Gold Discovery Day — January 24, 2013
(Check with the Park for details on which day we will be celebrating the gold discovery. If the official date does not fall on a weekend, we often move the celebration date.) Celebrate Marshall Gold Discovery State Park with historic demonstrations, tours, speakers, and Gold Rush music at this annual commemoration of the discovery of gold in the tailrace of Sutter’s Mill. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Hwy 49 in Coloma. For more information call (530) 295- 2162 or (530) 622-3470. event website
Mother Lode Century — May 11, 2013
This annual scenic bicycling event features three options to choose from, a mild 28, a challenging 64 and wild 100-mile routes. There will be SAG support, meals, snacks and a riverside post-ride BBQ served along the American River. This ride helps support the American River Conservancy and El Dorado Trail.
Wakamatsu Colony Festival — May 18, 2013
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy Taiko drummers, sword demonstrations, Japanese folk music and dancing, traditional Japanese arts and crafts, history, and hay wagon tours. Sake, wine and sushi tasting. This fundraiser supports and honors the site of the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony Farm, the first known Japanese colony in North America. At the Graner House, Cold Springs Road, Gold Hill. $15 adults ($20 on day of event), $7 youth, free for kids 10 and under. (Food and beverages not included in ticket price.)
event websiteAmerican River Trailfest — June 9, 2013
Enjoy live performances, great food, local wines & beers, silent and live auctions, and activities for kids to help generate funds for the South Fork American River Trail at this benefit for the American River Conservancy. Dance under the stars at EarthTrek’s Camp in River Park Village located on Hwy 49 in Lotus. For more information call (530) 621-1224.
event websiteRiver Tunes — July 28 - August 1, 2013
Enjoy three and a half days of acoustic music instruction from instructors who come here from all over the United States. (707) 678-1351.
event website32nd Annual American River Festival — August 31, 2013
The American River Festival is one of the longest running whitewater festivals in the country. Come watch and participate in this fun weekend on water and land! Centered in Henningsen Lotus Park, land activities include games, live music, food and merchandise vendors, and great spectator seats. River games and activities include races for those of all abilities, fun fests for kids, and educational clinics. The Festival benefits several river-focused nonprofits. For more information, call The River Store at 530-626-3435.
event websiteLobster on the River — September 7, 2013
Each year Coloma Resort hosts “Lobster on the River.” Proceeds from this well-attended event benefit local projects, students, and organizations through the Placerville Rotary Club and the Placerville Soroptimist. Come enjoy live music and dancing under the stars set in a romantic setting right next to the river! Generous portions of lobster tails and or tender filet mignon with appetizers, clam chowder, fresh veggies and dessert are on the menu. For more information on this local charitable event call 530-621-2267.
7th Annual American River Music Festival — September 13 - 15, 2013
Bringing you the finest in American roots music, the 2012 festival presented over 25 performances, including Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings, Dangermuffin Tony Furtado, Poor Man’s Whiskey, Tom Russell, Wheeler Brothers, Ray Bonneville with Nina Gerber, the Joe Craven Trio, Birds of Chicago, Rita Hosking, Cousin Jack and more. Music will be at the riverfront main stage in Henningsen Lotus Park and at three riverfront campgrounds. Enjoy kids’ activities, art vendors, live art, music jams, dancing, a Friday night showcase, freshly prepared food, local beverages and much more. Several different ticket packages are available. For more information, call (530) 622-6044.
event websiteColoma Gold Rush Live — September 30, 2013
Experience life as it was during the 1850 California Gold Rush era. Enjoy live music, live history tent encampments, historic trade demonstrations, and a merchants market. There is gold panning for kids and adults, as well as sawmill demonstrations and historic reenactments —you will feel like you are rubbing shoulders with the adventurers and historical figures who helped create the worldwide rush to California. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, in Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. (530) 295-2170
event websiteChristmas in Coloma — November 30, 2013
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Our annual old-fashioned Christmas Celebration features period crafts, music, strolling musicians, historic trade demonstrations, 19th-century children’s games, wreath making, and vendors featuring hand-made crafts and foods for sale. A visit from Santa Claus is a colorful highlight of the day. Snow pile if weather permits. The park’s historic buildings will also be open for visitors’ enjoyment. For more information call Marshall Gold Discovery State Park at (530) 295-2173 or see our Christmas in Coloma page.
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Recent Updates
- Ready, Set...Happy Memorial Day Weekend! – Well, the Coloma-Lotus Valley is officially OPEN FOR BUSINESS for the 2013 Summer Season! All the seasonal businesses are open to serve your dining, lodging or recreational needs, the river is flowing and that Summertime feeling is here! So, come catch the buzz! Memorial Day weekend is our official kick-off to the Summer Season. From a bird's eye view, you would probably see a plethora of tents, cabins, RV's, rafts, kayaks, barbeques and families recreating, but from the view of the South Fork American River, you will just see a bunch of people having good ol' fashioned family fun in the great outdoors!
- More Events Happening In the Coloma-Lotus Valley! – My last post included fun, upcoming events that are happening RIGHT HERE in the CL Valley...but apparently one post wasn't nearly enough to accommodate everything that is happening! I was informed of even more great events, and thereby encouraged to share them with all of you!
- What's happening in the Coloma-Lotus Valley? – Coloma-Lotus Valley Upcoming Events: Ghost Rush 2013, 1st Annual Rattlesnake Bar Classic Car Show, Olde Coloma Theatre Events, Mother Lode Century, JDRF Coloma RIver Run and Wakamatsu Farm Festival.
- 2013 Coloma-Lotus Community Easter Egg Hunt! – Calling all local kids and families! Hopping into town this weekend...The 14th Annual Coloma-Lotus Community EASTER EGG HUNT!!! Saturday, March 30, 2013 beginning promptly at 12, Noon.