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| June 3, 2005
SUMMER FESTIVALS: Neighborly Novato Lots of summertime gatherings are in the works BY GEETS VINCENT The song goes, “June is bustin’ out all over,” and before we know it, July, August and September will too. Novato neighborliness takes on special meaning as fun and festivities are also “bustin’ out all over.” Novato Parks, Recreation and Community Services promise many attractions, beginning right off the bat with director Remy Carini’s Junior Theater Production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Presented at Hill Middle School, Friday and Saturday, June 3-4 at 7pm with a 1pm matinee Sunday, June 5, this favorite story tells of the extraordinary adventures inside Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Bountiful and beautiful describes Novato Farmers’ Market held at Sherman and DeLong, soon to relocate to Grant Avenue. Stroll past sumptuous fresh certified farmers’ goods. Select fine specialty foods and flowers. Family fun includes live music and carriage rides. There’ll be dancing in the streets at the 22nd Annual Art, Wine and Music Festival the weekend of June 11-12 in Old Town. Sip award-winning California wines and specially brewed suds; select from the broad choices popular food purveyors provide; purchase fine artisan items and other unique offerings; enjoy a “battle of the bands.” The children’s area includes ponies, a petting zoo and ventriloquist. Parking is at a premium but Rotary Club of Novato offers paid lots with proceeds going to its projects. And who doesn’t love a parade? So bring a flag and find a fine viewing spot Monday, July 4, at 10am sharp for the 13th annual Independence Day Parade. Cheer the usual assortment of horses, fire trucks, vintage cars, floats, marching bands, tykes on trikes and Joe Garbarino’s collection of military vehicles. Rumor has it a calliope may be included this year! Novato Presbyterian Church again hosts Buckaroo Breakfast in the old Pini Hardware store parking lot, Grant at First Street, beginning at 7am. Fortify for the parade with pancakes, ham, eggs, coffee, juice and milk. Happy viewers may anticipate Novato Multi-Cultural Commission’s three free Saturday Movies in the Park. Professionally projected on a big outdoor screen at Pioneer Park, these films begin at 8:15pm. July 9 brings the kid-pleasing PG-rated animated feature Ice Age. Radio (also PG), showing July 30, is the story of a high school football coach and a mentally challenged student. Playing August 27, Drumline, rated PG-13, is about a street drummer who earns a scholarship to a university. Is there anyone who doesn’t know about the Heart of the Forest Renaissance Faire where Shakespeare’s England thrives for six spectacular weekends? For its fourth year at Stafford Lake, cast and customers again create Elizabethan traditions and hijinks. Savor crafted wares, fine foods and beverages, theatrical presentations and constant jollity from the 11am gate opening until 7pm, beginning July 9. As the Bard said, “Put money in thy purse;” then check forestfaire.com. Shakespeare appears in another guise and free of charge, 2pm, Friday, July 29, when Marin Shakespeare Young Company’s 8- to 12-year-olds present their abridged version of Romeo and Juliet at Hamilton Amphitheater. This production culminates the participating youngsters’ camp experiences July 18-29. That same Shakespeare said, “The play’s the thing!” So theatergoers look forward to attending the Second Annual One Act Play Festival the Novato Theater Company, formerly Novato Community Players, mounts the weekend of August 5-7. A venue was not available at press time. Kim Bromley is supervising director with details at kbromley57@yahoo. A mix of bands at a variety of venues celebrates 20 years of Novato Civic Arts Commission’s free community Concerts in the Park. Audiences will be entertained 1-4pm Saturday, July 23 by Factor 11, Bret Douglas Band, Deacon & the Suprelles; 6-8pm Saturday, August 6, by Babushka Brothers and Junkyard Buddhas; 6-8pm Saturday, August 20, by Undercover and Stage Fright; 11am-3pm Sunday, September 18, James K and Tim Cain. Toe-tappers welcomed. The weekend of August 12-14 means Nostalgia Days, back bigger and better than ever. Look for the Car Parade Friday and the Car Show and Shine Saturday. Join the three-hour Car Cruise or the big Poker Run and listen Sunday to Tom & the Cats and the Dave Crimmen bands. The 10th Annual Labor Day at the Lake 5-9pm Sunday, September 4, promises spectacular high-level fireworks, family fun and a concert by the R&B Allstars rhythm and blues band at Stafford Lake Park. Lots of children’s activities included. Bring a picnic or purchase food. Free parking and shuttle service from the marked lot on Novato Boulevard, near the Golf Course exit or $10 at the park. September 10-11 at Miwok Park, the Marin Museum of the American Indian presents its 33rd Trade Feast, grown from a long tradition practiced among California indigenous people who gather to exchange food, tools and supplies, share songs, stories, dances and friendships. A $5 donation provides the opportunity to watch Native Americans in full regalia dance, and various demonstrations of basket weaving, flintknapping, cordage and other skills. Native American vendors market pottery, jewelry and other arts. Mariachi bands will play up and down Sherman Avenue as Novato celebrates Salsa Festival Sunday, September 11. Crunch tortilla chips and taste entries in the “Best Salsa Sauce” competition. At Fourth and Grant, a 14-piece salsa band plays and so will Pride and Joy. Adults 18-plus may partake in habanera or tamale eating contests. A food court will sell Latino dishes. The salsa tasting, dancing and music are free. SUMMER FESTIVALS BY CITY Corte Madera |
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Novato Farmers’ Market 4-8pm, Tuesdays through October 25, Sherman and DeLong avenues. Will relocate to Grant Ave. this summer. Info: 22nd Annual Art, Wine & Music Festival 10am-7pm, Saturday, June 11 and 10am-6pm Sunday, June 12. Old Town. Free. Info: 415/897-1164 or www.novatochamber.com. Independence Day Parade, 10am-4pm, Monday, July 4. Parade begins at Sweetser, runs down Grant Ave. and ends at 7th St. Free. Info: Chamber of Commerce 415/897-1164. Movies in the Park at Pioneer Park, 1007 Simmons Lane. July 9 Ice Age; July 30 Radio; August 27 Drumline. 8:15pm. Free. Info: 419/899-8200. Renaissance Faire runs six weekends, July 9 & 10 through August 13 & 14 at Stafford Lake Park, 4020 Novato Blvd. Advance tickets: adults $17 online at forestfaire.com; $20 at the gate; children 5-11 $8 & under 5, free. Students/senior/military (with ID) $17. Tickets include free parking & shuttle service. Info: 800/510-1558. Romeo and Juliet performed by Marin Shakespeare Young Company Hamilton Amphitheater, Hamilton Parkway. 2pm Friday, July 29. Free. Info: 415/499-4487. 2nd Annual One Act Play Festival performed by Novato Theater Company. August 5-7. Venue information unavailable at press time. Info: 415/892-3005. Concerts in the Park. 1-4pm July 23, Factor 11, Bret Douglas Band, Deacon & the Suprelles at Pioneer Park; 6-8pm August 6, Babushka Brothers and Junkyard Buddhas at Pioneer Park; 10am-4pm August 14, Tom & the Cats and Dave Crimmen, downtown Novato (Nostalgia Days); 6-8pm August 20, Undercover and Stage Fright at Pioneer Park; 1-3pm, September 11, Pride and Joy, downtown Novato (Salsa Festival); 11am-3pm September 18, James K and Tim Cain at Hamilton Field Amphitheater. Free. Info: 415/897-4323 or 415/899-8971. Nostalgia Days August 12-14, 10am-4pm, offer “something for everyone.” Downtown Novato. Info: Skip Tozzi, 415/897-8712. Labor Day at the Lake Sunday, September 4, 5-9pm. 4020 Novato Blvd. $5 adults, $3 children 4-12. Free shuttle from marked lot on Novato Blvd. (past San Marin High and before Golf Course exit). No pets or personal fireworks permitted. Info: 415/899-8200 or 415/897-4133. Trade Feast, September 10-11, 10am-5pm at Miwok Park, 2200 Novato Blvd. $5. Info: 415/897-4064. Salsa Festival Sunday, September 11, 11am-5pm. Downtown Novato. Free Info: 415/892-1516, ext. 15, ask for Dick. SUMMER FESTIVALS BY CITY Corte Madera |
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