July 2017
www.valcomnews.com | TRAVEL, 6 | CRAFTS, 7 | BOOK REPORT, 8 | WHO WROTE THAT, 10
Kids eat free this summer www.valcomnews.com Publisher: David Herburger Editor: Monica Stark Contributing Writers: Susan Roberts, Bitsy Kemper, Carmel Mooney Art Director: John Ochoa Graphic Designer: Annin Greenhalgh Advertising: Melissa Andrews, Linda Pohl - 916-429-9901 Cover photo Metro News Group California Kids! is published monthly and distributed to more than 1,000 locations in the Sacramento Valley, including all of Sacramento County, and portions of Yolo (Davis and Woodland), Placer (Rocklin and Roseville), El Dorado (Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Placerville) counties. Subscriptions are available for $30/year. Mail prepaid check or money order to California Kids!, 1109 Markham Way, Sacramento, CA 95818. Make sure to specify the person and address to which you wish issues to be mailed. Deadlines for advertising and calendar listings are the 25th of the month prior to publication. Calendar listings should be mailed to 1109 Markham Way, Sacramento, CA 95818, faxed to (916) 429-9906, or e-mailed to editor@valcomnews.com. Copyright 2017 by Valley Community Newspapers Inc. 1109 Markham Way, Sacramento, CA 95818. Phone: (916) 429-9901. Fax: (916) 429-9906. E-mail:calkids@valcomnews.com. ©2017 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
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CUSD’s Summer Food Service program is serving breakfast and lunch to anyone 18 or younger at 47 sites School cafeterias may be closed this summer, but children and teens can still get nutritious breakfasts and lunches at no charge throughout the Sacramento City Unified School District beginning June 26. Find summer lunches at the following locations or by texting FOOD or COMIDA to 877-877 or call 211 for a location near you. SCUSD Locations A.M. Winn Public Waldorf School Abraham Lincoln Elementary School Albert Einstein Middle School American Legion High School Bowling Green Elementary School Boys’ and Girls’ Club (5212 Lemon Hill) Bret Harte Elementary School California Middle School Caroline Wenzel Elementary School City Hall (915 I Street) Earl Warren Elementary School Elder Creek Elementary School Ethel I. Baker Elementary School Fern Bacon Middle School SCUSD Enrollment Center (5601 47th Ave) Golden Empire Elementary School Health Professions High School H.W. Harkness Elementary School Hiram Johnson High School Isador Cohen Elementary School John Bidwell Elementary School
FOLSOM MONTESSORI
John Sloat Elementary School John F. Kennedy High School John Still Elementary School Leataata Floyd Elementary School Luther Burbank High School Martin Luther King, Jr. K-8 School Nicholas Elementary School Parkway Elementary School Peter Burnett Elementary School Rosa Parks K-8 School Rosemont High School Sam Brannan Middle School Tahoe Elementary School Will C. Wood Middle School William Land Elementary School During the school year, SCUSD’s Nutrition Services serves more than 50,000 meals a day in school cafeterias throughout the city. Many students eat for free: about twothirds of SCUSD’s 47,000 students qualify for a free- or reduced-price meal through the federal school lunch program. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) benefits all children in accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy. All meals must meet the USDA minimum meal guidelines. Meals must follow a specified plan that includes milk, fruits, vegetables or juice, whole grain products and meat or meat alternative. Summer Food Service is a federally-funded program and SCUSD’s costs are reimbursed by the federal government.
Preschool & Kindergarten
Open Houses: Sundays, July 16 & Aug. 13, 10 am – Noon
Enrolling for Fall!
PEEK INSIDE OUR CLASSROOMS at
www.folsommontessori.com
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Folsom's first Montessori school serving families since 1980 502 Riley St. 351-0345 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JULY 2017
California State Fair calendar of events
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he 50th Anniversary of the State Fair at Cal Expo, and the 164th year overall... the 2017 California State Fair is finally here! Showcasing the best of the best in California, there is something for everybody to see. Whether it be family fun, date night, or a night out with friends, the 2017 California State Fair is the place for your summer’s best moments ahead. What follows are daily highlights for the fair which starts on Friday, July 14 and ends on Sunday, July 30.
5:30 p.m.: Witness live judging of the best homemade jams and jellies that California has to offer. As part of the Canning and Baking Competition, this live judging is one delicious event to see!
Daily Events
ARC Design Hub vs. DieselZilla - 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Bring your family and friends to see American River College’s Design Hub battle DieselZilla! Various ARC departments and studentsgivehope.org have banded together in an effort to “lock the active site” that keeps DieselZilla from ending its tirade. Learn how to design a molecule to deactivate the monstrous DieselZilla and save the Golden State! This fun-packed event can be found in Expo Building 3.
River City Quilters - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.: River City Quilters are back! In this hands-on demonstration, you can design a nine-patch block. Then watch as volunteers sew your blocks into beautiful quilts right before your eyes! These quilts will be donated to children’s hospital wards throughout the Sacramento area. Over 100 quilts are consistently made each year from fair-goers design blocks! Occurring daily. Hollywood Krazy Kid Korral - 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Learn about how horses launched the Hollywood film industry, participate in fun games for the kids, and get ready for some fantastic photo opportunities! Hosted daily. Pigeon Display - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Fly on over to Fur and Feathers and see the beautiful pigeons on display. Their beauty will surprise you, and you may walk away having found your new favorite species! Occurring daily. California Crafts Exhibit: See the best of California’s crafts on display in Expo Building 8. From intricate quilts, to impressive wood art, there is a large variety of amazing work on display. Be sure to check out the featured craft art from this year’s special contests-Upcycle Home Decor and Steampunk Fashion! Hosted daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. FRIDAY, JULY 14 Homemade Jam and Jelly Show Judging: 10 a.m. to
Japanese Cultural Arts- 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Matsuyama Sacramento Sister City Corporation introduces you to Japanese culture, calligraphy, and origami. Demonstrating artists will teach you how to write in traditional Japanese calligraphy and fold dollar bills into art forms!
Valley Sculpture Artist Creates in 3D! - 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Experience the wonder of 3D art with our featured artist, Chris Thompson. You even will have the opportunity to learn how to throw and mold clay pots on a pottery wheel! Art Knows No Boundaries: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.: The Short Center North presents art as the greatest equalizer. Aptly named, this experience of live painting and jewelry making demonstration truly knows no boundaries. Located in Expo Building 7. The Art of Porcelain Painting: 10 a.m to 10 p.m. Watch the incredibly talented Camellia City Porcelain Artists demonstrate the delicate technique of painting porcelain. The different forms of painting being demonstrated will be classical floral, contemporary form, Chinese, and watercolor-style painting. Cooking Demo with Official CA State Fair Chef, Keith Breedlove: 1 to 2 p.m.: The
JULY 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide
brilliant Official California State Fair Chef, Keith Breedlove of the Culinary Cruzer, throws elbows, jokes, and facts, while turning the finest Farm-to Fork ingredients into creative and mouth-watering dishes. Join us for some culinary fun at The Grill in Kaiser Permanente Farm, presented by SaveMart. Rabbit Demonstration at 2 to 3 p.m.: Patrons can listen to rabbit exhibitors explain just what it is like to show a rabbit at the fair. Exhibitors will explain more about the rabbit species, proper care, and showmanship. You might even get to practice your exhibition skills!
LIVE Thoroughbred Horse Racing: 2:15 to 6 p.m.: Have you ever wanted to attend the Kentucky Derby, but never did? Are you a fan of celebrating the best? Do you like to have fun? Then come on over to the Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand for LIVE thoroughbred horse racing! It’s just like the Kentucky Derby, except right here at Cal Expo. Bring some friends, learn how to bet, and enjoy your time at this FREE event with the purchase of a State Fair ticket. Come back every Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday for more racing during the State Fair.
Farmyard Follies: 2:30 to 2:50 p.m.: Featuring animals from the Great American Petting Zoo, this is a funny and educational animal entertainment show! Some featured animals include: goats, llamas, sheep, and the infamous trouble-making spotted donkey, Fiona No-No! Children’s Variety Hour: 4:30 to 5 p.m.: Watch as horses and their riders gracefully display flat English ground work as demonstrated by K.I.S.S. Horse Center. Follow the larger horses, or watch the many talents of their miniature horse friends from Storybook Farm Mighty Mini’s. Cal Crush Clydesdales: 5:30 to 6 p.m.: Come witness the magnificently polished giants gracefully prance around the arena pulling the big red Cal Crush wagon. Sheila E. ~ CA State Fair Toyota Concert Series: 8 to 10 p.m.: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Sheila E. on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available
for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. SATURDAY, JULY 15 Walk the Runway with Agee Fashion Institute: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Journey behind the scenes of a fashion career with fashion students demonstrating pattern-making, draping, and garment construction to fair-goers. Wienerschnitzel Wiener Dog Races: 1:45 to 4 p.m.: In between each Kentucky Derby-styled horse race, will be exhilarating and side-splitting races between the finest wiener dogs west of Nevada! Located at the Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand, join us for a hilarious time watching the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Dog Races! John Michael Montgomery ~ CA State Fair Toyota Concert Series: 8 to 10 p.m.: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by John Michael Montgomery on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. See Fair Events, page 9
Family Campouts July 22 & August 11
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled sleepover in our storybook park! Each campout includes a theater show, craft activities, a scavenger hunt, fun games, and bedtime stories, plus exclusive playtime at Fairytale Town! Tickets are $25-$30 per person. Member discounts are available.
Sign up today! fairytaletown.org 3
Sunday, July 30, 2017 from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Please join us for a ‘pear’fect day!
Free Admission! Parking $10
Pear strudel, pie, freezes, smoothies, cider, bread!
PEARS! PEARS! PEARS!
1/2 miles Children Run 7:45 am 5 & 10 miles Fun Runs begin at 7:30 am Parade • Arts & Crafts • Local Art Classic Car Show • Stage Shows Children’s Area: Rock Wall, Mechanical Bull, Water Slide, Bounce House & More! Photo courtesy of Patty Colmer
Sup'r Oliver Childrens Entertainment With Sup’r Oliver’s Children’s Entertainment: You provide the location, We provide the fun & that Sup’r Wow Factor! That’s a Guarantee…No that’s a Sup’r Guarantee!
GIVE US A CALL NOW AT
(916) 207-4096 or visit our Website: www.suproliver.com
Do you have an upcoming or monthly event?
Let us know. e-mail Monica:
editor@valcomnews.com
*Prices and Locations May Vary
Live Music By:
Jay Rollerz • Rachel Steele & Road 88 Hip Service • Mariachi Mi Tierra Visit us at www.pearfair.com
Have fun coloring!
Courtesy of: www.Activity Village.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy 4
CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JULY 2017
Extreme optimism:
A young writer’s journey continues on the path of success By Akshaj Mehta Special to California Kids!
“I don’t take work written by parents,” my fourth grade teacher told me blandly. I had looked at her shocked and confused. “Okay…?” I said, as I walked away. Writing is my passion and I would never cheat on a school assignment. I walked back to my seat and stared at my paper. “What was wrong with it?” I thought. It had no over-the-top fourth grade words. The word count was fine and reasonable. I was too scared to ask her what went wrong, but thank God the school day ended when I had those thoughts. I went home and I shared with my parents and they were just as surprised as I was! I played along the next day and fixed what was “TOO IMMATURE” of a story and turned it in. I was very hurt and depressed and wondered, “What is wrong with my writing?” All these questions and thoughts were making me depressed and unhappy. The teacher did not like my usage of inappropriate words for fourth grade (ie: shut up). Apparently, she didn’t hear students saying that because she wasn’t listening. I knew I had to persevere through the class and get over it. This situation did make me unhappy but I did not lose my confidence and passion for writing. I knew I had it in me and parents did too. And here I am: 3 years down the line. I have many published articles and stories and have had positive feedback from amazing editors and mentor friends. This was only possible because I did not give up on my passion. In a nutshell, we all can achieve what we want. Having a supportive family and friends by our side, and most importantly our will-power, we will accomplish our goals.
It’s more fun on the ferry...
Service from Vallejo SF Ferry Building
Pier 41
AT&T Park
Farmers’ Market Exploratorium
PIER 39 Shops & Dining Fisherman’s Wharf
Giants Game Service
Follow. Connect. Share.
For Ferry Route, Schedule, Ticket and Terminal Information www.SanFranciscoBayFerry.com (707) 643-3779 JULY 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide
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A Refreshing Summer Waterfall Hike in the Sierra Foothills By Carmel L. Mooney
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t’s summertime again and that means that the rolling foothills hills are, at least for a bit longer, vibrant green, wildflowers are still blooming, and wildlife is abundant for foothills nature hikes. One such hike just an hour from Sacramento and a half an hour from Marysville is a gorgeous jaunt to Beale Falls, also known as Fairy Falls by the locals. This easy family friendly and dog friendly spectacular hike takes outdoor loving families through meadows, gentles hills, some wooded areas and over rocks to a spectacular 100 foot waterfall perfect for a picnic or in Summer, a refreshing swim or wade. Our kids love this as an annual Spring and early Summer tradition. So far, we’ve done the hike a few times this year already. The elevation gain on this 5-mile, round-trip hike is about 300 feet with most of the hike occurring on a well maintained trail. Depending on what area of the falls you want to access, you will have to traverse some rocks at the foot of the falls. Several sandy beaches also provide
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nice areas for sunbathing and picnicking. We’ve taken our kids and their friends of all ages, ranging from age 4 and up. Toddlers, tweens, and teens alike all love this hike. We usually plan for about 90 minutes to hike to the waterfalls, and of course, 90 minutes back to the car, with several hours to relax, wade, and explore in between. While this is not a difficult hike, the terrain is varied and very minimally challenging in a few areas. Several new trail markers have recently been erected, so just wear good walking shoes, follow the signs, and enjoy the lush scenery and wildlife. Walking the dirt road you will likely see cattle and numerous birds. At the end of the road, about one quarter of the way to the falls you will turn right and pass through a metal gate, climb a gentle hill and cross a cattle crossing/guard. The edge of the meadow just past the cattle guard offers two trails and either one will take you to the falls and to several great swimming holes and picnic spots. We always enjoy looking for tadpoles, frogs and interesting fish, and we’ve never been disappointed as there’s lots of varied wildlife to spy.
My teenager even enjoys bringing her easel and painting the scenery by the waterfalls, as it’s truly beautiful. You can also follow the trail a bit further along the creek side and climb over some rocks to the overlook of Beale Falls. When you are ready to head back, just retrace your route. At a leisurely pace, you’ll need to allow about three to four hours for the entire round trip, not counting extra time you plan to enjoy the falls. There is no cell service, so plan accordingly. Be sure to pack ample fresh drinking water. We usually find 32 ounces of fresh water per person to be perfect. Be cautious as rattlesnakes are occasionally spotted on the trails and surrounding areas so just stay alert on trails and don’t sit or put your hands anywhere without carefully looking first. Since most of the hiking trails are wide open spaces, be sure to prepare with sunblock as midday sun may be intense. Along the trail, are many gorgeous mature trees that will offer plenty of resting spots to enjoy shade along the way. This is an exceptionally dog-friendly hike, so families who are dog lovers will want to bring their furry friends along. Many horseback riders also frequent the trail. My
kids delight in watching an occasional cattle drive with local ranchers rounding up their herds on the trail. To access the trail head: Drive from Marysville on Hwy 20 towards Grass Valley. Turn right on Hammonton/Smartville Road. (newly named Chuck Yeager
Road), from the Beale AFB exit. Continue five miles to Waldo Road. Turn left on Waldo Road, which is a dirt road. Cross the one-lane bridge and turn left. Drive to the dead end at the wooden bridge. You can park right by the yellow gate. This is the trail head for this gorgeous summertime hike.
CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JULY 2017
Make it yourself!
Independence Day Sun Visor
Freedom Bell Craft
he kids will enjoy making this perfect accessory for your Fourth of July picnic. Hopefully the sun will come out on the day!
You will need:
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This is a quick and easy Freedom Bell or Liberty Bell craft for Independence Day.
A yogurt pot Kitchen foil (or gold acrylic paint) String Scrap of white card Pens
You will need:
Instructions:
Blue card White card Red paint Small star craft punch or white paint Sticky tape Glue stick Cut a strip of blue card 1.5inches (3cm) wide and long enough to fit around your head. Measure it around your head and tape to secure. Punch some stars out of white card and glue them along the band. Alternatively paint on some stars with white paint. From the white card, cut a rectangle approximately 8 by 6 inches (20 by 15 cm). Cut the corners at one end into curves. This is the front of your visor. Paint red stripes along the card. To fit the visor to the band, put the band on top of the visor where you want it go and mark its position. Now, from the back of the visor, cut slits up to the line to make tabs, as shown: Put the band back on the line and fold the tabs to the inside. Trim any of the tabs that stick out. Glue securely, and wait until the glue dries
3D star wand, ready to wave! You will need: Blue, red and white card A5 white card Glue Sticky tape
Instructions: Roll your A5 card at a diagonal to form a tube. Tape to secure, and flatten one end. Cut 3 large stars. You can use our star template if you like. Tape the flattened tube to the back of one star. Fold each star down the center. Glue the stars back to back so they form a 3-sided star. Leave to dry. Source: Activity Village
Cut a circle from the card. Write the word “Freedom” or “Liberty” on it, and decorate. Make a hole in the bottom of the yogurt pot (you will need an adult to do this). Cover the pot with kitchen foil. It should stick without glue if you wrap tightly. Alternatively, paint your pot in gold acrylic paint. Make a hole in the top of the card circle and tie some string through it. Make a knot in the string at the height you want your pot to sit. Thread the string through the hole in the yogurt pot and hang.
Independence Day Mobile
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his stylish mobile makes a great Fourth of July project for crafty kids, and a decoration which you will be proud to display for your celebrations.
You will need: 4 sheets of A4 blue card White ribbon Red ribbon White glue (PVA) Star craft punch (optional) Fold a piece of card in half. Place the template next to the fold and draw around it. Cut out and unfold. Repeat on the remaining pieces of card. Take one of the stars and on one side glue a long piece of ribbon from the top point to hang the mobile. Add a few pieces of ribbon to hang down from the other points. Glue one side of another star on top of the ribbons. Repeat adding more ribbons and the rest of stars. When you have added the last star, stick on the ribbons and glue to the first star. You can either leave the mobile as it is or finish it by punching stars from the scraps of blue card and gluing these to the ribbons.
Crafts courtesy of: www.Activity Village.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy JULY 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide
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THE BOOK REPORT
Summertime Stories By Susan L. Roberts
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he long, hot days of summer are the perfect time to explore books that will soar an imagination. This collection includes a story featuring the fear of taking the first dive into a pool as well as stories that cleverly enrich a child’s imagination with woven-in facts. Priscilla Gorilla, by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Michael Emberley (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, ages 4-8) This brilliant, well-rounded story has it all: an impishly, strong girl who knows her gorilla facts, a creative spirit who lives what she believes, and someone who spends a lot of time in the Thinking Corner! Believing gorillas always get their way, Priscilla thinks, dances, draws, and writes about gorillas. But her love of gorillas often sends her to the Thinking Corner. When Priscilla declares she is a troublemaker gorilla, her dad questions that maybe she could be another animal—like a skunk. Priscilla reviews her book and tells her teacher her book says “even gorillas don’t always get their way.” Patient parents and a generous, yet firm, teacher, help gently guide Priscilla into re-thinking her gorilla qualities and Priscilla decides there is more than one kind of gorilla! Reviewers Choice Jabari Jumps, by Gaia Cornwall (Candlewick Press, ages 4-8) First time author/illustrator Gaia Cornwall captures the pride, the boasting, the fear, the concentration and the joy of Jabari’s first jump from a diving board. She also captures Jabari’s dad supporting his son with just the right amount of visibility in the background. A beautiful book on Jabari’s all important day. After completing his lessons and passing his swim test, Jabari boldly proclaims, “I’m jumping off the diving board today.” “Looks easy,” he says, watching other kids jump. But looking up the tall ladder, he has other thoughts. He allows other kids to go before him, while he thinks “about what kind of special jump” he wants to do.
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When they are no kids left, he starts to climb. A heartwarming story, perfect for new swimmers. Round, by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ages 2-4) Nature poet Joyce Sidman takes the shape “round” and introduces round shapes abundant in nature. From round oranges, to round seeds that grow, or to turtle eggs buried to later hatch, each page is a nature lesson. Each page gives young readers things to think about. “Some swell into roundness” (mushrooms)… .”stretching toward the sun” (sunflowers). Some start in a different shape, but become round when all sharp edges wear off (rocks in oceans). Some are hidden (rings in a tree stump), some last only a moment (bubbles). A wonderful way to introduce shapes and explore nature. Gentle, nurturing, yet sciency-exciting. My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis, by Paul Meisel (Holiday House, ages 4-8) Through a cleverly written journal by P. Mantis, we follow his life. From the day he was born, May 17, to the time he leaves his short life, October 17. We meet his 150 brothers and sisters. P Mantis pretends to be a stick and survives attacks by his predators. He loves summer and shares his escapades, but then fall arrives, he begins to move slowly. He returns to where he was born and lays eggs, which will be born next spring. The story gently closes, with “I’m going to lie down now and take a long nap. Good-bye!”
P. Mantis’ voice is upbeat and kid-like so early readers can follow along. A great way to introduce children to an insect’s lifecycle. Backmatter includes details about praying mantis’, including websites. Where’s the Elephant?, by Stephane-Yves Barroux (Candlewick Press, ages 4-8) When I opened the pages, I assumed the book was like a “Where’s Waldo”, where I was to look for the elephant, parrot and snake on each page, but as I kept turning the pages, a new light dawned. With each page-turn the forest grew smaller and smaller. A few cut trees soon grew into a growing city. Eventually the animals were captured in a zoo. To my relief, they escaped and returned to the wild. Where’s the Elephant? Is a very clever way to introduce children to deforestation. The story was inspired when author/artist Barroux watched parts of the Amazon be burned down to turn into soy production. A must read for environmentally-conscious families; even the youngest can grasp the concept in this brilliantly told and illustrated story. Susan L. Roberts (www.Books4theCuriousChild. com) lives in Sacramento, CA where she reads dozens of picture books each month and reviews the best to help parents and teachers find books that will inspire and develop a child’s curiosity, their dreams, and passion for reading. CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JULY 2017
Fair Events: Continued from page 3
Rock On! Live Karaoke: 8 to 8:45 p.m.: Get ready to become the rock star you always wanted to be! Grab some friends or go solo, and sing some rocking tunes with a LIVE band backing you up! Check the California State Fair app for more dates and times of Rock On! Live Karaoke. SUNDAY, JULY 16 O.M.Genes! From UC Davis Genetics Grad Students: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Learn more about papaya pythons and develop a better understanding of snake genetics, population structure, environmental conservation, and the interaction of these complicated issues that comprise species evolution and adaption. See and touch different species and witness how small mutations over years and years of evolution have changed these reptiles! Ozomatli ~ CA State Fair Toyota Concert Series: 8 to 10 p.m: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Ozomatli on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. MONDAY, JULY 17 Blacksmith Experience: 3 to 4 p.m.: Learn about the history of blacksmiths. Watch blacksmiths transform iron into beautiful works of art. Merchandise and artwork will be available for purchase.
seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. TUESDAY, JULY 18 Building Buildings and Laying Foundations at 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Learn about Northern California apprenticeship programs in the trades of Plastering and Cement Masonry. Participate in hands-on demonstration using different types of materials used in these professional trades! SaveMart Pie Eating Contest at 2 to 3 p.m.: With competitions for each age group--kids, teens, and adults-everyone can participate in this exciting and hilarious competition! Poppy’s Birthday Party: 2 to 2:30 p.m.: Come wish the California State Fair’s Mascot a Happy Birthday!! There will be an entertaining show for the young at heart, some fellow mascots and plenty of birthday cake for all! Queen Nation: A Tribute to the Music of Queen ~ Toyota Concerts: 8 p.m. Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Queen Nation: A Tribute to the Music of Queen on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. WEDNESDAY, JULY 19 Brian McKnight ~ CA State Fair Toyota Con-
cert Series: 8 p.m.: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Brian McKnight on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. THURSDAY, JULY 20 Military and Veterans Appreciation Day: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Bloodsource presents a day dedicated to honoring the sacrifice and bravery of our active duty, reserve and veteran members of all branches of the armed forces. We invite all aforementioned individuals to enjoy FREE fair admission. (Dependents not included). Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice! Good Charlotte ~ CA State Fair Toyota Concert Series: 8 to10 p.m.: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Good Charlotte on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. FRIDAY, JULY 21 Corn Dog Eating Contest: 6 to 7: See if you have what it takes to be named the California State Fair Corn dog Eating Champion! A classic competition, happening right here at the California State Fair.
California State Fair Guinea Pig Squeal Contest: 7 to 10 p.m.: Have you discovered that you are especially good at making guinea pig squealing noises? Have you ever wanted to be creative and fun in an unconventional way? Head on down to Expo Building 6 to participate in the Guinea Pig Squeal Contest and enter for a chance to be crowned as Champion Guinea Pig Squealer! Sister Sledge ~ CA State Fair Toyota Concert Series: 8 to 10 p.m.: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Sister Sledge on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. SATURDAY, JULY 22 Motion Picture Audition: On-Camera Technique w/ It Factor Studio: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Let your It Factor shine under lights, camera, and action! Join It Factor Studios to learn what it takes to audition and act in entertainment industry. Show what you’re made of by acting out a scene for a chance to win ONE FREE MONTH of acting classes! Best of California Brewfest: 3 to 7 p.m.: Sometimes the best moments include the best drinks! Grab
a friend and come out to the Best of California Brewfest to enjoy the award-winning brews of the Golden State. Smash Mouth ~ CA State Fair Toyota Concert Series: 8 to 10 p.m.: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Smash Mouth on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. SUNDAY, JULY 23-MONDAY, JULY 24 FIRST Robotics with St. Francis High School: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Learn about robots--and even operate one--with St. Francis High School’s all-female STEM Robotics team! SUNDAY, JULY 23 Fun With Wood By “SAW”: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.: Watch amazing woodworking techniques with “SAW”-Sacramento Ara Woodworkers. Stick around to watch the demonstrations and the woodworkers might make a small object to hand out to the kids! Eddie Money ~ CA State Fair Toyota Concert Series: 8 to 10 p.m.: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Eddie Money on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the See State Fair, page 11
Master Hypnotist Tina Marie: 5 to 5:45p.m.: Participate and watch as master hypnotist, Tina Marie, hypnotizes fair-goers. Enjoy this funny and entertaining experience many times throughout the fair! Check the California State Fair app for all hypnotist performances. Lita Ford ~ CA State Fair Toyota Concert Series at 8 p.m.: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Lita Ford on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle JULY 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide
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Who wrote that? KIDLIT CREATORS WHO MAKE KIDS WANT TO READ
An interview with Author and Illustrator Bethanie Murguia By Bitsy Kemper
Who Wrote That? is a monthly column that profiles talented authors and illustrators who are bringing children’s books to life. Bitsy: Let’s start off fun. Give us two truths and one lie. Bethanie: For my first job, I worked in a cookie factory. I’ve backpacked in Patagonia. I used to race bicycles and ride over 10,000 miles a year.* BK: Why books? BM: Books have many superpowers, and one of my favorites is that they can make adults silly. As a child, I often visited my grandparents’ house. Whenever I became bored with all of the adult talk, I would hop up next to my grandfather and hand him a Dr. Seuss book. I loved watching him become a different person as he delighted in the Seussian rhythms, sounds, and absurdities of language. It’s one of my favorite childhood memories. BK: Is that why do you create? BM: Writing and illustrating is how I express myself. I feel like I’m missing something if I don’t have a pen and notebook/sketchbook with me. I just emptied out my purse and found nine different kinds of pens—I suppose that’s a revealing window into my compulsions, er, passions. BK: Do you have a regular source of inspiration? BM: My daughters provide me with plenty of raw material. In fact, my Zoe series of picture books is based on their antics. Otherwise, I try to stay creatively fueled by hiking in the Marin Headlands with my dog, riding my bike, visiting museums, and finding the beauty and humor in the world around me. BK: Where do you get your other ideas? BM: For Cockatoo, Too the idea arrived late one
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Bethanie Murguia
night as I was working on a [different] project with a cockatoo. I was scanning sketches to my computer. I named the first file “cockatoo,” but what to name the second? Cockatoo2? CockatooToo? 2cockatoo? You see my dilemma. And, like all good procrastinators, I turned my attention to playing with those sounds instead of the task at hand. Before long, I had the beginnings of a story, and it made me laugh. When I woke up in the morning, it still made me laugh. I shared it, and it made some other people laugh. Twenty-four “short” months and numerous revisions later, it became a book. BK: Tell us about Cockatoo, Too. BM: It’s filled with tongue twisters and fun wordplay– using the sounds in “toucan” and “cockatoo” to tell a simple story of dancing cockatoos, toucans, and tutus (all things that make me happy). The words alone are almost nonsensical, but when combined with the images, the story unfolds. I appreciate picture books in which the words and pictures are both integral to the storytelling. Readers have to work a bit, but I think it’s more rewarding that way. Toucans, Too, which just came out in May, was a natural progression from Cockatoo, Too, using the same base sounds and adding in a few “gnu” ones. BK: Are you an artist by trade? BM: I pursued a few different “practical” avenues of education: architecture,
engineering, psychology. All the while, I was dreaming about children’s books and taking illustration classes wherever I could. I finally committed to art for my graduate studies. I attended the Illustration as Visual Essay program at the School of Visual Arts in NY. BK: Where do you work? BM: I work in a studio in my home in the Bay Area. My three favorite things about my studio are: the giant corkboard my husband and I installed, the view overlooking the bay, and the door (because it has a lock!). I do all of my painting there, but my writing, sketching, and thinking happen all over town—I’m a frequent visitor to cafes and I can often be found hiking or on my bicycle. BK: Any fun reader feedback? BM: When I walked into the room at one of my author visits, a small boy said, “That’s the author?!” I never found out if he was delighted or completely disappointed. BK: What advice do you have? BM: My story is about the importance of perspective. Like most authors, I’ve received my fair share of rejections. About ten years ago, I was building a pretty good pile of “no thank you” notes for submissions to publishers. I was discouraged. When another rejection arrived in the mail, I skimmed it. Not only did the editor not want the story, the letter went on to say “please do not send future work.” I thought this was unnecessarily harsh, and I tossed it aside. My husband later found the abandoned letter, read it, and saw that it actually said, “please do send future work.” Now, ten years later, that editor has become one of my biggest champions and mentors. We’ve done five books together. The moral of this story? Pay attention and keep trying. *This is more accurately two truths and a wish. I haven’t backpacked through Patagonia—yet.
Bitsy Kemper is author of 16 children’s books. You may have seen Bitsy on CNN, heard her on national radio, noticed her quoted in a range of places from Parenting magazine to Writing Children’s Books for Dummies, or seen her work in countless newspapers, radio and TV stations across the U.S of A. Busy with three kids (four if you count her husband), she happily finds time to present at schools and writer conferences from CA to NY. Find out more at www.BitsyKemper.com
Get to know bethanie murguia
Lives in the Bay Area with her husband and three daughters (two human and one canine) Website: www.aquapup.com Twitter: @aquapup Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ BethanieMurguiaAuthorIllustrator/ Favorite quotes: Worry is a misuse of imagination Pay attention to what you pay attention to
SEE BETHANIE MURGUIA
September 1, 2017: Evening Pajama Party at Diesel Bookstore in Larkspur Landing. “I think it’s my third pajama party there. It’s always fun and a great excuse to show off my favorite slippers.” October 18-21, 2017: Humboldt Author Festival
BOOKS ILLUSTRATED AND WRITTEN BY BETHANIE MURGUIA The Too-Scary Story, Arthur A. Levine Books Toucans, Too, little bee books Princess! Fairy! Ballerina!, Arthur A. Levine Books Cockatoo, Too, little bee books Violet & Victor Write the Most Fabulous Fairy Tale, written by Alice Kuipers, Little, Brown The Best Parts of Christmas, Candlewick Zoe’s Jungle, Arthur A. Levine Books Violet & Victor Write the Best Ever Bookworm Book, written by Alice Kuipers, Little, Brown I Feel Five, Candlewick Zoe’s Room, Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic Snippet the Early Riser, Knopf Books for Young Readers Zoe Gets Ready, Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic Buglette the Messy Sleeper, Tricycle Press/Random House CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JULY 2017
State Fair: Continued from page 9
stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. Sac Republic vs. Seattle Sounders: 8 to 10 p.m.: Sacramento Republic FC takes on the Seattle Sounders in this exciting United Soccer League (USL) match-up! MONDAY, JULY 24 Blues Traveler ~ CA State Fair Toyota Concert Series: 8 to 10 p.m.: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Blues Traveler on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. TUESDAY, JULY 25 4-H Cooking Throwdown: 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m: All 4-H members are invited to participate in the 4-H Cooking Throwdown where teams of three youth members will cook a three course meal. A panel of judges will taste all courses prepared and the winners of each round will then compete to determine the daily Throwdown Champion. Anthem Lights ~ CA State Fair Toyota Concert Series: 8 to10 p.m.:Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Anthem Lights on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are availa b l e for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. WEDNESDAY, JULY 26 TO THURSDAY, JULY 27: $2 Taste Of The Fair: On Wednesdays and Thursdays between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., every food vendor in the fair will have either a $2 food or beverage item for patrons to buy. Typically a snack sized version, this allows fairgoers to eat a larger variety of the fair food. WEDNESDAY, JULY 26 Paperback Writer: The Beatles Experience ~ Toy-
ota Concert Series: 8 to 10 p.m.: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Paperback Writer: The Beatles Experience on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. THURSDAY, JULY 27 First Responders Appreciation Day: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.: As a special thank you for their hard work and bravery, active members of law enforcement, firefighters and first responder units can enjoy free Fair admission on July 21, courtesy of BloodSource. All fair-goers can enjoy a day of fun celebrating first responders complete with special exhibits, interactive activities, oneday-only entertainment and much more. For free admission, active first responders must present ID showing first responder status at the California State Fair’s Box Office. Offer does not include admission for family members or dependents of first responders.
SATURDAY, JULY 29 Corn-hole Championships: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Just a bag and a plank of wood? Not quite! Grab some friends and join us for a fun-filled afternoon of corn-hole. Come to observe or compete in the State Fair corn-hole tournament and watch as the best of the best take the title of California State Fair Corn-hole Champion!
The Marshall Tucker Band ~ CA State Fair Toyota Concert Series: 8 t o 10 p .m.: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by The Marshall Tucker Band on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair.
SUNDAY, JULY 30 Melissa Etheridge: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Melissa Etheridge on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair.
Trace Adkins ~ CA State Fair Toyota Concert Series: 8 to 10 p.m.: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Trace Adkins on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair. FRIDAY, JULY 28 Professional Chef Challenge: 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.: Compete in a live cooking challenge at the California State Fair. Individual professional chefs will use a mystery ingredient to prepare a 3-course meal in front of a live fair audience and a panel of qualified Judges, in the Kitchen Theatre. Represent your restaurant or business. Belinda Carlisle: 8 to 10 p.m.: Enjoy a FREE concert (with Fair admission ticket) by Belinda Carlisle on the Golden 1 Stage! For reserved seating closest to the stage, Gold Circle seats are available for purchase. This concert takes place at the California State Fair.
JULY 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide
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Faces and places:
Family camp-out at Fairytale Town Photos by STEPHEN CROWLEY
STEPHEN@VALCoMNEWS.CoM
F
amilies had fun spending the night in Fairytale Town’s storybook park on Friday, June 16 to Saturday, June 17. The exciting overnight adventure included a theater show, arts and crafts activities, a scavenger hunt, fun games, and bedtime stories. Then, families woke up the next morning under Fairytale Town’s canopy of trees to a light continental breakfast.
K O H L’ S B U C K L E U P T O G R O W U P
Safety is Best! Wear your vest, every time you swim. A properly fitting life jacket will help your kids float safety through the summer. For more information, call 916-734-9798.
b u c k l e u p . u c d a v i s . e d u • w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / b u c k l e u p 2 g r o w u p
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CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JULY 2017
Fourth of July events round-up 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS at CAL EXPO: Come on over and join 92.5 The Bull and Cal Expo at the MillerLite Racetrack Grandstand for some fireworks, live music, and a picnic with the family! This is a free event, but reserved seating can be purchased online. Free admission, 5 TO 11 P.M. California State Fair, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento. EAST SACRAMENTO FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS: There is the 41st Street (Fab 40) parade and also the River Park Parade. The Classic Car (and motorcycle) Parade will start at Ciavarella Field at 9:30 p.m. The Firecracker Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Camellia Avenue and will follow the Classic Car/Motorcycle parade down Carlson to Glenn Hall Park. For more information visit riverparksacramento. net/river-park-4th-july-paradefestival. The start time for the 41st Street parade is at 11 a.m. To kick off the River Park festivities, the Buffalo Chips will host the 41st 4th of July 5-Miler Run and Kids Run, July 4, 7:15 - 9:15 a.m. at Glenn Hall Park. This event is free! For more information visit http://www. buffalochips.com/358-2. SPIRIT OF THE POCKET 4TH OF JULY PARADE AND MATSUYAMA FUN RUN: Before staking out a spot on Windbridge Drive to watch the parade, you can help raise funds for incoming sixth graders at Matsuyama for the Sly Park science trip by participating in the Fun Run, which starts at 8 a.m. at Matsuyama Elementary School, 7680 Windbridge Drive. Visit funevents2.wixsite. com/matsuyama for information and registration. Following the race, the annual parade will start at 10 a.m. at Parkway Oaks Park and then travel down Windbridge Drive, ending at Garcia Bend Park. CARMICHAEL FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION: Independence Day fun starts with a pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Carmichael Park Clubhouse, located at 5750 Grant Ave. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Stop by the Carmichael Park Clubhouse and grab
some flapjacks and breakfast before the parade! The Pancake Breakfast is hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael. Following breakfast is the 59th Annual Elks Club Parade, which starts at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy the wonderful community floats, marching bands, equestrian entries, antique cars and more! Parade route begins at Marconi/Fair Oaks, continues on Fair Oaks and ends at Cypress/Manzanita. For more information on the parade and float registration contact the Elks Lodge at 489-2103. Later in the evening, starting at 7 p.m., join in the fun with the annual fireworks show at La Sierra Community Center, 5325 Engle Road. While, the fireworks begin at dark, approximately at 9:30 p.m., you are welcome to stop by earlier for food, music and fun! Activities include arts & crafts, inflatable slides and games, balloon artist and more. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and shade umbrellas. Participating food trucks include: Buckhorn Grill, Culinerdy Cruzer, New Bite Catering, OMG! Yogurt, Aztecas Street Tacos! Sacramento’s K-ZAP 93.3FM will also be on site celebrating their two year anniversary of being back on the air! JULY 4TH PARADE AND FESTIVAL IN ARDEN PARK: The annual July 4th Bike Parade and Festival at Arden Park! The parade begins at 10 a.m. so you will want to be there a little early to get a good spot. After the parade, Brad Wilson will play old school and classic rock until 1 p.m. Sit back and relax with a hamburger ($6) or hot dog ($5) meal and don’t forget your raffle tickets! The pool will be open at noon and is free that day. A few giant inflatable attractions will be available. 1000 La Sierra Drive. INTERDEPENDENCE DAY:  The Shift Network along with partners, Compassionate Capitol Region, Women for Equality, SacIONS, International World Peace Rose Gardens, Salam, Interfaith Council, UNA, Sacramento, Unity and Compassionate Sacramento are launching a California Campaign 2020. This four-year vision kicks off with TWO EVENTS on the 4th of July, a
JULY 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide
California-inspired upgrade to Independence Day, we gather to celebrate our community of diversity, inclusion, innovation and civic participation. The first, from 9 to 10 a.m. is a Global meditation of “Illuminating a Path for a Better Future�, at the State Capitol’s International World Peace Rose Garden. Children will light the way for us by carrying Quality of Peace Flowers and inflatable solar powered lanterns from Rebuilding Alliance’s - Brighten the Future of Gaza’s Children Program. This event will be streamed live on Facebook LIVE, so others around the world may join in and those around the nation are invited to take part at their own state capitols. The second, at Southside Park (2115-6th Street, Sacramento) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The day’s MC will be Terry Freeman Moore and will include music by the Midnight Players, inspiring words from our civic leaders and movement makers in forward-thinking policy, equity and equality, cultural diversity and social justice as well as vendors, with fun and meaningful, hands-on activities such as sand mandala-making, a labyrinth walk, a Red Tent, children’s art and cultural dancing to list a few.  These are both family events with no admission charge. For more information, visit www.InterDependenceDaySac.com, email InterDependenceDaySac@ gmail.com or call Joan Marie at 802-8798. CITY OF DAVIS FOURTH OF JULY CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION WITH FIREWORKS, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday, July 4, Com-
munity Park: Live music, family fun zone, food and drinks, and fireworks. The 57th annual Kiwanis Kiddie Parade will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m., C Street to Central Park. The Davis Bike Club 41st annual Fourth of July Criterium and Kids Fun Ride will start at 6:30 a.m. and go until 5:35 p.m. (Kids ride at 12:40 p.m.), F and Third streets, Downtown Davis. The Davis Little League Pancake Breakfast will be held from 7 to 11 a.m., Little League Park, 1600 F St. RANCHO CORDOVA FOURTH OF JULY: Rancho Cordova Fourth of July is a two-day festival celebrating the local community and our American heritage at Hagan Park, 2197 Chase Drive. It is the signature event for the community, beginning on Monday, July 3 with a festival from 4 to 11 p.m. At 8:15 p.m. on Monday, there is performance by Beatles tribute band, MANIA, followed by a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Festivities on July 4 start with a 5K fun run at 9 a.m. and a parade and youth band competition 10 a.m. The festival, meanwhile will go from noon to 11 p.m. A performance by Fleetwood Mask will start at 8:15 p.m., followed by a fireworks spectacular at 9:30 p.m. Discount carnival rides cost $25 for unlimited rides per day when purchased in advanced until July 2. Wristbands will be sold at Rancho Cordova City Hall, Rancho Cordova Grocery Outlet and KP International Market. $2 admission; $10 parking. For vendor/exhibitor inquiries, call 273-5704; for parade/5k walk-run inquiries,
call Shadi Hayek at 916-2470670. All other inquiries, call 916-273-5704. Salute to the Red, White & Blue in Elk Grove: Join the City of Elk Grove as we celebrate 21 years of spectacular fireworks!!!! The Salute to the Red, White & Blue is Elk Grove’s premier patriotic celebration marking the nation’s independence. The day will feature vendors, food trucks, roaming entertainment, a pieeating contest, bike and stroller parade, Republic Services Kids Zone, live entertainment and a fireworks show to top off the night. The magic occurs from 4 to 10 p.m. at Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk GroveFlorin Road and the schedule of festivities are, as follows: 4 p.m.: Opening of Vendor Exhibits 5 p.m.: Roaming Entertainment / Uncle Sam Stiltwalker / Petting Zoo Band 5:30 p.m.: “Let Freedom Ride� Bike and Stroller Parade 6:30 p.m.: All-American Pie Eating Contest 7 p.m.: Opening Ceremonies, National Anthem 7:30 p.m.: Live Entertainment/Saved by the 90’s 9:30 p.m.: Fireworks Spectacular/listen to the fireworks soundtrack as it’s simulcast on 93.7 the River Admission is free, and parking is $10 per vehicle. Gates open at 7:00 am. Alcohol, personal fireworks and pets, excluding service animals, are strictly prohibited. The Park’s dog park and disc golf course amenities will be closed for this event. No in/out parking privileges after 3pm
Singing Lessons Ages 9+ Prepare for choir & musical theater auditions & performances t *NQSPWF ZPVS TJOHJOH TLJMMT t &YQBOE ZPVS SBOHF )FBE WPJDF BOE CFMUJOH t 1SFQBSF GPS BVEJUJPOT 8PSL PO OFX TPOHT t -FBSO UP SFBE NVTJD OPUFT BOE SIZUINT
JoAnn Ross 916 285-05101
For further information & qualifications visit: www.like2sing.com or email joann@like2sing.com
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What’s Happening, Kids! SATURDAY, JULY 1 UNCLE JER’S TRAVELING BEE SHOW: At this event, you can learn how honey bees work together to design and build a strong hive, make honey, and thrive! This program features live bees and a free honey tasting for each child. This is a Summer Reading Challenge: Read by Design event to be held at the Belle Cooledge Library from 2 to 3 p.m., 5600 South Land Park Drive. SACRAMENTO YOUTH BAND ANNUAL COMMUNITY CONCERT AND BBQ: The Sacramento Youth Band’s Annual Community Concert and barbecue will be held on Saturday, July 1. Festivities start at 6 p.m. and will be held on the front lawn of Parkside Community Church, 5700 South Land Park Drive. The Sacramento Youth Band is celebrating 60 years of making great music! This event is free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Also, come visit the fireworks stand and support our young musicians. For more information, email sacramentoyouthband.org SATURDAY, JULY 1 AND SUNDAY, JULY 2 FAIRYTALE TOWN THEATER SHOW: “HANSEL AND GRETEL”: Puppet Art Theater Company presents the classic tale “Hansel and Gretel” in the Children’s Theater. In this version, Gretel overhears her stepmother convince her father to lead she and her brother into the forest and leave them there for good. Hansel’s plan to leave a trail of bread crumbs to find their way home fails miserably,
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and he and Gretel are left in the forest, where they discover a house made of Gingerbread. Little did they know the house belongs to a Wicked Old Witch. Will Hansel and Gretel escape the Witch and find their way home? Tickets are $2 for nonmembers in addition to park admission and $1 for members. Tickets can be purchased at the Fairytale Town main gate or at the entrance to the Children’s Theater 15 minutes prior to show time. For more information, visit fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462. Show times are at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. SUNDAY, JULY 2 INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION: From 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fairytale Town presents a day of international dance on the outdoor Mother Goose Stage. Enjoy nonstop performances of dances from around the world, including ballet folklorico, Cambodian ballet, and more. This program is free with paid park admission. Weekend admission is $5.75 per person. Children ages 1 and under are free. For more information, visit fairytaletown.org or call 808-7462. Performance Schedule 11 a.m. – Ohana Dance Group (Hawaiian Dancing) 11:30 a.m. – Fenix Drum & Dance (African Dancing & Drumming) Noon – Folklorico Aztlan de Sacramento (Mexican Folk Dancing) 12:30 p.m. – Khmer Ballet of Stockton (Royal Ballet of Cambodia) 1 p.m. – Mona Kahn Company (Bollywood Dancing)
INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION will be held SUNDAY, JULY 2 From 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., at Fairytale Town. For more information, visit fairytaletown.org or call 808-7462.
1:30 p.m. – Kyla’s School of Highland Dance (Scottish Dancing) 2 p.m. – Minyo Tanoshimi Kai (Japanese Dancing) 2:30 p.m. – Brazilian Cultural Center (Brazilian Samba Dancing) In addition to the dance performances, enjoy a puppet show in the Children’s Theater! Puppet Art Theater Company will be performing Hansel and Gretel at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.. Puppet show tickets are a $1 for members and $2 for nonmembers. FRIDAY, JULY 7 LEGO-MANIA: Like building with LEGO bricks? Join us for our monthly free-play afternoon! LEGO bricks and DUPLO LEGO bricks will be provided at McKinley Library from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Part of the READING BY DESIGN summer series. SATURDAY, JULY 8 COMMUNITY DAY AT THE SACRAMENTO ADVENTURE PLAY-
GROUND: From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., all ages are invited for a day of play at the Sacramento Adventure Playground! Children get to create their own play structures and spaces by re-purposing everyday items such as cardboard boxes, plus household wares, natural elements, and unexpected items. The Playground is a fun and safe environment where children can use their imagination and creativity to direct their own play! The Sacramento Adventure Playground is open rain or shine, and admission to the Playground is free. For more information, visit sacadventureplay.org or call (916) 222-3831. Maple Neighborhood Center, 3301 37th Avenue, Sacramento. CARMICHAEL CONCERTS IN THE PARK: DENNIS JOHNSON & THE MISSISSIPPI RAMBLERS: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: San Francisco native Dennis Johnson is one of the elite slide guitar players performing today with a deep passion for preserving and innovating roots music. He is one of roots music’s best kept secrets. Dennis and his band, The Mississippi Ramblers, deliver standout professionally arranged live performances that incorporate Roots, Americana, Blues, New Orleans, Rock, Swing, and more. The electrifying live show has been called “A Must See!” by Modesto View Magazine. The band brings audiences to their feet at festivals, theaters, and concert series. Concert is held at the Daniel Bishop Memorial Pavilion in Carmichael Park, located at 5750 Grant Ave. The Carmichael Concerts in
the Park series is brought to you in part, by the generous support of the following sponsors: Access Dental, Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Emigh Hardware, Arthur Murray Carmichael Dance Studio, California Family Fitness, Carmichael Creek Neighborhood Association, John and Susan Skinner, and the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael. SUNDAY, JULY 9 LA FIESTA DE FRIDA: Latino Center of Art and Culture’s 4th Annual La Fiesta de Frida will be held from 1 to 6 p.m.. Live music with ENRU and AASHWUT RODRIGUEZ. Dance performance by Lacustre Michoacán de Ocampo. Frida Kahlo LookA-Like Contest at 2 PM. Food - Music - Dance - Crafts Vendors. Family Friendly Event. FREE. No cost to attend or enter Look-A-Like Contest. Plenty of free parking. Here is a link to entry form for Frida Look-A-Like Contest. www. thelatinocenter.com/fiesta-defrida.html. The Latino Center of Art and Culture is located at 2700 Front St. MANSION FLATS NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY: Come enjoy the Mansion Flats neighborhood as we close down the streets and celebrate the community from 2 to 9 p.m. on D Street between 13th and 14th streets in Sacramento. There will be plenty of entertainment and activities for kids and adults and adults that act like kids. Continued on page 15
CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JULY 2017
What’s Happening, Kids! Continued from page 14
Bounce houses and water slides so bring your swim suit and towel. There will food and beverage vendors as well games throughout the street. (Burly Beverages, Chando’s Tacos, and many more) Local entertainment including bands, fire performance, comedy and a dancing gorilla. CARMICHAEL CONCERTS IN THE PARK: CARMICHAEL KIWANIS SWING BAND: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: The Carmichael Kiwanis Swing Band was formed in the late 1980’s. Both Wayne Reimers and Jim Bortolloto founded the band. The band included an 18 piece dance band, including 4 vocalists. They are sponsored by the Carmichael Kiwanis club. Currently playing locally for charities and events in the Carmichael area. Concert is held at the Daniel Bishop Memorial Pavilion in Carmichael Park, located at 5750 Grant Ave. The Carmichael Concerts in the Park series is brought to you in part, by the generous support of the following sponsors: Access Dental, Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Emigh Hardware, Arthur Murray Carmichael Dance Studio, California Family Fitness, Carmichael Creek Neighborhood Association, John and Susan Skinner, and the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael. TUESDAY, JULY 11 OBON FESTIVAL WORKSHOP: Whether you have never been to an Obon festival or you go year after year, this Obon workshop is a great op-
portunity to kick off the Obon fun! From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., you can learn all about the history and meaning of Obon festivals, the attire for festivals, and some dance moves of course! There will also be delicious refreshments of rice balls, salads, and HOT DOGS! At the end of the workshop, you will be ready to join the Florin Obon Dance Practice at 7 to 8 P.M. Past Florin JACL President Cheryl Miles, an expert Hanayagi classical Japanese dance instructor and Florin Obon dance leader will be guiding the workshop, along with Florin Buddhist Sensei Tadao Koyama providing background. Cheryl will explain and demonstrate several dances, plus give you a chance to jump in and participate. All backgrounds, ages, and faiths invited. This fun event is jointly sponsored by the Buddhist Church of Florin (BCF) and the Florin Japanese American Citizens League (Florin JACL-Sacramento Valley). Donations welcome to cover refreshments. Please RSVP to florinjacl5@outlook.com now so we can get a count for refreshments. The Buddhist Church of Florin is located at 7235 Pritchard Road. SATURDAY, JULY 15 AND SUNDAY, JULY 16 THE FAIRYTALE TOWN TROUPERS PRESENT: “DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” The Fairytale Town Troupers invite you to “be their guest” for this special adaptation of the classic Disney animated film--live on stage! “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” features the unforgettable songs and
characters of the animated classic brought to life-plus the beautiful and timeless love story we all know and love. Performances will be held in the Children’s Theater. Tickets are $2 for nonmembers in addition to paid park admission and $1 for members. For more information, visit fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Show times at 12 and 1:30 p.m. CARMICHAEL CONCERTS IN THE PARK: JACKSON STONE BAND: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Jackson Stone Band has been a professional act performing their own original music as well as country rock, blues, and classic rock hits for over three decades. The band has played as an opener for national touring acts in country, rock, southern rock, and blues genres. Jackson Stone is geared for hard driving country rocking performances that touch on all of their heroes Hank Williams Jr. Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Waylon, Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, Charlie Daniels, Eric Clapton, ZZ Top, Bob Seger, Pink Floyd and many more. Jackson Stone Band music has reached audiences all over the world since 2004 and has made a small nitch in the music scene as a new and upcoming Southern Rock band that plays good old music played fromthe heart with gravely vocals, soulful lead guitars, searing b-3 organ and honky tonkin’ piano, hard hitting rock drums, and driving bass guitar. Their songs tell
stories about being raised in the country, good times, good friends and playing rock n roll. The musicians in this band all have similar but different musical influences but together they have struck on a style that is their own magic that is the Jackson Stone Band. Concert is held at the Daniel Bishop Memorial Pavilion in Carmichael Park, located at 5750 Grant Ave. The Carmichael Concerts in the Park series is brought to you in part, by the generous support of the following sponsors: Access Dental, Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Emigh Hardware, Arthur Murray Carmichael Dance Studio, California Family Fitness, Carmichael Creek Neighborhood Association, John and Susan Skinner, and the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael. SATURDAY JULY 22 MODEL RAILROAD PARTY: The American River Model Railroad Society to learn about where trains travel. Experience the history of America through the magic of model trains. You may even meet Thomas and Friends! This is a Read by Design Summer Reading Program that will be held at the Belle Cooledge Library from 1 to 2 p.m., 5600 South Land Park Drive. CARMICHAEL CONCERTS IN THE PARK: HOWELL DEVINE: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Triple threat Josh Howell (slide guitar, harp, voice), percussion savant Pete Devine (drums, washboard) & bassist Joe Kyle Jr. deftly mix sinuous
Delta/Hill Country Blues with wildly syncopated rhythms to create a rollickin’ present-day sound from the past. (On Arhoolie/Smithsonian-Folkways Records.) Concert is held at the Daniel Bishop Memorial Pavilion in Carmichael Park, located at 5750 Grant Ave. The Carmichael Concerts in the Park series is brought to you in part, by the generous support of the following sponsors: Access Dental, Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Emigh Hardware, Arthur Murray Carmichael Dance Studio, California Family Fitness, Carmichael Creek Neighborhood Association, John and Susan Skinner, and the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael. SATURDAY JULY 22 AND SUNDAY, JULY 23 THE FAIRYTALE TOWN TROUPERS PRESENT: “DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”: The Fairytale Town Troupers invite you to “be their guest” for this special adaptation of the classic Disney animated film--live on stage! “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” features the unforgettable songs and characters of the animated classic brought to life-plus the beautiful and timeless love story we all know and love. Performances will be held in the Children’s Theater. Tickets are $2 for nonmembers in addition to paid park admission and $1 for members. For more information, visit fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Show times at 12 and 1:30 p.m.
Cello Lessons - ages 7 and older Summer is a great time to take lessons! Get ready for school & youth orchestras in Fall JoAnn Ross
Learn ’cello basics Improve bowing, fingering & sight reading skills Prepare for auditions Learn solo repertoire 916-285-5101
email: joann@celloantics.com
For further information & qualifications visit: www.celloantics.com JULY 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide
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