Christmas in Coloma all Weekend, Dec. 13 & 14!

Come celebrate the Christmas season in an old-fashioned, hands-on, playful way! Both Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, children and adults can enjoy playing games, making holiday wreaths and candles, and buying high quality home-made crafts and products from local and area artisans. This is the place to get your children's photo with Santa!

Food and beverage are available in our lovely historic park in Coloma, and plenty of historically costumed and knowledgeable volunteers will help bring history to life. They even bring snow to the valley for fun! The event runs from 10am - 4pm both days. Parking is $7 for an entire carload. For more information see our Christmas in Coloma Article.

To volunteer at the event, call John Clagett at (530) 621-2170. For more information about the event, contact the Marshall Gold Discovery Park Association at (530) 622-6198 or e-mail ChristmasInColoma@MarshallGold.org.

Thanks to Betty Sederquist for the photo!

Fall and Winter Delights in the Valley

Below the Snow & Above the Fog: A Year-Round Playground

Shhh! Maybe the great year-round climate should be kept a secret, but the news about the fine weather is too good not to pass on. Now that the summer whitewater rafting & kayaking season has peaked, the equipment is tucked into storage and guides head back to college, Costa Rica or other destinations, locals relish what many consider the finest times of the year.

As temperatures cool, the lucky Coloma-Lotus valley residents who remain here, along with savvy campers and RVers, find plenty to do. Hiking, bicycling and other land activities become more attractive. Fall colors peak in October and November, when black oak forests and riverside cottonwoods blaze with orange and yellow. Savvy visitors love this time, often fitting in a visit to the valley with a trip to Apple Hill, local ranches, and wineries — all of which beckon with great savory attractions.

Winter, with its gentle, life-giving rains, is a time for indoor holiday activities, such as Christmas in Coloma, winter winery events, and local business open houses. In January, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park celebrates the anniversary of the first California gold discovery. See our calendar for more local events.

Any long-time resident of the valley has heard this question from outsiders: "How much snow did you get this year?" and that local resident will give the usual answer: None. Very occasionally the valley will receive several inches of snow, to the delight of local children. However, we're at a surprisingly low elevation — the river is at about 700 to 750 feet above sea level. Even that slight elevation, however, is enough to protect the valley from the dreary tule fog that plagues the Central Valley. So winters here are delightful, typically characterized by winter rains, frosty mornings and localized river mists that dissipate as the sun rises. For more information, forecasts, and links to road conditions, visit our Weather page.

Do come to Coloma-Lotus year-round for gorgeous natural beauty, delectable agricultural and culinary offerings, as well as our arts, history, and culture. Many restaurants, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and other lodgings are available year-round and generally are uncrowded. The B&Bs are beautifully decorated for the holidays. You're welcome to visit, and enjoy, any time!

Adapted from an article by Betty Sederquist. Photos (top to bottom) copyright © Mark Leder-Adams, Donna McMaster, and Betty Sederquist.

Coloma Gold Rush Live October 11, 12 & 13

Come to Coloma — come to the Gold Rush! Expanded to three days this year, Coloma will be full of sights, sounds, scents, and hands-on experiences as costumed volunteers living in a tent encampment and working a recreated mining camp show us history. Merchants hawk their wares, musicians play period instruments and sing songs of the early immigrants, and children play games from the 19th century. For these three days, artists make pictures, tools, and clothes, visitors learn how to pan for gold and make candles and rope, and miners tell tales from the goldfields. On Sunday at 11 a.m., "the Rev. Freedom Hawkins," accompanied by Joan Cook on the historic Emmanuel Church organ, calls all visitors to an 1850s church service. All three days, visitors may rub shoulders with adventurers and historical figures, such as James Marshall, who found the nugget that started the California Gold Rush.

In the beautiful Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park under graceful trees, "Tent Town" will be the site of much of the action. Near the main museum (where there will be food vendors), volunteers in period dress and tents will cook over open fires and demonstrate trades such as spinning, weaving, basket making and more. Wagon rides will be available for hire. And an extra-special feature is free mail service in Tent Town! Folks can write letters (the old-fashioned way) in a General Delivery tent, and mail will be delivered by horse. Experience some of the many cultures that were here at this important time in history through Mexican and Spanish/Californio tents, the Miwok Village, and the Chinese Store museum.

There will be even more fun activity across the street. See a blacksmith at work! John Clagett, Volunteer Coordinator and event organizer, is especially excited about the participation of expert blacksmith and farrier Eron Simmons. Simmons will be demonstrating period blacksmith techniques at the still-functioning Monroe Blacksmith shop on Main Street. Even better, he will be doing so in the character of Pearley Monroe himself! Pearley was a member of the Monroe-Gooch African American family who worked their way out of slavery to become successful and respected in the area. They eventually owned the land that is now the State Park where all these festivities will occur. See "Pearley" on Saturday only!

Also in the park, the historic Thomas and Capini Houses will be open Saturday and Sunday for a special inside look. And for more fun, activity, and history, volunteers all three days will be in the area of Sutter's Mill interpreting the building of the mill, the discovery of gold, and a carpenters' cabin. Even more — right there along the river will be a re-creation of a 1849 mining camp. See it live!

Coloma Gold Rush Live! is presented by Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and the Gold Discovery Park Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the interpretation and conservation of the Park. Parking and entry fee is only $8 per carload, covering everyone in the car. Times are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Monday. For more information call (530) 295-2162. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is located in Coloma on Highway 49 between Placerville and Auburn.

Visit the Gold Discovery Park Association website for photographs from previous Gold Rush Live celebrations. All photographs are ©copyright 2004-2008 by Betty Sederquist, and may not be reprinted without her permission. We are grateful to Betty for her generous support of Marshall Park and the Coloma-Lotus community.

Melodrama Playing at the Olde Coloma Theatre!

Come to the Olde Coloma Theatre! Cheer the heroine and hero! Boo and hiss the evil villains! Interact with your actors — who reply in character! Enjoy the rare art of melodrama — it's one of only three such theatres in California! Children under 5' tall sit up front and are a part of the show. Adults enjoy the innuendos that fly over the children's heads!

Five different shows are presented from mid-May through late December. The Olde Coloma Theatre provides audiences with entertaining interactive theatre. It also provides the local community a place and project to focus its energies and resources. All the Theatre's Coloma Crescent Performers are from the local area and are from 5 to over 60 years old. People from all walks of life volunteer at the theatre in all its many jobs, and there's always room for new volunteers.

The autumn show has just started: "Hilda's Haunted Hilltops Halloween Retirement Home ... or ... Remember The Golden Fool." Come see what happens to old Halloween characters who just can't scare anyone any more. Plays are every Friday and Saturday night, with matinees on October 12, 19 & 26. Artistic Director Melynda Tipton, who has been involved with almost every aspect of theatre since she was 14 years old, wrote this new show for the stage. It is a throwback to a Halloween show she wrote two years ago. The same characters in the same home face a new problem. It's fun for those who have seen the earlier show, and for those who are new to the plays.

The winter show is called, "A Coloma Christmas Carol ... or ... Will Someone Get this Lady off the Stage?" by Heather Whittington and Melynda Tipton. It runs every Friday and Saturday night from Nov 21, 2008 - Dec 21, 2008, with matinees on November 30 and December 7, 14 and 21.

All shows are family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. It is interactive theatre — the audience talks with the characters and they answer. For actors, this is some of the most challenging acting because they need to be able to ad lib to the audience. Every show is a little different, adapted for each audience!

Tipton encourages all to come see the shows, and all who are interested to invest some time and energy into the theatre. "If you have a talent, we can find a use for it," she invites. "Anyone with any talent and willingness is welcome to bring it to the Theatre."

Folks are needed to work backstage crew, front concession and ticket help, and as parking attendants, performers, lighting & sound technicians, costume-makers, and cleaning crew. On the artistic side, directors, assistant directors, writers, performers, and musicians (especially piano players) are neeed. Volunteers can commit to an entire run, or help out an evening or two to see the show for free.

High school students can get community service credit working at the theatre, and have a rewarding experience there. Tipton exclaims, "I know so many kids who if they hadn't gotten involved in theatre, would have been out getting stoned and stealing cars." What they and others find at the theatre instead is a sense of community, a sense of fulfillment, and new confidence when in front of an audience. Working on a show behind the stage also provides a tangible end result that is very satisfying. Plus there's great personal connections. "After working a show with people, you feel so much closer with them," says Tipton. "If you work the theatre, you join the family of the Coloma Crescent Players."

So come on out to see a show, enjoy some refreshments including fresh popped corn which you salt yourself, and have fun with live performers. Feel free too to donate items to the theatre — the wish list includes wood for building sets, paint, costume items, and props such as old lanterns, candle holders, old paintings, tea sets, household items, floor area rugs, bolts of material, and much more.

The theatre is a nonprofit entity with 501(c) status, so donations are tax-deductable. All the money made through shows goes straight back into the theatre. Says Tipton, who volunteers 40-60 hours per week for the theatre, "It's the most hard and thrilling work I've ever done. It's a great joy and a great responsibility." Email Melynda Tipton to become part of the drama.

Shows are at the Olde Coloma Theatre, 380 Monument Road, Coloma 95613. Doors open at 7:30pm, curtain rises at 8:00pm. Tickets are $10 general, $9 for ages 55+, and $5 for ages 12 and under. Call for reservations: (530) 626-5282. Visit the Olde Coloma Theatre website for more information. Enjoy the show!

Emmy Winners in Coloma-Lotus!

Local filmmakers Todd Stanley and Ben Zupo, part of the cinematography team from Discovery Channel's number one Television show, Deadliest Catch, have just won an Emmy award for their work. This year was Todd's 4th Emmy nomination, and the show has been nominated for five Emmys altogether.

TVNext reports: "Captivating viewers and critics alike, Deadliest Catch has once again been recognized by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, earning Primetime Emmy nominations in five different categories. ... Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, which captures the dangers, adventures and disasters of a fleet of crab-fishing boats on the icy Bering Sea, was honored with five nominations from the Academy in the following categories: Outstanding Nonfiction Series, Outstanding Cinematography For Nonfiction Programming, Outstanding Picture Editing For Nonfiction Programming, Outstanding Sound Mixing For Nonfiction Programming (Single Or Multi-Camera) and Outstanding Special Class - Short-Format Nonfiction Programs."

You can read more about Todd Stanley at Boilline Productions.

Open Studio on the River in Coloma 9/27 & 9/28

Four talented local Coloma-Lotus Valley artists invite the public to their art show and sale at Kelly Ahola's studio on the South Fork of the American River on Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. They will be showing and selling paintings, glass mosaics, note cards, jewelry, painted porcelain and ceramics, stained glass kaleidoscopes & mobiles. This is one of many weekend offerings of the annual El Dorado Artists Studio Tour. Bring a friend, come have some refreshments and meet your local artists.

Kelly Ahola - Glass Mosaics, Note Cards, and Jewelry

Kelly has always loved to make mosaics, paint, embroider, and quilt. She started making mosaics with a vengeance after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake supplied her with many broken dishes to incorporate into pieces of art. Kelly now teaches mosaic classes in her studio on the river in Coloma. She and her family have lived in the Coloma Valley since the 1970’s, with some of those years spent in Santa Cruz.

Mary Ann Young Broddrick - Pastel, China Painting, Watercolor, Mixed Medium

Mary Ann started painting porcelain in 1969 when her two sons were young, and taught porcelain painting for 15 years. She has drawn, worked in watercolor, and restored Antique Glass for many years and studied with many teachers. Mary Ann then found pastel, and now plein air painting with pastels is her favorite of all mediums. She says, “When I hike into the high country and witness the vistas that capture my breath, I just have to paint them. I want my clients to enjoy the views and places I have traveled to, plus have the feeling that I feel when I'm painting, which is an immense enjoyment of this picturesque country that we live in.”

Michelle Sage Kite - Light-catching Glass Art Mobiles and Kaleidoscopes

Local artist Michelle Sage Kite has taught art in public schools for over 20 years. She currently teaches at El Dorado High School. Glass is her new medium to explore and she finds its possibilities seem endless. Michelle enjoys the way light plays with glass and adds a new dimension to its beauty. She is delighted to have this opportunity to share art in our lovely community, and hopes for many to visit their show.

Kristina Nugent - Colorful Plein Aire Landscapes in Oil and Watercolor

Kristina is a Professor Emeritus and has received international art awards at the San Diego Museum of Art and Albuquerque Musuem for her paintings in watercolor and oil. She exhibits nationally. Kris paints and lives on the American River where she and her husband have been raft guides, hot air balloon pilots and international guides.

To get to the studio: From Highway 49 through Coloma, turn east onto Marshall Road at the stop sign. Go 1/4 mile to 6921 Marshall Road on the right -- look for the yellow "Studio Tour" signs.

If you need further directions or have any questions about the Coloma-Lotus show, call (530) 626-7823. For more information about the tour and other participating artists, contact the Placerville Arts Association.

American River Music Festival Sept. 19-21

Come enjoy the second annual American River Music Festival, whose mission is teaching, inspiring, and enjoying music. The three-day festival features various types of acoustic music from throughout North America: Cajun, classic Americana folk, rock, roots music, folk, blues, folk rock, cloggers, flute & drum, and more! Artists include The Buccaneers, John Wort Hannam, The Refugees, Ray Bonneville, the David Jacobs-Strain Trio, Keith Greeninger with Dayan Kai, Joe Craven with Sam Bevin, Steppin' In It, Gandolf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Blame Sally, and more.

The main stage is in Henningsen-Lotus Park, in Lotus, California, and many area campgrounds are participating with their own intimate musical stages. The festival is expanded this year to include a complete musical Friday. There will be 24 music performances and workshops over the 3 days, including Jammin 101 with Sid Lewis from Chico which is open to anyone staying at participating campgrounds or volunteering for the event, who are ready to learn that they too have musical ability!

There will be kids' activities in the park, a free shuttle to and from participating campgrounds, and special events such as music and rafting on the South Fork American River, naturalist-led musical hikes, and music in the schools. The Buccaneers will be visiting four local elementary schools to lead students through Canada's history and geography, intertwined with shanties and music. The band Steppin' in It will visit Golden Sierra High School and present two complete, complimentary high school performances of their educational piece that covers eight genres of music, and history.

Many local organizations, individuals, sponsors, and agencies have cooperated to make this festival so comprehensive and exciting. "The community has been fabulous about supporting the festival, top to bottom," reports festival organizer Matt Semonsen. Come on out and camp, hike, boat, and listen to great music!

Advance ticket prices are: $35 for single-day main stage tickets, $89 for three-day camping and all music, $189 for three-day camping, a river trip, and all music, and $219 for the all-inclusive package of three-day camping, river trip, all meals, and all music. Purchase tickets at the American River Music Festival website or call (530) 622-6044.

There may still be space for members of the local community to volunteer with the event. If interested, contact Alice Butler, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@americanrivermusic.org.