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Calendar

< Saturday, March 9, 2019 >


All Day 46th Annual Bjornloppet Hits the Nordic Trails March 9 & 10
Bear Valley, CA...On Saturday, March 9th, cross country skiers from near and far will assemble in the Bear Valley Meadow for the 46th running of the Bjornloppet Ski Race and Festival. With a 10:30 am start, The “Bjornloppet”, meaning Bear Race in Norwegian, is enjoyed by young and old alike. There are divisions for all ages and two distances are offered, 20 kilometers (two laps) and 10 kilometers in Saturday’s freestyle (striding or ski skating) race.


The mass start is fun to watch with the go-fast racers using the ski skating technique. The course winds through aspen trees, over some roller coaster terrain and ends up on the Bjornloppet Trail with its notorious Bjornloppet Downhill. Big thrills are part of the racing game as the race can be won or lost on this section alone. After the race is over, skiers will gather for an outrageous awards party with food, awards and prizes from Salomon, local businesses and suppliers.

Saturday is the main event, but on Sunday, March 10th, a second day of racing is offered up for striders (classic skiers only – no ski skaters). This 10 Kilometer (or 5 Kilometer for junior racers) event starts at 10:00 am (don’t forget to set your clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time), features a different course and is followed up with awards for overall (1st, 2nd & 3rd) winners and raffle prizes as well.

This year’s events are hosted by Bear Valley Cross Country staff, awesome volunteers and Dianne and Paul Petersen. BVCC is reporting excellent mid-winter ski conditions with many days of All Trails Open.

For more information contact www.bearvalleyxc.com or 209 753-2834.

Bear Valley Cross Country (Bear Valley Adventure Company, Inc.), is now owned by the Bear Valley Mountain Cooperative. For more information on how to become a Bear Valley Mountain Co-Op member, please visit www.bvmcoop.org.
All Day What’s Happening in Murphys March 5-13, 2019
Murphys, CA...Try out the Saturday Hopper bus service running between Valley Springs and Arnold with stops in Murphys from February to October. Enjoy a day in Murphys and leave the driving to Calaveras Transit! March 5, 2019 – Winemakers Night at Alchemy - Enjoy jazz and blues performed by Anthony Delaney while sipping $5 glasses of Brice Station wines. $20 per bottle. Call (209) 728-0700 for reservations. March 6, 2019 - Taize Service at First Congregational Church in Murphys - A contemplative candlelit service of prayers, readings, and songs offering comfort and peace from 7-8 pm. Contact Faye at 209 890 7466 for more information.


March 7, 2018 – Murphys Business Association Monthly Meeting – Business owners, staff and other interested persons are welcome to join the Murphys Business Association at 8:30 am to discuss topics of interest in Murphys.

March 7, 2019 – The Thursday Night Experiment at Murphys Irish Pub - Anthony Delaney from 6-9 pm

March 7, 2019 – Thriving Every Other Thursday at Outer Aisle - Every other Thursday we celebrate diversity, nutrition, and artistry – you can enjoy a meal and shop the produce market for seasonal ingredients beginning at 6 pm. Call 209-728-1164 for more information or visit outeraislefoods.com

March 8, 2019 – Friday Night Music at Alchemy - Jerry McKay will be performing his music for baby boomers. 6:00pm-8:30pm. Call (209) 728-0700 for reservations.

March 8, 2019 – Art Night at the Murphys Pourhouse – Join us from 5-9 pm for Art Night with featured artist Pilar Barnes. Pilar is a self-taught watercolor artist whose current collection is painted exclusively with wine. Yes... wine! By letting the wine age in her paint palette, the wine changes consistency and darkens allowing her to use it as a paint medium. When we first saw her paintings, we were blown away and we are elated to be showcasing her work here.

March 8-9, 2019 – Murphys Irish Pub gets Lively on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:30-9:30 pm.

March 9, 2019 - Wine & Whimsy, Comedy Night featuring Michael Mancini at Ironstone Winery - Purchase tickets online at sicalaverascounty.org or call 209-753-9700, no tickets sold at the event. Michael Mancini, a comedian dubbed “the World’s Funniest Cop” will be bringing his wit to Wine and Whimsy at Ironstone Vineyards on March 9th. The event, presented by Soroptimist International of Calaveras County, promises to provide an evening of laughter, friendship and wine while honoring local first responders. Doors open at 6:30pm.

March 9-10, 2019 - Spring Daffodil Show at Ironstone Vineyards - The Spring Show is brought to you by the Northern California Daffodil Society and the Calaveras County Garden Club. The show will display captivating daffodil exhibits in horticulture, artistic design, and photography. The show opens at 12 p.m. Saturday and 10 am Sunday.
For information, contact Bob Spotts at (925) 625-5526 or robert_spotts@comcast.net, or visit http://www.daffodil.org

March 9, 2019 – 17th Annual Love the Forest Concert & Fundraiser Featuring Cantamos – Join us at our New Location at the Vida Buena Farms in Vallecito beginning at 7 pm. Tickets are available in advance at Sustenance Books, SNAC, & Murphys Music Company. This event is a FUNdraiser for Ebbetts Pass Forest Watch [501c (3)]. Visit forestwatchers.org.

March 10, 2018 – Second Sunday Artisan Tasting Series at Lavender Ridge – Four Rhones with Cheese Pairings – 2-3 pm at the Tasting Room.

March 10, 2019 – Round the World Culinary Delights at Murphys Grille - Join us every other Sunday night to enjoy a special menu highlighting the epicurean delights of a specific region of the world, from France to the American South. Call 209-728-8800 for reservations.

March 10, 2019 – Ovation Concert Series with Tom Rigney in Angels Camp – Sunday from 3–5 p.m. Visit the Calaveras County Arts Council website to purchase tickets. Tom Rigney is one of the premier blues and roots music violinists in the world and continues to be a prolific composer of powerfully compelling music for the violin, music whose influences come from an extremely wide range of musical styles within the broad boundaries of American Roots Music.

March 12, 2019 – Winemakers Night at Alchemy - Come and enjoy delicious wine for only $5 glass from Four Winds Cellars while listening to the music of Ras Beeken Dan. Call (209) 728-0700 for reservations.

March 12, 2019 – Maximizing Your Mac with SMUG - Getting the most out of your Apple computer will be the main topic when SMUG (Sierra Macintosh User Group) holds its monthly meeting Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. in the community room of the Murphys Library. SMUG meetings are designed for dues paying members, but anyone is welcome to attend to see if they would like to join the group. SMUG’s goal is to take the mystery out of computers and to enable members to take advantage of all the features their Mac products possess. – Celebrate Murphys Irish Heritage with us each year on the third Saturday in March. Main Street is closed to traffic so you may enjoy the pancake breakfasts, hometown parade, craft vendors, all day music and entertainment, and, of course, all our local shops, restaurants and wineries in downtown Murphys.
Visit MurphysLiveMusic on Facebook for more events from Copperopolis to Bear Valley.
All Day Reclamation to Host Project Learning Tree Workshop at New Melones Lake
Sonora, CA...The Bureau of Reclamation will host a Project Learning Tree workshop for educators March 8 and 9 at New Melones Lake. The workshop is an ecosystems-based curriculum, hosted in collaboration with the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Project Learning Tree workshop attendees will have the option to attend the one or two-day training. The March 8 workshop will focus on becoming a certified Project Learning Tree facilitator, giving attendees the skills to host their own workshop in their local community. The March 9 workshop will give educators the tools to use the curriculum in their classrooms.


Workshop lessons will focus primarily on the Oak Woodland ecosystems, since this represents New Melones. Register online for this workshop through March 9 at http://ucanr.edu/pltnewmelones

Project Learning Tree is a nationally-recognized curriculum that relies on trees and forestry to help enhance students’ understanding about the environment and how they can help sustain it. The workshop supports California State Science Standards and focuses on inquiry-based lessons and activities to help students understand the basic features of forest ecology and natural resource stewardship.

For more information about the workshop, contact Project Learning Tree coordinator Sandy Derby at stderby@ucanr.edu or Park Ranger Mike McGraw at mmcgraw@usbr.gov

For additional information on New Melones Lake, call the Visitor Center at 209-536-9543 (TTY 800-877-8339) or visit https://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/index.html
All Day The Sonora Celtic Faire, Celtic Heritage Celebration, Jousting Championships & More
Sonora, CA...March 8-10th, 2019 at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds. It is one of the oldest and largest Celtic Faires in existence. Since 1986 it has been a fixture on the spring calendar.




All Day Columbia Gold Rush Days
Columbia, CA...Reserve the second Saturday of every month for Gold Rush Days at Columbia State Historic Park. You’ll get to see inside special exhibits, stores and residences not regularly open to the public.  Docents in period attire will provide lots of information on the structure of their featured building, nature of its business and equipment, contents of store merchandise, or interior décor of family homes, along with history of the times for visitors. If you’re lucky, the gambling table will be set up on the boardwalk for everyone to try their hand at betting against a mining camp gambler. This event is free.


Sponsored by The Friends Of Columbia SHP. Visit their website here for more information.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Old Timers Museum Walking Tours Are Every Saturday at 10am.
Murphys, CA...Each Saturday morning the Old Timers Museum in Murphys offers a historical walking tour of Murphys. No reservation necessary. Meet at the Museum, 470 Main St, Murphys, across from the Hotel 10 am. Walk is 1-1/12 hours.


A stroll down tree-lined Main Street transports visitors back to the mid-1800s with buildings bearing thick stone walls, iron shutters and pastoral gardens with white picket fences. Once you experience the charm and hospitality of Murphys, the historic “Queen of the Sierra”, you’ll want to come back again and again!

Rich in Gold Rush History, Murphys today is a vibrant, thriving community of over 2,000 residents. Many of the surrounding hillsides are rich with the fine wine grapes grown in our area. Murphys offers wineries, art galleries, live theater, eclectic shops, fine restaurants, charming hotels and B&B’s as well as a multitude of outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities.

Murphys’ colorful past came alive in 1848 when John and Daniel Murphy established a trading post and gold mining operation in the area that is now their namesake. True entrepreneurs with the luck of the Irish, they were a part of the very first immigrant party – the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy families – to successfully bring wagons over the Sierra in 1844, paving the way for westward migration. John and Daniel’s cries of “Gold!” were among the first heard in California. It is reported that the brothers took two million dollars in gold ore from the Murphys Diggins in one year’s time, making them millionaires before the age of 25. The sizzling Gold Rush camp of Murphys also played host to President Grant, Mark Twain and Black Bart. And in some circles, to an even more famous chap – a young, inquisitive lad who literally changed the scientific world, Dr. Albert Michelson.

Our friendly residents invite you to revisit the past while exploring the “new” upscale Murphys. Guided walking tours of the town’s many historic buildings including the home of Albert Michelson, the first American Nobel Prize winner, are conducted every Saturday at 10:00 a.m., starting in front of the Old Timers Museum on Main Street.
11:00 AM - 05:00 PM First Ever Cajun Festival Slated for San Andreas! Fundraiser benefits Hospice of Amador and Calaver
San Andreas, CA...The first ever Calaveras Ragin’ Cajun Festival will be held 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. March 9, 2019 on the historic downtown streets of San Andreas where almost a half-ton of Louisiana crayfish will be boiled and served up along with live music and several dozen vendors. Members of the San Andreas Rotary Club have been planning this event since late summer. Proceeds will benefit Hospice of Amador and Calaveras, and other Rotary projects.


Festival-goers will find historic Main and Court streets lined with dozens of vendors and three stages of live music. The BluesBox Bayou Band, with members hailing from Sonora and Modesto, will be headlining with their blend of New Orleans, Cajun, Americana and Blues. They claim they “aren’t your grandma’s accordion band.” Regional favorites, the Bob Eisenman Jazz Band and James Harkins, are also scheduled to take the stages throughout the day.

Foodies looking for real Cajun fare will not be disappointed as the Rotarians have contracted with Blake Broussard, a Louisiana native and owner of Ragin’ Cajun Kitchen and Catering Co. out of Modesto. In addition to the 850 pounds of crayfish, Broussard and Rotarians will be serving up Cajun Sausage Po’Boys, deep fried Catfish, deef fried Shrimp and even Cajun Hot Wings prepared by “Lord of the Wings” from Stockton. Taps will be pouring traditional Hurricanes, Bloody Marys, beer, wine and hard ciders.

Tickets are just $5 in advance or $10 at the gate; children five and younger are admitted free. Gate entry fee includes music and access to booths and does not include food and drinks. Tickets may be purchased locally at the Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce and the Pizza Factory in San Andreas. You may also buy tickets online at www.SanAndreasRotary.com/Events. Gate prices are kept low thanks to a generous Platinum sponsorship by Mark Twain Medical Center, George Reed Construction, Inc.,

The San Andreas Rotary Club is getting quite the reputation of putting on great fundraising festivals. Their Calaveras Wine, Cheese and Olive Festival in August 2017 and 2018 were both sold out and a great time was had by all. For the March 9th Calaveras Ragin’ Cajun Festival, they expect more of the same. “Laissez les bon temps rouler!” — Let the good times roll!

# # # # #
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Town Tours of Columbia State Historic Park Every Weekend!
Columbia, CA...Enjoy an hour-long walking tour of town led by a park staff member or docent. See the actual gold discovery site, learn about the buildings and early merchants of Columbia. Sponsored by The Friends Of Columbia SHP. Visit their website here for more information. Town Tours are every Saturday & Sunday starting at 11 am. Meet at the office on Main Street & State St Columbia, CA 95310

12:00 PM - 03:00 PM The Historic Dedication of the Malispina-Davies Building is March 9th Noon to 3pm
Murphys, CA...Please come and help us celebrate the Historic Dedication of the Malispina - Davies building in Murphys. Located on the Corner or Main street and Big Trees road. This Event is FREE and everyone is invited! Starting at noon we will be offering tours of the building and share with you may artifacts from the Davies private collection of Local memorabilia. Also get a great history of Murphys from local Author and Historian Maureen Elliott. Local artist Judie Cain and Sarah Evans will be featuring their art as well. At 1pm the Native Sons will begin the special ceremony and dedication of the building. Please come and help us celebrate this very special occasion with John and Pat Davies along with their daughter Patsy!

02:00 PM A Chorus Line Continues Through March 24th
Sonora, CA...A Chorus Line is a stunning concept musical capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition. Exploring the inner lives and poignant ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies, the show features one powerhouse number after another. Memorable musical numbers include “What I Did for Love, “One,” “I Can Do That,” “At the Ballet,” “The Music and the Mirror,” and “I Hope I Get It.” Audiences, critics, and artists agree… A Chorus Line is the perfect musical.




Conceived and Originally Directed and Choreographed by ​Michael Bennett​
Book by James Kirkwood & ​Nicholas Dante
Music by ​Marvin Hamlisch
Lyrics by ​Edward Kleban
Co-Choreographed by Bob Avian
Original Broadway production produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival, Joseph Papp, Producer, in association with Plum Productions, Inc.
February 10-March 24
East Sonora Theatre
Rated ​PG-13
06:30 PM Comedian Michael Mancini to Headline at Wine and Whimsy on March 9th, 2019
Murphys, CA...Michael Mancini, a comedian dubbed “the World’s Funniest Cop” will be bringing his wit to Wine and Whimsy at Ironstone Vineyards on March 9th. The event, presented by Soroptimist International of Calaveras County, promises to provide an evening of laughter, friendship and wine while honoring local first responders.


Mancini's high-energy style and hilarious stories from his real-life job have made him a three-time winner of the World's Funniest Cop competition, hosted by Jay Leno. “I do jokes about car stops and excuses about getting out of tickets,” he says. “I make fun of firemen and stupid people.” He is a regular favorite headliner at clubs, colleges and corporate events around the country. Cecile Kaiser will be the opening act and doors open at 6:30pm.

Wine and Whimsy tickets are now available on-line at http://sicalaverascounty.org or by calling 209-753-9700. Admission, including a no-host bar and light appetizers, is $45 and $40 for first responders. No tickets will be sold at the door. A unique siren raffle and proceeds will benefit Soroptimist International of Calaveras County and their programs for women and girls.

Soroptimist has again partnered with Dignity Health Mark Twain Medical Centers to offer free lipid panel screenings to Calaveras County women for the entire month of February. To participate, contact a participating clinic.
07:00 PM The 17th Annual Love the Forest Concert March 9th at the Vida Buena Farms in Vallecito
Vallecito, CA...Mark your calendars for the 17th annual Love the Forest Concert at our New Location at the Vida Buena Farms in Vallecito, Saturday, March 9th, beginning at 7 pm. Cantamos with Michela Macfarlane: Michela and Cantamos highlight their musical dexterity by moving from arias, traditional Latin songs, and musicals, to contemporary favorites. Their music moves seamlessly from English to Italian, Spanish to French, Portuguese to Hawaiian and back again. Michela Macfarlane spent ten years steeped exclusively in baroque music. To expand her singing world she moved to the realms of jazz, pop, and Latin sounds. Michela is still true to her operatic roots and has grown as a performer. Michela is backed by Ron Schaner on (Bass and vocals), Gunther Huse (Keyboards, Trumpet, and vocal), and Ray Price (Drums), Ras Beeken Dan: Sax, Clarinet & Flute, Brandon Broholm: Trombone and Tonja Peterson: vocals & percussion.


When: Saturday, March 9th at 7:00 pm
Where: Vida Buena Farms ~ 3286 Vallecito Bypass Rd, Vallecito, CA 95251
Tickets Now available:
Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 in advance

From one of the following outlets:
In Angels Camp: Manzanita Arts Emporium (1211 S Main St, Angels Camp);
In Arnold: SNAC (2293 HWY 4, Arnold);
In Murphys: Sustenance Books (416 Main St, Murphys), SNAC (448 Main St., Murphys), & Murphys Music Company (88 HWY4, Murphys).

FUNdraiser for: Ebbetts Pass Forest Watch [501c (3)]
http://www.forestwatchers.org or visit our Facebook page
The mission of Ebbetts Pass Forest Watch is to protect, promote and restore healthy forest and watersheds to maintain the quality of life in the Sierra Nevada.

Mark Twain Medical Center
Meadowmont Pharmacy
Angels & San Andreas Memorial Chapels
Bear Valley Real Estate
Gerard Insurance
Bank of Stockton
Fox Security
Bistro Espresso
Chatom Winery
Middleton's Furniture
Bear Valley Mountain Resort
Cave, Mine & Zip Lines
High Country Spa & Stove
Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway
Sierra Logging Museum Calaveras Mentoriing
Jenny's Kitchen

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