank Home & Gardens (Santa Rosa & Sonoma Ave)
$2 admission for ages 12 & over, Sat & Sun, 10am-4pm
Tour historic home decorated in Victorian style, refreshments,
exhibits, specialty gifts for sale, children's craft activity

Roseland Holiday Craft Fair

Sunday, Dec 6 11:00a to 4:00p
at Southwest Santa Rosa Youth Center, Santa Rosa, CA
Roseland University Prep is hosting a Roseland Holiday Craft Fair on December 5th & 6th at the Southwest Santa Rosa Youth Center. RUP Seniors and their families hope you will support their fund-raising efforts and come enjoy beautiful and unique crafts, a bake sale, food, photos with Santa and more!

Zen Fest Holiday Sale

Sunday, Dec 6 9:00am-4:00pm
at Masonic Center, Sebastopol, CA
Distinctive art, hand crafted gifts, silent auction,
Japanese lunch and more. Sun, 12/6 9am-4pm.
Admission free.

And if you're feeling adventerous, head over to the City for a Holiday Vintage craft party
Indie Mart Vintage Party

San Francisco, CA
Sunday, Dec. 6, 12pm - 6pm

Winter Faire

The Summerfield Waldorf School warmly invites families to attend its annual Winter Faire on Friday and Saturday December 4th and 5th. This magical event is sure to delight family members of all ages!

On Friday, December 4^th, join in an adult only holiday evening to complete your holiday shopping. You’ll find unique, hand-made items crafted with natural elements. From Puppenstube dolls to Sarah’s Silks to fairy Sharon Eisley’s doll houses to the Summerfield School’s “store” items such as Elsa Beskow books and Stockmar crayons, you’ll find whimsical items your children are sure to love. Other vendors will sell jewelry, cutting boards, wooden boxes, holiday ornaments, candles, honey and other high quality, locally crafted items to fill the holiday wishes of the adults in your life.

Return on Saturday, December 5^th with the whole family. The Summerfield campus, often described as looking like a small European village, will be decked out in evergreens and ringing with the bells of holiday music. Step close to the bonfire, take a leisurely ride in a horse and carriage cart, dip a beeswax candle, and take a photo next to King Winter. Eat a scrumptious, organic lunch while listening to talented students and staff play instruments and sing. Gather your family close and breathe in an old world style holiday moment that is sure to fill you with joy!

Tree Lighting In Petaluma Theatre District Today

Celebrate the Season in the Square - Treelighting Ceremony

Carolers start strolling at 3:o0 p.m.

Petaluma Pete starts festivities at 4:30
prizes and fun

Tree lighting Ceremony at 5:00

Followed by music by Djinn.

http://www.theatre-district.com/calendar-of-events.cfm

Djinn is a great band guaranteed to get you little ones dancing:
http://www.myspace.com/dgiin


http://www.theatre-district.com/calendar-of-events.cfm

Things to Do Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving will be here soon. This means that school age kids are on holiday from school. Here is a list of things to do this week to help keep the kids entertained.


Saturday November 21, 2009

Polar Express Pajama Storytime
A classic retelling of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.
November 21, 2009 11:00 AM
Santa Rosa - Borders
2825 Santa Rosa Ave.


Great deal on Children’s Books and help you local library.
Petaluma Regional Library Book Sale
November 21, 10:00 am
Petaluma Regional Library, Petaluma, CA
Children and Adults book sale.

Go Dogs Go - Actors' Theater for Children
Spreckels Performing Arts Center, Rohnert Park, CA
November 21 3:30p
"This classic children's book comes to life on stage in an exploration of movement, color and space, creating a visual spectacle for the audience to feast upon. A rollicking musical world of doggy fun"
http://www.rpcity.org/index.aspx?page=19&recordid=1006&returnURL=%2findex.aspx%3fpage%3d231

Climb Aboard: F-106 Delta Dart, The Ultimate Interceptor
November 21, 10:00am - 4:00pm,
Come on out, climb aboard and sit in the cockpit of our F-106 Delta Dart.
http://pacificcoastairmuseum.org/

Rohnert Park Gymnastics:
Kids' Night Out
November 21st from 6-10pm
$25 for the 1st sibling
$20 for the 2nd
http://www.rpgym.com/special_events.html#kno


Sunday November 22, 2009

FREE DAY — Sparky’s Birthday!

November 22 all day
Celebrate Charles Schulz’s birthday week. Visit the Museum for FREE. Ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery of Sonoma County will be served from 1–3pm!
http://www.schulzmuseum.org/

Climb Aboard: F-106 Delta Dart, The Ultimate Interceptor
November 22, 10:00am - 4:00pm,
Come on out, climb aboard and sit in the cockpit of our F-106 Delta Dart.
http://pacificcoastairmuseum.org/


Nature for Kids at Mount Burdell
November 22, 10am to 2pm
“Let’s explore the slopes of this big preserve
to see how all of the animals are getting
ready for winter. If the rains have come,
we might see the first newts on the move.
If it’s been dry, we could encounter snakes
and lizards looking for a last meal before
their long winter sleep. Meet at the San
Andreas Trailhead.
http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/PK/Main/mcosd/pdf/Newsletter-News-Hikes-Events-Fall-2009.pdf


Monday November 23, 2009


Museum Mondays
November 23, 10am–12noon

Museum Mondays

Story time, movement games, museum activities, and arts & crafts especially for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers.

$5 for children; adults are free before 11am
http://www.schulzmuseum.org/


Tuesday November 24, 2009


The Micro-Nut! A shortened version of The Nutcracker!
Presented by Sebastopol Ballet
November 24 11:00a to 12:00p
at Santa Rosa High School Theater, Santa Rosa, CA
“Would you like to take your little one to The Nutcracker but don't want to sit through a two-hour show? Then come to Sebastopol Ballet's kid-friendly shortened version”
$5.00! For groups of 15 or more, tickets are only $3
http://www.sebastopolballet.com/



Thursday November 26, 2009


Thanksgiving on the Sonoma Serengeti at Safari West
November 26th, Starts at 12:00 PM
Enjoy a Thanksgiving Feast among the giraffes, cheetahs, and other exotic animals. Two seatings: 12:00pm and 3:00pm Reservations essential.
$44 Adults, $22 Children (4-12)
Safari West Wildlife Preserve & African Tent Camp
http://safariwest.com/thanksgiving/

Volunteer and Help others Thanksgiving Day
Annual Free Sonoma Community Center Thanksgiving Feast.
November 26th 3:00 pm
Volunteers welcome. Please call and lend a hand.
www.sonomacommunitycenter.org


Cloverdale Community Thanksgiving Dinner
November 26, 1:30 pm
Senior Center, 311 Main Street
http://www.cloverdale.net/CurrentEvents.aspx?EID=376



Friday November 27, 2009


How to Draw With Your Child
NOVEMBER 27, 10am–12noon
Recommended for children ages 3–7.

Advance reservations
http://www.schulzmuseum.org/


Gualala Arts' Sixth Annual Festival of Trees
November 27
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Homemade foods and drinks. Kid activities.
Arts and Crafts
FREE
http://gualalaarts.org/Festivals/Festival-of-Trees2009.html



Saturday November 28, 2009

Gualala Arts' Sixth Annual Festival of Trees
November 28
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Homemade foods and drinks. Kid activities.
Arts and Crafts
FREE
http://gualalaarts.org/Festivals/Festival-of-Trees2009.html


5th Annual Lighting of the Snowmen Event
November 28th, 2009
Complimentary holiday treats, music, children's activities, plus a scrumptious fundraiser following the Lighting of the Snowmen!” Dessert Benefit $10 per person.
http://www.cornerstonegardens.com/news.php?article=72


Holiday Arts & Crafts Faire and Santa
November 28 10:00am to 4:00pm
Rohnert Park Community Center, Rohnert Park, CA
“Come get your picture taken with Santa and shop for unique handmade holiday gifts. Admission and parking are free.


SANTA'S RIVERBOAT ARRIVAL
November 28, 12:00 pm
Historic Downtown Petaluma
Petaluma River Turning Basin
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus
www.visitpetaluma.com



Sunday, November 29, 2009

Watch White Christmas
Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Key and Rosemary Clooney
November 29, 4:00 pm
$6.00 ALL SEATS Spreckels Performing Arts Center
http://www.rpcity.org/index.aspx?page=19&recordid=1064





Various events and things to do:

The Sonoma County Libraries:
Activities for children
http://sonomalibrary.org/cgi-bin/webevent.cgi?cmd=calmonth&cal=cal13&cat=5,2

Kidspot play center for young children:
http://www.kidspotimaginationcenter.com/

Kid's Party Central
Indoor bounce house
http://www.kidspartycentral.com/open_play.htm

Funky Monkey
Pizza, Prizes, Games, Crafts on certain days
http://www.the-funkymonkey.com/

Jack and Jill's Place
Indoor Creative Play
http://www.the-funkymonkey.com/

Scandia
Miniature Golf, Games, Batting Cages
http://www.scandiafunland.com/

My Gym
-Drop & Shop Black Friday 11/27
Snacks and crafts included. 8:00AM-12:00PM, Ages 3-9 years. Members pay $25/child. $5 sibling discount. Non-members $30/child
Post Thanksgiving Playday Sat, 11/28
-Drop in and play! 9AM-12PM, all ages welcome. Children currently enrolled are free. $10 if not currently enrolled. Parents need to stay and socks are required. No reservations needed.
http://www.my-gym.com/santarosa.aspx

Pizza PIe under the Sky with Rosso Pizzeria and Tierra Vegetables

Imagine eating piping hot pizza brimming with freshly picked veggies right out of the pizza oven. How about enjoying a delicious bowl of freshly ground polenta as you wander through the very cornfield from which it sprouted. Now wake up and join in the fun this Wednesday at Pizza PIe under the Sky with Rosso Pizzeria and Tierra Vegetables. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy your food right at the source. Tierra Vegetables is the farm stand you see off of Airport Blvd. while driving north 101. It is a fantastic place to take kids and show them where food comes from. This event makes it fun and easy; just grab a slice of pizza while you wonder through the garden identifying all the wonderful edibles grown at the farm.

Wednesday 11/18

651 Airport Blvd.

$15 for adults and $5 for kids under 12.

Bring warm clothes and your appetite!

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, and more Pumpkins

It's that time of year again when the maple leaves go from green to red, the air gets crisper, and the pumpkins are ready to be picked by tons of happy children. One of our favorite things to do during the Fall season is head to the pumpkin patches. Living in Sonoma County, you have access to a ton. It's just like Starbucks; there's one on every block.

Every year, we try to hit up at least 3 pumpkin patches in the month of October. I know. It sounds crazy, but trust me, it's a ton of fun.

So far, we've gone to the Adobe Pumpkin Farm and Peterson's Farm in Petaluma. Both farms are fun in their own special ways. Below you can read my breakdown of each farm experience.

Adobe Pumpkin Farm
2478 E Washington Street

Petaluma, CA 94954-3903
Map 

We discovered this farm three years ago on accident. This location brags of having 30 acres worth of fun, which is no joke. This has been one of the few pumpkin patch places that I've been to where I didn't feel crowded. On some weekends, it can boast over 100+ guests, and you wouldn't even notice. This large piece of land allows great flexibility for your family to have a lot of fun without pushing through crowds. What's neat about this place is that they have a variety of pumpkins to choose from. They not only offer your traditional orange pumpkins, but an array of multi colored gourds of all shapes and sizes, as shown in the pic below.

This place is not shy of things to do. They've got jumpy houses, haunted house, farmer's market stand, corn maze, hay maze, climbing wall, hay ride, train ride, antique farm equipment demonstration, live music sung by a guy dressed as a scarecrow, the pumpkin fairy appears, farm animals to pet, a handful of vendors selling food, halloween craft store, and oddly enough, a christmas craft store. This place has set up lots of fun photo opportunities for your whole family. They even have a professional photographer on-sight who takes professional photos at a price. Here is a pic of my niece on one of the many "photo opp" spots throughout the 30 acres.

My son's favorite thing to do there is to check out all the farm equipment. I don't know what it is about boys and equipment, but he's completely fascinated by it. They do a live demonstration of how the antique farm equipment work and how they were used "back in the day." Here's a pic of my son, three years ago, enjoying the demonstration.

The prices of the pumpkins are reasonable. They range from $2-$20 depending on the sizes. The food there can be on the pricier side. Lunch for one person can cost $6-8. There doesn't seem to be a restriction on bringing your own food. They even have some picnic tables set up under a straw canopy. The straw canopy space can also be reserved for parties.

Parking can be great and it can be a pain. I suggest going as early as you can to get the best parking. The overflow parking tends to be across the busy street of Washington, so it's best to park on the property.

Now on to my next review...

Peterson's Farm
636 Gossage Ave.
Petaluma, CA

My son and I visited this farm on a field trip with his preschool. It was a $5 cost for us to take a short tour of the farm, feed the animals, learn about bees and bee keeping, and to take a pumpkin the size of my son's head.

Because we were there on a school tour, we weren't able to fully explore the land the way that the website portrays it to be. Judging from the website, they sell free range eggs, honey, and persimmons. This was not advertised during the tour, so I couldn't tell you if they really sold them or not. The animals that they showed us were cows, horses, chickens, ducks, turkeys, roosters, and rabbits.

This is not one of those places you could spend a whole day at. We were there for a couple hours and it seems we got the full tour of the place. I would recommend it if you were really interested in the bees and the honey.

I hope you found the reviews helpful. Check back this weekend for my review on Lemos Farm in Half Moon Bay.

Happy Pumpkin Hunting!!

Kelly (Contributing Writer and Fellow Santa Rosa Mom)

Will be back soon!

Sorry for the lack of post. We will be returning to blogging in October. Just in time for all the Autumn Events taking place in Sonoma County.

Weekend Fun for the Whole Family 7/25-7/26

Saturday, July 25

Landmark Winery Complimentary Concert Series
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Music, Horse Carriage rides,
http://www.landmarkwine.com/news.html?c=events
FREE

Garden Story Time & Family Fun
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info

Border’s “space camp for kids
2 pm
"a space-age schedule of cool astronaut and spacewalk games, solar system crafts and trivia, and other out-of-this-world activities"
Borders Book Store, 2825 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa
FREE

Teen Crafts
3 pm to 4 pm
"make a cool design on their brand new colored t-shirt."
The library will provide the bleach, you provide your t-shirts. Instruction will be provided.
Rincon Valley Library
teenspace (at) sonoma.lib.ca.us.

Meet the Illustrator/ Book Signing Storytime
10:00 am
"Marley's Treasure! A do-not-miss special storytime. Come meet illustrator Jennifer Fitzgerald as she tells the tale of how Marley's life changes when he discovers a great treasure! She will read and draw with the kids!"
Barnes and Noble
700 4th Street, Santa Rosa
FREE

Family Weekend at Charles M. Schulz Museum
10:00a to 5:00p
"Enjoy hands-on activities for kids incluidng exploring the Fire Department's fire safety trailer and learning about other health and safety issues."

Sunday, July 26

Concert at Julliard Park
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Julliard Park, Santa Rosa
Music, Food and Fun
This event is kid friendly with lots of room for the kids to run around and play.
This week features The Thugz
http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/news/Pages/LiveatJulliard.aspx
FREE

Family Weekend at Charles M. Schulz Museum
2 pm
enjoy the Felix String Quartet's performance of String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10 by Claude Debussy.




*Sorry about the late post.

SpongeBobs 10th Anniversary

Santa Rosa's Borders Vooks is having a free Day of Happiness Kids Party this Saturday at 2:00 pm.  

2009 is the Year of the Sponge! Bring the whole family to Borders for a special Day of Happiness celebration with stories, games, giveaways and more. SpongeBob is stuck in Bikini Bottom and can't be with us, but we'll have fun anyway!

http://www.borders.com/online/store/EventView?city=&state=&zipCode=&within=&all_stores=&selectedStoreId=10834&eventId=310577&

Weekend Fun for the Whole Family 7/17-7/19

Weekend Long Events

Shakespeare on the Green The Tempest
Preshow at 6:30; curtain at 7pm
July 17, 18, 19
Windsor Town Green
FREE!
http://www.theatergreen.com/


Friday, July 17

Bayer Farms Open Gardens
Children's Activites
2:00 pm - 6: 00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info

Saturday July 18

Kids Day Parade and Festival
9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Food, Arts, Crafts, Festival
Cotati
http://www.ci.cotati.ca.us/sections/events/
FREE

Petaluma Airport Classic Wings & Wheels
10 am -5pm
over 50 airplanes on display and over 60 vehicles including emergency vehicles
http://papapetaluma.org/2009/05/06/classic-wings-wheels-july-18-2009/
FREE

Landmark Winery Complimentary Concert Series
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Music, Horse Carriage rides,
http://www.landmarkwine.com/news.html?c=events
FREE

Garden Story Time & Family Fun
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info

C. Donatiello Winery Concert Series
1:00pm - 4pm
Jason Damato
http://www.cdonatiello.com/visit/calendar/Live-from-the-Middle-Reach---Jason-Damato.aspx
FREE

Free Art Workshop
12 pm - 1:30 pm
Jungle Vibes, Petaluma
http://www.junglevibes.com/images/flyers/natureseye.jpg
FREE for ages 6-16

Sunday July 19

Concert at Julliard Park
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Julliard Park, Santa Rosa
Music, Food and Fun
This event is kid friendly with lots of room for the kids to run around and play.
This week features Santiago. They love the Julliard Park Concert Series so much they wrote a song about it:
http://new.us.music.yahoo.com/santiago/tracks/down-at-juilliard-park--176662425
http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/news/Pages/LiveatJulliard.aspx

First Ever Kids’ Open Mic
1:00 pm
Jungle Vibes, Petaluma
"Children ages 6-16 who want to play guitar, sing, dance, play keyboard or recite before an audience are invited to sign up"
http://www.junglevibes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=4&Itemid=10

Theater for Kids!
Tater Tot Productions presents "The Girl Who Cried Wolf"
2:00 pm - 2:40 pm
Downtown Sebastopol at the dance/art space down the hall from the Sebastopol Cookie Company at 172N. Main
$6 includes free cookie
707/331-8158 or adamsquid2003@yahoo.com

Petaluma Arts and Equestrian Festival
11:00 am to 5:00 pm
San Francisco Polo Club, Petaluma
http://www.paefestival.org/

Free Concert Julliard Park

"Extend the weekend, come and enjoy a picnic dinner on a summer Sunday evening filled with music, fun, and food. All performance are free. The 16th annual summer concert series takes place at Juilliard Park."

This free concert series takes place at Julliard Park in Santa Rosa. It is a beautiful park with lots of shade trees, a pond and plenty of open areas for play. This week's concert features The Pulsators. They describe their music "as a spicy blend of driving blues, New Orleans-funky R&B, rock."


To find out more about the park:
http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/departments/recreationandparks/parks/cityparks/neparks/Pages/julliardpark.aspx

To find out more about the concert series:
http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/news/Pages/LiveatJulliard.aspx

To find out more about the band:
http://www.pulsators.com/

Weekend Fun for the Whole Family 7/10-7/2

Weekend Long Events

Shakespeare on the Green The Tempest
Preshow at 6:30; curtain at 7pm
July 10, 11, 12
Windsor Town Green
FREE!
http://www.theatergreen.com/

Friday, July 10

Bayer Farms Open Gardens
Children's Activites
2:00 pm - 6: 00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info

Children’s Dance and Movement Class
9:30 am to 10:15 am
Journey Center, Santa Rosa, CA
$10 donation
'An opportunity for children to explore music and movement in a peaceful place with Johanna Vanderbeek. "
http://www.journeycenter.org/hapKids.php


Saturday, July 11

Landmark Winery Complimentary Concert Series
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
FREE
Adam Traum Folk Music
http://www.landmarkwine.com/news.html?c=events

Garden Story Time & Family Fun
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info

Art in the Garden
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
community garden located at 19990 7th Street East., sonoma
FREE
Arts Guild artists will instruct children on how to create art from recycled materials."

Kite Flying Day
2:30 p.m.
McNear Peninsula park, Petaluma
Learn stunt kite control, launch an armada of kites and stake them off in the sky.
http://www.junglevibes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61:kite&catid=4:events-newsletter&Itemid=10

Free Art Workshop
12 pm - 1:30 pm
Jungle Vibes, Petaluma
http://www.junglevibes.com/images/flyers/natureseye.jpg
FREE for ages 6-16

Free Art Project
Summer Fun Tote Bags
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
'Stop in and make your own personalized tote bag using a variety of paints and stencils from Tulip®. Ages 5-12 welcome. While supplies last. Powered by Tulip®."
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/events?storeid=2019
Michael's crafts stores

Sunday July 12

The Petaluma Art & Garden Festival
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fourth Street , Kentucky Street and A Street parking lot Historic Downtown
"The free event for the whole family offers a wide variety of garden specialties for sale as well as the work of local artists in more than 100 art and crafts booths. "

Weekend Fun for the Whole Family 7/3-7/5

Friday, July 3

Bayer Farms Open Gardens
Children's Activites
2:00 pm - 6: 00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info

First Fridays on Fourth
Music, Art, Food
4:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Santa Rosa Railroad Square and Courthouse Square
Free
http://www.firstfridaysonfourth.com/


Saturday, July 4

Redwood Empire Live Steamer's Interactive Railroad Museum
train rides
12pm-4pm
Youth Community Park
Fulton Rd., Santa Rosa, CA, 95403

45th Annual Petaluma Bell Ringing Ceremony @ Historical Library & Museum
tradition started in 1964, get in line and ring the bell cookies and lemonade to follow
starts at 10:30 am
FREE
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 Fourth St., Petaluma, CA
(707) 778-4398

Landmark Winery Complimentary Concert Series
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
FREE
Adam Traum Folk Music
http://www.landmarkwine.com/news.html?c=events
http://www.adamtraumguitar.com/listen.htm

North Bay Patriots July 4TH Celebration and Rally
Patriotic music, family friendly activities,
10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Old Court House Square Park, Santa Rosa, CA
http://WWW.northbaypatriots.com/

Bicycle Santa Rosa
celebration of all things bike. Bike-themed contests for adults, games and activities for kids. Live music.
11:00am to 3:00pm
FREE
Juilliard Park, Santa Rosa, CA
http://www.bikesonoma.org/BSR.html

"Music in the Village Courtyard"
4th of July BBQ and celebration
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
FREE
Montgomery Village Shopping Center, Santa Rosa, CA

Lavender Festival
Annual Lavender Festival at the Petaluma Farmer's Market featuring live music and all things Lavender including Lavender Ice Cream
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
FREE
Walnut Park, Petaluma, CA

11th Annual "Concert In The Park"
3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
FREE
Eagle Park, Rohnert Park, CA
http://rohnertparkcommunityband.art.officelive.com/schedule.aspx


B.R. Cohn Winery Classic Car Exhibit
Live music, food
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
FREE
B.R. Cohn Winery, Glen Ellen, CA
http://www.brcohn.com/carclassic/index.asp
free

Zindependence Weekend at Bella
music, wine caves, food bites. All Ages
11:00 am to 4:30 pm
$10
at Bella Vineyards and Winery, Healdsburg, CA

Russian River Water Carnival/Pararde
Big Rocky Games - Cookie Walk, Horseshoe tournament, obstacle race, canoe race, watermellon eating contest, rubber duckie contest
11AM-3PM
FREE
www.russianriver.com/

Sunday, July 5

Taste of Railroad Square
District's finest foods, brews, wines and fare.
all benefiting the 6th Street Playhouse, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
12:00 am to 11:59 pm
Santa Rosa's Historic Railroad Square - The Depot, Santa Rosa, CA
http://www.tasteofrailroadsquare.org/

for a list of firework displays and celebrations:
http://sonomaforkids.blogspot.com/2009/07/fireworks-in-sonoma-county.html

Fireworks in Sonoma County

3rd of July

Bodega Bay Fireworks over the Bay
FREE (donation)
Dusk
Westside Park, Bodega Bay, CA
http://www.bodegabay.com/visitor_info/calendar_2009.html

Russian River Water Carnival/Pararde & 3rd of July Fireworks (Monte Rio)
Kids Activities
FREE
11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Monte Rio fireworks over the river
www.russianriver.com/

Sebastopol Kiwanis Club July 3 Fireworks and Music Festival
$7 adults $3 youth ages 6-11 under 6 free
5:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Analy High School, Sebastopol, CA

Windsor Independence Day Fireworks Display
FREE (donations)
6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Windsor High School campus
8695 Windsor Road, Windsor
(707) 478-4167


4th of July

The Lion’s Club presents fireworks in Cloverdale
FREE
Dusk
Cloverdale High School Football Field
http://www.cloverdale.com/CurrentEvents.aspx?EID=39

Guerneville Independence Day Celebration
Activities for the kids
FREE
10:00a to 10:00p
at Russian River Chamber of Commerce, Guerneville, CA
http://www.russianriver.com/

The Old Fashioned 4th of July Fireworks Display in Healdsburg
FREE
Healdsburg High School
1024 Prince Ave, Healdsburg, CA 95448

4th of July 2009 Petaluma Party & Fireworks
$2 for 13 and over
3:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Sonoma-Marin Fair grounds
Call 778-4380 for more information

Santa Rosa Red, White, and BOOM!
$5 for 13 and over
4:00pm to 10:00pm
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, CA
http://www.santarosaredwhiteandboom.com/

Sonoma's 4th of July on the Plaza and Parade
FREE
9:00am to 10:30 pm
Sonoma Plaza then Vallejo’s Field

Huge Children's Sample Sale

This weekend at the San Anselmo Street Fair in Marin County there will be a huge sample sale with most of the merchandise coming from local vendors and retailers. This is a great chance to snag some designer kid's clothing, shoes bedding or gifts cheap! 30-80% off Retail. One of my favorite participants in the sale is itti kid. They offer a large variety of fantastic, well made clothing in beautiful bold colors and interesting modern prints. Their clothes are head turners. People will stop you and ask where you bought them. To see more of itti kid visit ittikid.com.
To find out more about the sample sale:
http://www.giddygiddy.com/san-anselmo-kids-sale.htm

Weekend Fun for the Whole Family 6/26-6/28

Weekend Long Events

Family Weekend: Soar with NASA
June 27 & 28
9:30am–3:30pm
Enjoy hands-on activities for kids all weekend, including making a star viewer mini-scope, a solar system bracelet, and more!
http://www.schulzmuseum.org/

Sonoma-Marin Fair
The Sonoma-Marin Fair at the Petaluma Fairgrounds may well be the best entertainment value this summer because everything is included in the low admission price.
http://www.sonoma-marinfair.org/

Friday, June 26

Bayer Farms Open Gardens
2:00 pm - 6: 00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info

Howarth Park Family Night
Free Movie on the lawn (movie starts at dusk)
4:00 till movie end.
http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/departments/recreationandparks/programs/howarthpark/howarthevents/movieinpark/Pages/default.aspx

Saturday June 27, 2009

Garden Story Time & Family Fun
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info

Landmark Winery Complimentary Concert Series
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
music, horse carriage rides, bocce ball
Free
http://www.landmarkwine.com/news.html?c=events

FREE Family Day at The Sonoma County Museum
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Make your own Sundaes & Face Painting!
http://www.sonomacountymuseum.org/

King Arthur's Quest
2pm & 4:30pm
Child $8, Adult $12
Watch the Damsels in Distress sound the warning of trouble, cheer for King Arthur when he makes friends with the terrible dragon, and join the Knights and Squires of the Round Table as they try to do the right thing.
http://wellsfargocenterarts.org/concert/0609-missoula.html

Wine Country Greyhound Meet and Greet
1:00pm to 3:00pm
Whole Foods Market, Sonoma, CA
Please stop by to meet retired racing Greyhounds, and learn what wonderful companions they make! Their calm temperaments might surprise you!
http://www.winecountrygreyhounds.com/

Elderhostel Day of Discovery:
To the Moon, Snoopy!
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Apollos 10 and 11 and learn how Charles Schulz and Snoopy played a key role in the space race of the 1960s. Meet Apollo 9 astronaut Russell Schweickart and hear about his experiences in space, where he logged 241 hours, and about his current work protecting the Earth from asteroid impacts. Hear from the Museum’s curator about our newest exhibit, To the Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA. Also hear from space studies experts about space exploration then, now, and in the future, and handle several artifacts from the space shuttle not on display in the Museum.
Reservations required; call (877) 426-8056 to reserve your space.
http://www.schulzmuseum.org/

Haus Fortuna Seventh Birthday Celebration
10:00am to 8:30pm
Haus Fortuna, Petaluma, CA
Celebrate your Inner Italian with delicacies such as grilled sausages, pastas and olive oil tasting. Lots of guessing games to win great prizes. Entertainment all day including Italian music and the band Phoenix. Artists reception.

Sunday June 28
Santa Rosa Wellness Festival and Family Expo
11:00am to 4:30pm
Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, Santa Rosa, CA
Free Health Screenings...Family fun...Samples...
Raffle Prizes...Give-aways and so much more!
Free Admission!
Free Parking!

ELMO PARTY!!!!!
10AM-11:30AM.
My Gym Santa Rosa
Come join us for a fun morning as you sing, dance, play and talk with Elmo. Reservations Required. Ticket prices are $15 per child, $10 per sibling. Infants under 1 are free. Play and talk with Elmo, photo opportunities, games, music and juice with snack.
http://www.my-gym.com/franchisee_news.aspx?id=165&articleid=1187

Spring Health Fair at the Dhyana Center: Sebastopol
1:00pm to 5:00pm
Dhyana Center for Health Sciences, Sebastopol, CA
7740 Atkinson Road, Sebastopol
LIVE MUSIC, SILENT AUCTION, RAFFLES, FOOD, ARTS/CRAFTS, COMMUNITY & SUSTAINABLE LIVING BOOTHS
Althea Walking Tree Drum Circle

Weekend Fun for the Whole Family 6/19-6/22

Happy Father's Day

Weekend Long Events:

Golden Gate Arabian House Association Dressage and Sporthorse Show
June 19, 20 & 21
8 am - 5 pm
Sonoma County Fairgrounds
www.goldengatearabians.com
FREE

A Celebration of the Accordion
June 20, 21
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
First and C Streets, Petaluma
www.petalumadowntown.com
musical presentations by musicians from all over the nation
http://www.petalumadowntown.com/AccordionFestival.aspx
FREE

Pacific Coast Air Museum Open House
Climb Aboard
June 20th & 21st
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
A-26 Invader, RF-86 Sabre & F-86H Sabre
http://www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org/


Friday, June 19

Bayer Farms Open Gardens
2:00 pm - 6: 00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info


Teen Girls Group
2:00pm to 4:30pm
Chops Teen Club, Santa Rosa, CA
nail designs, hairdo's, facials, make-up application and more
http://www.chopsonline.com/

Saturday, June 20

Garden Story Time & Family Fun
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info

Landmark Winery Complimentary Concert Series
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
music, horse carriage rides, bocce ball
Free
http://www.landmarkwine.com/news.html?c=events


Solar Sonoma County Solar Fair: Solar & Efficiency for Clean Energy
11:00am to 6:00pm
Finley Community Center, Santa Rosa, CA
live local music all day, wine and beer tasting, and a fun zone for all ages
Free
http://www.solarsonomacounty.com/events.html

Sonoma Valley Footrace & Festival
8:00am to 1:00pm
Sonoma Developmental Center, Glen Ellen, CA
5k/10k runs through the beautiful grounds of Sonoma Developmental Ctr. Festival follows w/ beer/wine tasting, live music, carnival games, bounce house and more
Free Festival Admission
http://www.dds.ca.gov/svff/docs/SVFFbrochure09.pdf

Petaluma Airport Display Day
9:00am to 3:00pm
Petaluma Municipal Airport, Petaluma, CA
The Petaluma Airport Commission and staff invite you to attend the antique and classic aircraft display

29th Annual Cotati Jazz & Arts Festival
12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
La Plaza Park and restaurants & clubs in downtown Cotati - all within walking distance
Music, Art, Food, Fun!
Free
http://www.cotatijazz.com/

Father's Day Celebration
11am - 4pm
Montgomery Village Shopping Center
Family Activities, music by the Unauthorized Rolling Stones
Free


Sunday, June 22

Father's Day Brunch, Hosted by Windsor Kiwanis
9:00am to 12:00pm
Windsor Town Green, Windsor, CA
Blueberry Pancakes, Ham, Eggs, Cantaloupe, Juice, Coffee, Tea

Father's Day 15th Annual "Show & Shine" Car Show
9 am - 4 pm
Juilliard Park, Santa Rosa, CA
Free Spectator Admission

Larson Family Winery BBQ and Cowboy Golf
11 a.m-4 p.m.
live music, bocce ball, horseshoe toss, a jumpy for the kids
http://www.larsonfamilywinery.com/pages/specialevents.html

A Food Awareness Benefit and Summer Solstice Celebration
11:00 am. 10 pm
Sebastopol Community Center
This event will be an all age family event featuring a kid's zone.
http://worldbeyondproductions.com/index_events.html

Viansa Father's Day Pig Roast and BBQ
11:00a to 3:00p
Viansa Winery and Italian Marketplace, Sonoma, CA
Treat Dad and the whole family to a fun day of fabulous wine, food and entertainment, plus the not to be missed first Annual Cellar Sale.
http://www.viansa.com/

Father's Day Crafts

Father's Day is coming soon.  Here are some ideas to make Dad a special gift.

Free Kids Event - Get Hooked on Dad

Michael's Craft Stores 

"Use your hand to make a special T-shirt for dad to wear. Just purchase the T-shirt of your choice and decorate it for free using our paint supplies!"

Ages 5-12 welcome.

6/14/2009 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Gifts from tots:

Free Coloring Pages 

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/stylehouse/parties/fathersday

http://www.fisher-price.com/us/printcards/

http://www.crayola.com/free-coloring-pages/holidays/fathers-day-coloring-pages/

Gift ideas for older kids:

http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/fathers-day/index.html

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/projectlist?categoryid=51

http://www.freekidscrafts.com/father%27s_day_crafts-t101.html

Free Family Fun on the edge.....

of Sonoma County

Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music

"Prado Group Kiddie Park with pony rides, petting zoo, crafts, train rides, bounce house & more! Live Music on 2 Stages Rock • Blues • Jazz • Country Premium Wine Garden • 200 Arts & Crafts booths • Food • Fun Moylan’s quality beer and over 40 fine wines to choose from."

http://www.ci.novato.ca.us/?page=636&recordid=1671&returnURL=%2findex.aspx

Weekend Fun for the Whole Family 6/12-6/14

Weekend Long Events:

Peggy Sue's All-American Cruise
Car show, 'Chili & Pasta Cook Off' & 'Beer & Wine Tasting,' Music and Entertainment
Galvin Community Park and A Place to Play Youth Park
http://www.peggysuescruise.com/

Harmony Festival
Music, Camping, Kids activities
Sonoma County Fairgrounds
http://harmonyfestival.com/

Friday, June 12

Bayer Farms Open Gardens
2:00 pm - 6: 00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info

Saturday, June 13

Garden Story Time & Family Fun
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info

Guided Hikes at Tolay Lake Regional Park
10:am to Noon
West Ridge hike. Hike with staff from the ranch up to west ridge. Call to make reservation.
707.565.2730
Cloverdale, CA 95425

SCBC's Annual Bike Swap and (for Kids) Bike Skills Rodeo
9:00am to 2:00pm
Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building
http://www.BikeSonoma.org/

Landmark Winery Complimentary Concert Series
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
music, horse carriage rides, bocce ball
Free
http://www.landmarkwine.com/news.html?c=events


Sunday, June 14

Second Sunday Summer Market
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Rummage Sale, Crafts Faire & Farmer's Market.
Rohnert Park Community Center Complex
5401 Snyder Lane

Bear Flag Celebration Art Show
11:00am to 4:00pm
BBQ, Ceremony at Bear Flag Monument
Sonoma Plaza
http://www.BearFlagMuseum.org/

Weekend Fun for the Whole Family 6/5-6/7

Friday, June 5

Bayer Farms Open Gardens
2:00 pm - 8: 00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info

First Fridays on Fourth
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Downtown Santa Rosa and Railroad Square
Free
http://www.firstfridaysonfourth.com/

Scooter Rosa
4:00 - 8:00 pm
Downtown Santa Rosa
http://www.scooterrosa.com/

First Fridays at The SCM
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Sonoma County Museum Downtown Santa Rosa
Free admission and live music
http://www.sonomacountymuseum.org/


Saturday, June 6

The Russian River Rodeo
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Duncan’s Mills Rodeo Grounds
see calendar for more info

Scooter Rosa
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square
http://www.scooterrosa.com/

Garden Story Time & Family Fun
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bayer Farm 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa
Free
see calendar for more info

49th Annual Forestville Youth Park BBQ, Carnival and Parade
10:00 am - 8 pm
Forestville
Free admission and live music
http://www.forestvilleyouthpark.org/

Summer Sampler Day & 65th Anniversary of D-Day.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa
Free
www.schulzmuseum.org

Landmark Winery Complimentary Concert Series
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Jazz Keyboardist, John Simon
Free
http://www.landmarkwine.com/news.html?c=events

Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue Tour
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Current residents include a coyote, a red fox, a gray fox, a squirrel, raccoons, a skunk, and two mountain lion cubs.
Donation
http://www.scwildliferescue.org/index.shtml


Sunday, June 7

49th Annual Forestville Youth Park BBQ, Carnival and Parade
10:00 am to 8 pm
Forestville
Free admission and live music
http://www.forestvilleyouthpark.org/

42nd Annual Ox Roast Barbecue and Hit the Road Jack foot race
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sonoma Plaza
Free admission and live music
http://www.hittheroadjack.org/

More First Friday Fun

Another free, family-friendly event in Sonoma County. The Sonoma County Museum is open late on the first Friday of the month through the summer in conjunction with First Fridays on 4th. This free event runs from from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and includes refreshments and entertainment. The Museum is located on 7th St in Downtown Santa Rosa. This week Amber Lee & The Anomalies (www.myspace.com/amberleebaker) will be performing. Current exhibits at the museum include Ansel Adams: Masterworks and Wine Country Posters: Collection of George and Denise Rose Friday will also be the Public Reception for Mario Uribe: Zen Circle Revisited in the CPS Gallery.

http://www.sonomacountymuseum.org/

Scooter Rosa is Back

Scooter Rosa is an annual fundraiser benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Bay. It is similar to walkathon type events, in that participants raise money by soliciting sponsors for their "ride." This is a weekend long event that promises to be fun for the whole family while supporting a great cause.

Scooter Rosa Itinerary

Friday, June 5th | 4:00 - 8:00pm

Held on “D Street between 4th and 5th Street” in Downtown Santa Rosa, in front of Revolution Moto / Vespa Santa Rosa.

Early Check-in
Street BBQ
Live Music
Scooter Show
View and Enter for Raffle Prizes
Art Walk

Saturday, June 6th | 10:00am - 4:00pm

Held in “Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square”

10:00am - Rider Check-in

11:00am - Ride through beautiful Sonoma County

12:15pm - Estimated arrival back to Historic Railroad Square

12:30pm - Live music / Vendor Booths / Food and Drinks

1:30pm - GymKhana Games

2:30pm - GymKhana Games for the “Littles”

3:30pm - Prize Winners announced

Please plan on meeting at Russian River Brewary around 8pm for great locally brewed beer and a fierce tournament of Thumb Wrestling.

Sunday, June 7th | 10:00am - 2:00pm

10:00am - Breakfast hosted by Stout Brothers Pub and Restaurant

11:00am - Ride to be hosted by SoCo Scooterists and the West Coast Vespa Club - Ride will leave from “D Street in Downtown Santa Rosa” - Route and Destination TBD. Please plan on bringing a bag lunch for the Sunday ride.

First Fridays = Free Family Fun

Free Cupcakes! Free Music! Free Art Viewing! Free Fun!

First Fridays on 4th is Santa Rosa's version of a large block party. It is a family-friendly event showcasing the talent of local musicians and artists. Entertainment can be found at both the Railroad Square and the Courthouse Square. Many of the surrounding businesses offer "specials" for the evening or display a local artist's work.

June 5th’s First Fridays on 4th Music Schedule:

The Music:

Railroad Square Music
Santiago in Depot Park |4:30 to 6:00 PM
Mister December in Depot Park | 6:30 to 8:00 PM

Courthouse Square Music
Jennifer Faust on Guitar | 4:00 PM to 5:45 PM | Courthouse Square Stage
The American Philharmonic | 6:30 to 8:00 PM| Courthouse Square Stage

More info here:
http://www.firstfridaysonfourth.com/


The Treat:
Yes it is really true. Teapot we will be serving tea and cupcakes and also be giving away coupons for parties and merchandise with purchase. The event goes from 4pm-8pm.
Teapot is a wonderful, whimsical children’s boutique that specializes in teapot parties. More info here:
http://teapotparties.com/


Don't forget this weekend is also Scooter Rosa!
http://scooterrosa.com/

Farmer's Market

Summer in Sonoma County hails a wonderful abundance of free-family fun also known as the Farmer's Market. During the summer there is a market almost everyday of the week. Most of the summer's markets offer some venue of entertainment, lots of handmade arts and crafts, and delicious prepared foods from local vendors. All of the markets have a fantastic selection of fresh from the farm fruits and vegetables. Join me as I visit a new market every week and discover what makes each market special. In the meantime, go explore one (or two or three) with you family. Look! I made it easy for you...

Sonoma County Farmer's Markets


Santa Rosa Farmer's Markets
Where: Veteran's Memorial Building, 1350 Maple Ave.
When: Wed. and Fri. year round.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Downtown Market. Fourth Street from Mendocino Ave to E Street
When: Wed. Last market is on August 12.
Hours: 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
www.srdowntownmarket.com

Where: Oakmont Farmers' Market, White Oak Drive
When: Sat.,
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
at White Oak Drive, Santa Rosa, CA


Cotati Farmer's Market
Where: Downtown Cotati's La Plaza Park
When: Thurs. Last market is on October 1.
Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.


Windsor Farmer's Market
Where: Town Green in Old Downtown Windsor
When: Sun. Last market is on November 22.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Town Green in Old Downtown Windsor
When: Thurs. Last market is on August 27.
Hours: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
http://www.windsorfarmersmarket.com/2009calendar.html


Petaluma Farmer's Market
Where: Walnut Park on the Corner of Petaluma Blvd South and D Street.
When: Sat. Last market is on October 31.
Hours: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m

Where: the Theatre District ( 2nd Street between B & D Streets.)
When: Wed. Last market is on August 26.
Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
http://www.petalumafarmersmarket.com/


Healdsburg Farmers' Market
Where: North and Vine Streets; One block west of the Plaza
When: Sat. Last market is on November 28th.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where: Plaza and Center Streets on the Plaza
When: Tues. Last market is on October 24th.
Hours: 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
http://www.healdsburgfarmersmarket.org/Calendar.html


Occidental Farmer's Market
Where: In front of Howard's Cafe, downtown Occidental
When: Fri. Last market is on October 30.
Hours: 4 p.m. to dusk
http://www.occidentalfarmersmarket.com/


Sonoma Farmer's Market
Where: Depot Park at First Street
When: Fri. Year round.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where: Sonoma Plaza on the Square
When: Tues. Last market is in October
Hours: 5:30 p.m. to dusk


Guerneville Farmer's Market
Where: Town Plaza, 16201 First St.
When: Wed. Last market is in October.
Hours: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.


Cloverdale Certified Farmer's Market
Where: On Cloverdale Blvd. between First and Second Street
When: Fri. Last market is in September.
Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.


Sebastopol Farmer's Market
Where: Sebastopol Plaza at McKinley Street
When: Sun. Last market is in November
Hours: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.


Did I miss one? Please email me the info.

Strawberries! Part Two

My toddler is addicted to strawberries. Since the season started, every morning begins with a request for strawberries. We are making trips to the local farm stand two or three times a week to replenish the supply. Last night out of desperation to entertain my toddler, I devised a recipe for easy, no-cook chocolate dipped strawberries. The beauty of this recipe is tri-fold; no need to use the stove-top, it makes a great gift and most importantly it is so easy a three-year old can do it. If you decide to make this with your child, please share your experience. I would love to see how others adapt the recipe. Enjoy!

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries:


Mom or Dad microwave the cream until it just comes to a boil.



Mix in powdered sugar.



Mix in cocoa powder until smooth and glossy.



Taking strawberry by the stem, dip into chocolate sauce.



If using coatings, dip the strawberry into the coatings.



Place strawberries onto a smooth surface that will fit into the refrigerator. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.



Share the special treat with someone you love!

Printer Version
Easy Chocolate dipped Strawberries

8-12 small to medium strawberries with long stems still attached
4 Tbsp heavy cream
2 heaping Tbsp powdered sugar
2 heaping Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
optional coatings (coconut, chocolate sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, colored sugar, etc.)

In a ramekin microwave cream until it just comes to a boil; about 20 seconds. You will need to watch carefully and stop the microwave as soon as you see the cream bubbling to prevent scorching. Remove from microwave and quickly stir in powdered sugar. *Once the powdered sugar is dissolved stir in cocoa powder until mixture is smooth and glossy. Taking strawberry by the stem dip in chocolate until bottom portion of strawberry is completely covered. Then dip strawberry into coatings of choice. Place strawberry on nonstick or glass surface. When all strawberries have been dipped refrigerate for 10 minutes. Store any uneaten strawberries in the refrigerator.

*If the mixture is to thick for dipping add a few drops of room temperature cream to loosen the mixture. Do not place chocolate mixture in the microwave as chocolate will seize. If chocolate is too "watery" add a few more pinches of cocoa powder.

Elmo is in da' house!!

News Flash! Elmo will be paying a very special visit to My Gym in Santa Rosa. Today is Family Fitness Day at My Gym. This free event at will run from 10:00am - 3:00pm. Elmo's agent assures me that he will be there from 10:30am - 12:00pm. Bring your cameras and don't forget the kids. I am sure they want to see Elmo too. Find out more about My Gym here: www.mygymsantarosa.com

Run away with the circus....

Cotton candy, popcorn, clowns, and balloons, do I have your attention yet? The Circus is in town! The American Crown Circus and Circo Osorio is a small family run, one ring show with plenty of ol' time charm and family-friendly thrills. The almost two hour show offers an up-close personal experience that is perfect for small children and adults alike. Every seat is a good seat. The acts include the graceful, acrobatic, Spanish web, an ooh and aah filled high-wire act, laughter inducing clowns and (for the boys) a motorcycle cage. For the animal lovers there is a cute Shetland pony that is probably more of a pet than a performer but is cute none-the-less. Each act is entertaining without being too long or to flashy making it appropriate for all ages.Admission is $15 for everyone over 12 years old and up to two children per paying "adult" are admitted free. The American Crown Circus and Circo Osorio will be in Santa Rosa until June 1st. For more information, visit; http://sonomaforkids.blogspot.com/2009/05/weekend-fun-for-whole-family-529-531.html. If you can't make it to the circus but would still like to see a clown, check out my favorite clown (and brother-in-law) Mitch. http://www.youtube.com/user/rbbbmitch

Weekend Fun for the Whole Family 5/29-5/31

Friday, May 29

American Crown Circus and Circo Osorio
6:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sonoma County Fairgrounds

Saturday, May 30

American Crown Circus and Circo Osorio
6:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sonoma County Fairgrounds

1st Annual Rohnert Park Dog Faire
8:00am – 5:30pm
Robert's Lake. Robert's Lake Road, Rohnert Park
see calendar for more info

Family Weekend: To the Moon!
10am – 5pm
Schulz Museum
see calendar for more info

4th Annual Carneros Heritage Fest
12pm – 4pm
The Donum Estate, 24520 Ramal Road in Sonoma
see calendar for more info

Family Fitness Day
10 am - 3 pm
My Gym Fitness Center, Santa Rosa
mygymsantarosa.com

Alice in Wonderland a ballet
7:00 pm
Raven Theater, Healdsburg
http://www.raventheater.org

Landmark Winery Complimentary Concert Series
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
French Cabaret Artist, Michel Saga
http://www.landmarkwine.com/news.html?c=events

Sunday, May 31

American Crown Circus and Circo Osorio
4:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sonoma County Fairgrounds

Alice in Wonderland a ballet
2:00 pm
Raven Theater, Healdsburg
http://www.raventheater.org

Wine Country Classic Celebrate Sonoma Day
Infineon Raceway
see calendar for more info

Family Weekend: To the Moon!
11am – 5pm
Schulz Museum
see calendar for more info

The Sonoma Valley Chorale presents Reel Music
2pm – 4pm
Veteran's Memorial Building on First Street, Sonoma
see calendar for more info

Russian Children School Concert
12:00 pm
Russian Orthodox Church, Santa Rosa
russiannorthbay.com

Strawberries! Strawberries! Strawberries!

Summer strawberries are here. Nothing beats the addicting taste of fresh, sweet, local strawberries. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is in the classic dessert strawberries and shortcake. The slightly sweet biscuit sopping up the bright red strawberry juice, perfectly topped off with a dollop of decadent hand whipped cream screams summer. I have an easy, kid friendly, strawberry shortcake recipe to share with you. It is so easy that a three year old can do most of the work. This recipe has a secret ingredient to add a little zing to the otherwise plain biscuit. It is optional so feel free to remove it. Enjoy!



Strawberry Shortcake:


Using a plastic, child-safe knife remove stems and slice in half two pints of fresh strawberries.

Sprinkle sugar onto strawberries. Gently stir until all berries are coated with sugar and set aside.


In a medium size child-safe bowl mix together all of the dry ingedients.



Add slices of cold butter to bowl. Squish together flour mixture and butter until the butter is completely incorporated into the mixture. The mixture will turn into small pebble-like balls.



Gently stir in buttermilk until mixture forms one large ball.


Spoon mixture onto a nonstick cookie sheet. This recipe will make 4 large biscuits or 6-8 smaller biscuits.


Bake until golden brown. While the biscuits are baking make the whipped cream.


Slice biscuit in half and top with strawberries and cream. Thank your child for a job well done!


Printer Version
Strawberry Shortcake:

Makes 4 large biscuits or 6-8 smaller biscuits (perfect size for kids)
Preheat oven to 425 Degrees

The Strawberries:
2 Pints of Strawberries
1/4 cup sugar

* Pit strawberries and half strawberries.
* Place into bowl.
* Sprinkle sugar on top.
* Gently stir the strawberries and set aside.

The Biscuits:
1 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp ground cardamon (optional)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold salted butter
1/2 cup buttermilk

* In a medium bowl mix together dry ingredients.
* Cut in cold butter until mixture looks like small peas.
* Gently stir in buttermilk until mixture is wet & forms a ball. Don't over mix.
* Drop biscuits onto a nonstick cookie sheet.
* Bake for apx. 12 minutes or until golden brown.
* Remove from oven and cool on rack.

The Whip Cream:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

* Put all ingredients into a COLD bowl
* Whisk by hand or blender until liquids turn into cream and form soft peaks.

Assembly:

* Slice biscuit in half.
* Spoon on strawberries and juice.
* Add a dollop of whipped cream.
* EAT!

Stay tuned for a tip on where to find some of Sonoma County's best strawberris.

Memorial Day Weekend Fun For The Whole Family

Pay Tribute
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090521/NEWS/905219983?Title=2009-Memorial-Day-events-

Beat The Heat
Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon or Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach
http://www.co.sonoma.ca.us/parks/swimming.htm

Finley
http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/departments/recreationandparks/parks/aquaticsfacilities/Pages/FinleyAquaticCenter.aspx

Ridgway Swim Center
http://econnect.ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/Facilities/FacilitiesDetail.asp?FacilityId=3

Sonoma County YMCA
http://www.scfymca.org/

Morton's Warm Springs Open Memorial Day!
http://www.mortonswarmsprings.com/


Stomp Your Feet
Sonoma Jazz Fesitval
http://www.sonomajazz.org/

Landmark Winery Music
Saturday, May 23rd 1 - 4 pm. Saxaphonist Ylanda Nickell
Local area musicians and horse-drawn wagon rides. Dog and child friendly. Sip our award winning Chardonnay and Pinot, play Bocce or picnic by the pond.
http://www.landmarkwine.com/


Find A Treat
Healdsburg:
May 24 -- Healdsburg's annual Memorial Day Weekend Antique Fair, Healdsburg Plaza Park, Healdsburg
Fee: FreeTime: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Phone Number: (707) 433.4315

May 23 --18th Annual Heritage Day Historical displays, carnival rides, food, crafts, music "Trains in our Past, Trains in our Future", a celebration of railroads old and new, see how the arrival of the SMART train will change Cloverdale.
http://www.cloverdale.net/CurrentEvents.asp?EID=22

May 23, 10am – May 25, 5pm --“MEMORIAL WEEKEND TEA IN THE ROSE GARDEN”
http://www.russian-river-rose.com


May 25 -- Museum Mondays for Little Ones
http://www.schulzmuseum.org/

Hop, Skip and Jump...
(to a different County)

Marin County:
Calerdonia Street Fair
http://www.ci.sausalito.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=679

The Bay Model Visitor Center
http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc/

Marin Greek Festival
http://www.nativityofchrist.org/festival/index.htm

Other Counties:
Carnival San Francisco
http://www.carnavalsf.com/
(nor for the faint at hear!)

Playland Not-at-the-beach
http://www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org/

Santa Rosa Downtown Market an Interview

Since moving to Santa Rose a little over three years ago, I have spent many enjoyable summer evenings at the Santa Rosa Downtown Market.  Through my daughters playgroup I was fortunate to meet and befriend Susan Leslie who has a long history of involvement with the Market.  Susan has kindly agreed to be interviewed and share with us some of her knowledge about the Market. 

To begin with Susan, how are you involved with the Santa Rosa Downtown Market and how long have you been involved?
I've enjoyed being a Market board member since working in downtown Santa Rosa.  The downtown is Santa Rosa's "heart" and I've enjoyed being part of this community event for the past 7 years.


How long has the Market been around?
This is our 21st year!

What is new at the Market this year?
We are still downtown on 4th Street, but have a little different layout this year which should promote a more family-friendly feel. The Market goes from Mendocino to E St. (it was B St. to D St last year) with a kid's area in between.


What about the Market is unique to Santa Rosa?

The Downtown Market is a real Santa Rosa tradition. We showcase the "bounty of the county" with local food & produce, artists & handmade crafts, musicians and performers. Our mission is to have a fun time promoting our community.


You have a toddler.  As a parent of a young child, how do you spend your time at the Market? 
The Market is a great place for kids to experience Sonoma County fun! Some of our family favorites are the Jump houses, pony rides, face-painting, Rosie the trolley tours, the greyhounds and Humane Society animals, as well as all the different weekly events.

What event at this year's Market are you most looking forward too?
Kid's Night on July 1st!! There will be the circus, storytelling in the children’s library, the pen guy (with the car covered in pens), the North Bay Children’s Museum, magic show and of course all of the usual stuff – jump houses, ponies, face painting, chess tables, and the Sitter’s Place will be there.

As a Past President of the Downtown Market do you have any insider tips on how most to enjoy a visit to the Market?
We like to get there early, stroll through the market seeing the sites, enjoy some dinner in the square, and then buy some great market finds and of course good seasonal produce.

Is there a website where our readers can find out more about the Market and this year’s schedule?
http://www.srdowntownmarket.com

Thank you for taking the time to tell us more about this year's Downtown Market?  I hope to see you there next week.

The Downtown Market Blurb:
Come celebrate our community at this family-friendly festival on the square in Downtown Santa Rosa! The Santa Rosa Downtown Market (Wednesday Night Market) is Sonoma County's largest & most popular Farmer's Market and street faire. Every Wednesday night, from May 13 through August 12.  The Downtown Market brings the community together to celebrate and showcase the bounty of Sonoma County by offering fine foods, fresh produce, a variety of entertainment, and handmade arts and crafts. See you Wednesday!

Readers!  Please comment on your past experiences with the Downtown market.  Have you had the chance to visit this year's Market?  Do you plan to attend?  Do you have any questions for Susan?

Super-Duper Mini Chefs Kidgits Club

Have you signed your kids up for Coddingtown Mall's Kidgits Program yet?  It is a great deal.  For only $5.oo a year or $8.00 for two years your child gets a welcome gift, a birthday gift, and they host  monthly events just for the kids.  In June they are having a Super - Duper Mini Chefs Event.  Kidgits members will receive a free kids chef set.   This event is a food drive too.

Kidgits activities may include:

• Create lollipop flowers
• Make sweet cereal necklaces
• Decorate an apron to take home
• Make their own blend of trail mix - and enjoy it in an ice cream cone

Don't forget to bring a non-perishable food item, which will be donated to a local hunger relief organization. 

More info here:

http://www.simon.com/promotions/details.aspx?EID=103715