Events

Hundreds of people turned out for Sunday's season-opening visit by the food trucks to Stonehouse Park. The Sunday-dinnertime event, in its second year, will be staged weekly by Summerfest through September, with a different slate of trucks each week. Click photo for larger image. Read more » about Food trucks begin new season at Stonehouse

Lake Clementia Amphitheater is the home of ETC's shows every summer.

Entertainment, Theatre & Culture for Rancho Murieta is putting the polish to another summer of fun at Lake Clementia Amphitheater. ETC's season opens with the traditional party gathering May 7, and the shows begin June 10. This summer there will be tributes to Motown, Jimmy Buffett and the Beach Boys, Boston and Styx, Earth Wind and Fire, and Elton John. Read more » about ETC sets the table for a summer of fun

See 41 photos from the event

There was 750 pounds of crab for the cracking at Saturday night’s Kiwanis Crab Feed at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, but that wasn’t the only delicacy offered. Servers circulated with pricey caviar and two kinds of icy vodka, and patrons like Sam Somers Jr. swallowed a bump of caviar from the back of their hand and chased it with a small chug of vodka. That's Nancy Mazzoni serving the caviar. About 300 people chatted at their tables or bid on dozens of silent-auction items as music played. The event was a Kiwanis partnership with the Knights of Columbus. The servers were members of the Kiwanis Key Club, high schoolers who are the Kiwanians of the future. Click photos for larger images. Read more » about Kiwanis Crab Feed fills St. Vincent Church hall

See a gallery of 18 photos from the event

A happy crowd braved the chilly night air for the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting at Stonehouse Park Plaza Friday. The festivities began after Santa (also known as Tony Avampato) arrived by fire truck to light the tree and visit with children while parents took photos. The Optimist Club, sponsor of the free event, provided candy canes, cookies and hot chocolate for everybody. Click photo for larger image. Read more » about Santa Claus is coming to town? He's here!

It was a frosty morning for the sixth annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, but Jen McNamara, left, and Laurel Condon made the most of it with their turkey headgear. About a hundred adults and kids took part in the run. This year's race was lengthened to a bit more than three miles, according to organizer Charlotte Dubey.  The run, which benefits the Fisher House Foundation, offered special thanks this year to Summerfest, which provided insurance coverage. The run started and ended at the Gazebo. At the finish line, awaiting the male and female winners, were homemade holiday pies. Click the image below to see a panorama of the participants as they await the start.

Read more » about Turkey Trot warms up the morning

The holiday season gets under way Thursday and Friday with the Turkey Trot and Santa's arrival in Rancho Murieta. Here's the rundown. Read more » about A Turkey Trot and a visit from Santa

Among the many Halloween parties around the community this weekend, the celebration at Murieta Equestrian Center Saturday night stands out for its unique costume contest. Young riders and their horses paraded around the arena in costume, competing for prizes in their age groups and a grand prize of $500.  Seven-year-old Daphne Gretton of Santa Rosa was among the winners for her portrayal of a princess riding a unicorn. The costume party, part of the Halloween Championship Show, is a 16-year tradition. Click photo for larger image. Read more » about A Halloween princess astride her unicorn

Murietans are invited to honor and thank veterans with a community gathering and food Friday, Nov. 11, at the RMA Building. There will be coffee and donuts from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., sponsored by RM Caregiver Support Group, followed by hot dogs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., sponsored by the Summerfest Committee. The gathering will be free for veterans; a donation is requested of others. Read more » about Community invited to honor vets Nov. 11

Photo gallery: Seven event photos by Bill (Birdman) Gengler

The Cecchettini Ranch in Sloughhouse was filled with more than 100 River Valley Garden Club members and friends for the club’s annual "From Farm to Fork Dinner" on Saturday. This event funds a program that since 2007 has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants to Cosumnes River College and American River College students who are studying for a degree in horticulture. In addition to dinner, there was music by the Bags Groove Band and a silent auction. Special thanks went to 18 Amador County winery donors and 18 other local business donors, along with hosts Mindy and Wayne Cecchettini. Photos and information by Bill (Birdman) Gengler Read more » about Farm to Fork fun for River Valley Garden Club