Fall Greetings!  
Beautiful late summer early fall warm days lately, you can actually hear nature slowing down ... and the trees are changing color. Our city trees, the Chinese Pistachios, are the most spectacular. Theater season is on-going and we are right in the middle of the Bach Festival, which is rich and exciting. Both musicians and festival fans stay with us.
 
Barretta Farm
Danny and I have been busy with our garden this summer and have happily harvested beans, zucchini, potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes and such hot peppers that we barely can eat them. LOL

The main gardens are  still very much a project in progress, however I finally got to buy some trees and bushes and gladly spent all my free hours in different nurseries.
 
Our Winter Special
January through March 2012 ... stay 3 nights and pay for 2 plus enjoy a free concert when the "Big Band" (25 piece jazz band out of Columbia) is playing. Their schedule will be on our website shortly.

What's Happening
Stage3 Downtown Sonora: Over the River and through the Woods

Sierra Repertory Theater: Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, a whirlwind Christmas adventure like no other, opens Friday, November 11 and runs through December 18.

Saturday, 10/29
Illumination of the Jack O’Lanterns, 5:30pm, Carve your pumpkins, turning them into classic peg-toothed grinners, artfully chiseled ghouls, leering witches, or any family-friendly design of your choosing. 5:30pm, Bring your carved gourds to the Columbia Museum on Main Street for judging, and enjoy the live musical entertainment. Prizes will be awarded for the most original, most gruesome, most entertaining, etc. At dusk the jack-o’-lanterns will be illuminated. This free event is sponsored by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and fun for all ages. Call 209-536-1672  
 
Saturday, 11/5
Wine Grape & Gourmet, Join us for the 4th annual Wine Grape & Gourmet, Saturday November 5, 2011, 1 – 4pm, Ironstone Vineyards. An afternoon of wine and food pairings hosted by the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance. Overlooking the Vineyards at Ironstone, guests will have a unique pairing experience in this beautiful Murphys setting. Calaveras County wineries and restaurants join together to present their best pairings and help you understand why some wines and foods go so well together. Is it the weight of the wine, is it the texture of the food or is it wonderful flavors that create the magic of great pairings? Wine notes and menu cards will be provided as a guide for this palate pleasing adventure. Don’t miss the 4th year of this one of a kind event in the scenic Sierra Foothills. Tickets go on sale September 1st. Ticket Prices: $40; $50 day of event www.calaveraswines.org
 
Sunday, 11/13
Stanislaus River Salmon Festival, 10am -3pm Knights Ferry Recreation Area (Stanislaus River – 12 Miles East of Oakdale, CA Kennedy Road off Hwy 108/120) Free Family Friendly Event Live Music – Fish Print Shirts –Salmon Obstacle Course Face Painting –Fly Fishing Demo – Historic Tours Educational Exhibits – Food – And More For more info, call: J.D. Wikert (209) 334-2968 ext. 403
 
Friday, 11/25 - 11/26
Santa’s Starlight Express, Bundle up and ride with Santa and a train full of carolers on our most magical excursion of the whole year. Railtown’s cars, depot and water tank are lighted for the season, creating an unforgettable experience for the whole family. 5pm-8pm, Railtown 1897, Jamestown, 984-3953
 
Friday, 11/25
Sonora Christmas Parade, THE 28TH ANNUAL HISTORIC SONORA CHRISTMAS PARADE. Starts promptly at 5:30 pm Rain or Shine. This nighttime parade is sure to get you in holiday spirit with festive floats, horse groups, bands and more. Call (209) 532-7725
 
Friday, 11/25 - 11/27
Sonora Christmas Craft Fair, 36th Annual Event! Eat, Shop and Be Merry as Christmas in near! This spirited celebration of the season includes live entertainment, over 200 fine craftsmen and artists, great food and fun filling every building. 10am to 5pm. Live music. $7 adults, $5 seniors, $2 children (10 to 5), Fire on the Mountain, Mother Lode Fairgrounds, Sonora, 533-3473
On the Web: http://www.fireonthemountain.com
 
Saturday, 11/26
Cowboy Christmas Gift and Craft Show, The Oakdale Cowboy Museum will be celebrating their Annual Cowboy Christmas Gift and Craft Show on Saturday, November 27, 2010, from 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. at the Gene Bianchi Community Center in Oakdale. This is a community event and free to the public. There are over 40 exhibitor booths and you’ll find just about anything western and more! There is beautiful western art, furniture, jewelry, apparel, cowboy grub and entertainment! But best of all, you’ll find COWBOY SANTA, who will arrive on horseback at 11:00 A.M and be available for pictures until 3:00 P.M. So, come on out and have some fun!! Contact Oakdale Cowboy Museum at 209 847-2244 or visit their website at www.oakdalecowboymuseum.org/, 847-7049