It is time to start thinking about what the coming year will bring to our mountain community in the way of sponsored events. Last year businesses offered games/activities to the community over holiday weekends. With the exception of our Traveling Easter Egg Hunt, the Bike Safety Rodeo and our Safe and Sane Halloween, it is difficult to assess the success of these efforts. The entire mountain was energetically involved in both the Rodeo and Halloween. Once again, thank you all so much. It made a big difference for many children and their families.
The original idea of the Mountain Mile Weekends was for local business and community members to join hands in an effort to provide free/low cost outings and entertainment for families in a “Street Fair” type environment. This has proven to be a challenge due to the distance between business/service establishments. While businesses themselves did well on these weekends, the participation in activities was generally poor.
I am still very committed to this project and ready to plan for this year. At this time, I am looking for input of ideas, willingness to volunteer and/or sponsor any events we may offer as a community.
I am very open to any and all suggestions, as long as they are family focused and available to all, regardless of ability to pay. Below, you will find a “calendar” of events that we sponsored last year with this year’s corresponding weekend dates. Alternative ideas are welcome if you wish to participate in an event.
April 3rd ~ Easter (the 4th) this year’s activities will be dependant on who wants to be involved. Last year we had: Live music by Judah at Mountain Aire Hair Care and 6 businesses offered 1 hidden “treasure” egg for each child visiting their establishment. Egg painting was available at Destination Whimsey. Several local crafters and vendors sold their wares in parking lots at these locations.
April 24th ~ Earth Day (the 22nd) Community Beautification Project? Found art projects? My nursery will be open and available for activities.
May 8th / 9th ~ Mother’s Day Weekend. Last year: Gift making project at Destination Whimsey and Enchanted Forest …local crafters…
May 29th / 30th ~ Memorial Day ~ Art projects, Carnival Games, Live music by “Judah” … local crafters…
The 2nd Annual Bike Safety Rodeo is definite. It is planned for the month of June, right after school is out. People committed to this event need to contact me so we can arrange a meeting sooner than later. This event involves a lot of time, energy and commitment. Last year we gave away 23 bicycles and every child went home with a new helmet. This year promises to be much bigger!
July 4th ~ Last year: Ice Castle Building and Carnival Games … local crafters…
August 3rd ~ 27th annual “National Night Out” crime prevention event. Contact Yuba County Sheriff Laura Miller for more information. Please contact me if you are interested in making this happen in Brownsville.
September 4th ~ Last year: Labor Day Barbeque at Enchanted Forest.
October 31st ~ Safe and Sane Halloween. 18 businesses, services and private residents offered trick or treating and varied activities.
At this time, the 2 events I know people want to continue are the Bike Rodeo and Safe and Sane Halloween. Therefore, I am committed to doing what I can to make those two events happen. I will also have something for the children at my store the Saturday before Easter. I would love to see lots of activity throughout the foothills, all year long and will continue to offer my energy in that direction. Anyone interested in helping, please contact me. Thanks for everything.
Deborah