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| June 3, 2005
SUMMER FESTIVALS: Larkspur blooms Colorful events pop up throughout the season BY CAROL INKELLIS A slew of fulfilling festivities happens here in the summer months. From sophisticated and sumptuous to carnival games and cotton candy, there is no shortage of family and grown-up fun to be had. In keeping with the community-oriented place it is, the majority of Larkspur summer events are fund-raisers for very worthy causes. Summer is in full bloom (even if it isn’t official for another nine days) for the 15th annual Larkspur Flower & Food Festival. This one day fete features an exciting schedule of flower-related arts and crafts. As befits an afternoon celebrating flowers and food, attendees are encouraged to wear unique, fanciful or colorful hats—and enter their chapeaux in the Bonnet Competition. Larkspur’s celebrated chefs will showcase tasty tidbits and fine wines. Local faves Vinyl, Stompy Jones, Marsha Remas, Jules Broussard Quartet and Listen Hear Jazz Quartet will fill the avenue with great music most of the day. Over at the Fire House it’s all about entertaining the kids: the children’s stage boasts juggler Greg Frisbee and Dana Smith with his amazing performing dog Lacey—plus crafts for the young ’uns. Larkspur Community Association hosts this extravaganza, which takes place on Magnolia Avenue between King and Ward streets June 12 from 10:30am-6pm. For 17 years, the elegant art exhibit and sale Marin/Scapes has benefited Buckelew Programs, a nonprofit agency working to enhance the quality of life for adults with mental illness. The historic Escalle Winery at 771 Magnolia Avenue is the setting for the 300 works of art in a variety of mediums by 60 contemporary artists. The Corte Madera branch of Bank of Marin hosts an artist reception—to introduce the artists and their work—June 14, 6:30-8:30pm. The festivities commence with an opening night gala June 23 from 6:30-9:30pm; the exhibit and sale are open July 1-4, 12-6pm. Marin Advocates for Children (MAC), an agency dedicated to preventing child abuse and advocating for the best interests of children, kicks off the summer family-style June 18 with Kid’s Day at the Landing. Radio Disney’s Freestyle Franco will be on hand, leading kids through festive games with great prizes. Catch thrills and chills on the 30-foot Colossal inflatable, battle through the winding obstacles in the 44-foot high Treasure of the Caribbean. Travel through Cameron the Caterpillar, meander in the Paddle Boat Lagoon, test athletic skill in the sports games and visit Benny & Bebe’s Magic Circus. In-between, savor delicious food from the Landing’s renowned restaurants—or treat yourself and the kids to ice cream, popcorn, cotton candy and more. And for those adults who need a break, relax to music from Key Lime Pie and the Sun Kings. For many children, summertime is an opportunity to read strictly for pleasure. Larky’s Lucky Reading Program debuts with a magic show performed by The Wizards Training School Saturday, June 18, in the City Hall Council Chambers at 10am. For a story in the oral tradition, young readers are invited to the Council Chambers Wednesday, June 29 at 3pm, for the puppet show Hazel and the Dragon. At the annual Fourth of July parade (see below), children dressed as their favorite book character can join the library’s cheerful mascot Larky as part of the library’s contingent. As in years past, the Larkspur Landing Music Series will provide an eclectic mix of music to enjoy at the end of the workweek. The series begins July 1 and concludes September 16 with the jazzy strains of saxophonist Jules Broussard. Swing to the beat of Stompy Jones July 8 and Zeena Quinn & Sweet ’n Sour Swing July 15. Traditional Cajun and zydeco is on the menu with Gator Beat July 22. July 29 and August 5 bring on the blues, first with Delta Wires, then Kathleen Cairns & Tattoo Blue. Back in the swing of things August 12 is Swing Fever and August 19 brings Rex Allen Swing Express. Cajun pops up again August 26 with Ron Bombardier & the Bayou Boys. Daniel Castro will be singing the blues September 2. Zydeco Flames bring their special brand of voodoo September 9. Something for just about every musical taste—and what a civilized way to start the weekend. Among the most anticipated and well-attended events of the summer—15,000 people last year—is the Annual Corte Madera/Larkspur Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. Sponsored jointly by the Corte Madera and Larkspur Chambers of Commerce, this year’s theme, Music of America, promises some rousing patriotism along with quirky creativity. The parade leaves Redwood High School at 10:30am, and winds its way through downtown Larkspur from Magnolia Ave. into Corte Madera down Tamalpais Ave., to the Corte Madera Town Center. The merriment continues at the Corte Madera Town Park with oodles of arts and crafts vendors, food galore, entertainment and an area just for kids. For the fifth year, Marin Brewing Company hosts Fermenting Change: Microbreweries Battling Breast Cancer July 16, noon-5pm, a fun-filled fund-raiser for a serious cause. Twenty-two area microbreweries and two ale houses will provide unlimited tasting (poured in your keepsake 5-ounce glass). Groove to the music of Johnny Smith from noon to 2pm, then rock out from 2:30-5pm to the sounds of Pocket Change. Inexpensive barbecued grub will be available for purchase. A silent auction and raffle prizes complete the day. The raffle’s grand prize is a Drake Beach Cruiser from Marin Bikes. An afternoon in the sun at the Brewing Company’s patio—all for a good cause? Doesn’t get much better than this. In its third season, and still growing, the Larkspur Farmers Market has found its niche. Held in the southwest parking lot in front of 24-Hour Fitness each Saturday, 10am-2pm, through October 15, this market offers up a wide array of direct-from-the-farm goods, including quite a bit of organic produce. Load up for the week on the area’s freshest fruits, veggies, flowers and specialty items. Piper Park is the place to be when the Larkspur Rec Dept. presents Movies in the Moonlight, the quintessential summertime family activity. The fun begins when the sun sets (about 9pm). Come earlier to stake a spot—bring a picnic dinner and let the kids play as the light fades. Remember the warm blanket(s) and clothing. Sleeping bags aren’t a bad idea either, and a low-slung beach chair helps the comfort level. This summer’s sure-to-please screenings take place on three Saturday nights: Shark Tale swims in June 25; it’s Shrek to the rescue July 16; and August 6, Gene Wilder wows in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. No matter how many times you’ve seen the videos, watching on an outdoor screen is a real treat. SUMMER FESTIVALS BY CITY Corte Madera |
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Larkspur Farmers Market, every Saturday through October 15. 10am-2pm in the Larkspur Landing southwest parking lot. Info: 415/382-7846. Larkspur Flower & Food Festival, Sunday, June 12, 10:30am-6pm. Free. Info: 415/924-3808. Marin/Scapes Tuesday, June 14, 6:30-8:30pm; Thursday, June 23, 6:30-9:30pm; July 1-4, noon-6pm. Gala $125; exhibit $12. Info: 415/457-6966 ext. 522. Larky’s Lucky Reading Program, Saturday, June 18, 10am in City Hall Council Chambers, 400 Magnolia Ave. Free. Info: 415/927-5134. Kid’s Day at the Landing, Saturday, June 18, 11am-4pm at Larkspur Landing. Free. Info: 415/507-0179. Movies in the Moonlight, Saturdays, June 25, July 16, August 6, 9pm at Piper Park, 250 Doherty Dr. Free. Info: 415/927-6746 Larkspur Landing Music Series, every Friday 6-8pm, from July 1-September 16 in the Larkspur Landing courtyard. Free. 415/461-3700. Fourth of July Parade, Monday, July 4, 10:30am. Starts at Redwood High and heads down Doherty and Magnolia and into Corte Madera. Free. Info: 415/924-0441. Fermenting Change: Microbreweries Battling Breast Cancer, Saturday, July 16, noon-5pm. Marin Brewing Company patio, Larkspur Landing. $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Info: 415/461-4677. SUMMER FESTIVALS BY CITY Corte Madera |
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