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| June 3, 2005
SUMMER FESTIVALS: Corte Madera on parade A slew of events before and after the big 4th of July affair BY JAN PERRY Corte Madera is especially lovely in the summertime, when bay breezes waft inland and moderate the toasty temperatures found farther inland. Bicyclists pedal the paths, hikers climb the trails, and boaters trade wet-weather gear for sunscreen. Those who prefer their outdoor experiences less strenuous are encouraged to take advantage of the many events planned for this season. Start by taking an imaginary trip at the Farmers Market in the Town Center. Cobblestoned walkways that snake through the courtyard, stalls with matching tablecloths and umbrellas and a certain ambiance all contribute to a European atmosphere. In addition to terrific produce, both organic and non-, the market features gourmet products, Bay Breads (new this year), wheat-free products and organic toffee. Organic chocolates are coming, too. Everybody is sure to react with an “Awww” when gazing at the animals available for adoption from the Humane Society—come with a ready-made excuse, or be prepared for your kids to prevail and go home with one more family member. When not lobbying for a pet or playing outside, kids up to and including sixth grade can participate in the Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds reading program at the Corte Madera Library. Over 750 kids signed up for the popular program last year. Teens have the medieval-themed Joust Read program. Prizes are tied to the theme of the program titles, but the books don’t have to be—any kind of book qualifies. In each program, readers submit a short review (tiny tots can dictate a few sentences to an obliging scribe), but this is not a book report. It’s just a written reaction to the book. Kids entering fourth and fifth grades have an opportunity to discuss Shredderman #1: Secret Identity by Wendelin Van Draanen on the evening of July 20; call to sign up. Popular storytime sessions take place Wednesdays, as usual, and 4- to 8-year-olds have extra storytimes on Tuesdays in July. Special events include shows by the Swazzle Puppets; Dana Smith & his performing dog Lacey; Dan Chan’s Acrobatics, Escapes & Magic; and singer Gary Lapow & the Dragon Raffles. June 26 brings the tuneful return of the Summer Music Series, held in the center court area between Pier 1 Imports and Bryan’s Fine Foods at the Town Center Corte Madera. The series runs for 12 Sunday afternoons and showcases lots of performers singing or playing (sometimes both) an eclectic lineup of styles. Opening day features the full-band sounds of local favorites, the Corte Madera Town Band. On July 3, pint-sized toe-tappers are sure to be entranced by Miss Kitty’s interactive games and music. Other shows bring Michael Bartle, also known as The Great Pretender, who’ll channel Elvis & Friends on July 10. Don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing? Then Dave’s Swingtime Band on July 17 is the show for you. Folks who like their music Americana-style will want to check out Allegra & Solid Air on July 24. The steel band tunes of Harmonics - Peter Best are featured on July 31, followed on August 7 by Cascada - David Correa, with their Latin/World music sounds. Songbird Audrey Shimkas will be accompanied August 14 by a jazz quartet, and then August 21 brings Michael Klapholz and his acoustic guitar. Country-Western favorites are the order of the day August 28 when Pam’s Country Jam Trio lets loose. Dave’s Dixiecats play—surprise—Dixieland on September 4, and the whole series wraps up on September 11 when the Corte Madera Town Band returns for the season’s swan song. Of course, who could forget the big event of the summer, the Corte Madera-Larkspur Fourth of July Parade. With a reputation as one of Marin’s finest parades, it drew 15,000 people from all over the Bay Area last year. “Music of America” is this year’s theme, supported by a number of bands including the Corte Madera Town Band, the Macintosh Pipe Band and the Carnaval Dance Troop, among others. At 10:30am the parade wends its way from Redwood High School to Magnolia Avenue, thence to Corte Madera along Tamalpais Street, ending at Town Center Corte Madera. At that point, the celebration in Corte Madera Town Park kicks off, with loads of arts and crafts vendors and food aplenty, including the famous hamburger booth. Live bands will play, and children can frolic in their own area, where they’ll have special entertainment, games and loads of opportunity to exhaust themselves in the Bounce House and Action Shack. It’s a big day for everybody—bring a party attitude and lots of SPF 30. Something else kids will enjoy is the Children’s Summer Concert Series that takes place in the Center Court of The Village at Corte Madera. Tim Cain, who’s been delighting kids hereabouts for years, will perform a couple of concerts. As of press time, a new children’s play area was under construction—part of a larger $10-million renovation—and no specific date/time information for the concerts was available. So no excuses for boredom, now. Indoors or out, there’s heaps of happenin’s this summer in Corte Madera. MORE SUMMER FESTIVALS BY CITY Fairfax |
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Corte Madera Library, 707 Meadowsweet Dr. Children’s program “Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds” runs June-August. Storytime for all ages through sixth grade meets every Wednesday at 11am. Tuesday afternoon storytimes in July, for ages 4-8, meet July 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 3pm. Teen program “Joust Read” runs June-August. Swazzle Puppets perform June 29, 11am; Dana Smith & his performing dog Lacey appear July 13, 11am; Dan Chan’s Acrobatics, Escape & Magic takes place July 28, 2pm. Singer Gary Lapow & the Dragon Raffles perform August 3, 11am. Kids’ Book Club with Debbie Tozier meets July 20, 7pm. All events are free. Info: 415/924-6382. Town Center Summer Music Series, June 26-September 11. At Town Center Corte Madera every Sunday from 2-4pm in the center court area between Pier 1 Imports and Bryan’s Fine Foods. Free. Info: 415/924-2961. July Fourth Celebration, Monday, July 4. Parade leaves Redwood High School in Larkspur at 10:30am and ends at the Town Center Corte Madera. Free. Info: 415/924-0441. Children’s Summer Concert Series, dates not set as of press time. At The Village at Corte Madera. Free. Info: 415/924-8921. MORE SUMMER FESTIVALS BY CITY Fairfax |
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