At a glance: A swimmingly good time

On July 11 in 1962 Fred Baldasare was the first person to swim the English Channel underwater. No, he didn’t hold his breath the whole way, he used scuba gear but you have to wonder why he even did it in the first place.

There is no wondering why people are making plans to enjoy dinner at Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center at Sequoia, 643 Bee St. in Placerville, on the second Thursday of the month. The dinner this month is July 12 at 6:30 p.m. and will have an appetizer of smoked salmon and potato latke, a grilled peach and goat cheese salad, grilled beef skewers and roasted red potatoes for the entrée and a genoise aux farmhouses for dessert. Stop by the Nello Olivo Wines tasting room prior to dining. For reservations call 530-409-5603.

 

Fun time

Spoiled Rotten Women’s Boutique and Art Gallery, 3330 Cameron Park Drive, Suite 1000, in Cameron Park, is having a book signing, artist showing, wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres event on Friday, July 13 from 4 to 9 p.m. Chris Pederson author of the delightful children’s book “The Prisoner of Carrot Castle,” photographer John Getchel, author Kathryn Mattingly, painter Kristin, author Debbi Preston and painter Jane Campbell will be featured. Cielo Estate will be pouring wine tastes. To get all the specifics call 530-672-8121.

 

Theater night

Cherry on the Top Theater Productions is presenting “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” at the Placerville Shakespeare Club, 2940 Bedford Ave. in Placerville, on Friday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 14 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. To make the event a special night the production company is taking $2 off the ticket price when theater goers bring a dinner receipt from Heyday Café, Cascada Restaurant and Cantina, Z Pie, Bricks, the Independent Bar and Restaurant, Tortilla Flats, Durango’s Mexican Restaurant and Placerville Brewing Company. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors and children and $12 for students. The tickets and are available by going to cherryontoptheater.com or at the door.

 

See history

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park on Highway 49 in Coloma is having its first Living History Day on Saturday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be presentations, demonstrations and hands-on activities reflecting the 1850s. Re-enactors will be dressed in period clothing to share the Gold Rush experience. Living History Day is a free event but there is a day use fee of $8 per car. For more information call 530-622-3470 or go to marshallgold.org.

 

Time to celebrate

Chill out and celebrate American and Swiss independence at Chevalier Winery, 5720 French Creek Road in Shingle Springs, on Saturdays and Sundays during July from noon to 5 p.m. The wine cellar is a cool place to taste the Sauvignon Blanc and White Cabernet and the other wines, too. For more information call 530-677-1676.

 

French celebration

David Girard Vineyards, 741 Cold Springs Road in Placerville, is celebrating Bastille Day from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 14. There will be a French Market Festival with fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, crepes and French-style wines. Artists will be painting and music will be playing as visitors stroll through the vineyards. To get all the details contact Judy at events@davidgirardvineyards.com or call 530-295-1833.

 

More Mojo

Music in the Courtyard in Fountain Plaza Courtyard, 312 Main St. in Placerville, will be a cool place to be on Saturday, July 14 with music by Jonny Mojo and the Rusty Buckets from 1 to 4 p.m. The music is free and the afternoon in a beautiful setting is priceless. For more information call the Fountain Plaza Salon at 530-622-4900.

 

Happy anniversary

The wonderful folks at dkcellars, 7380 Vineyard View Drive in Fair Play, are celebrating the wineries 12th year on Saturday, July 14 from 2 to 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to the party with DJ Val Dawang playing music for dancing on the newly landscaped lawn. There will be wine available by the glass or bottle. There is no charge for this event but an RSVP is requested. For more information call 530-620-1132 or go to dkcellars.com.

 

Cameron Park luau

The Cameron Park Community Center Pool at 2502 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park, will have a Luau by the Pool on Saturday, July 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. for the 21 and older crowd. There will be food and a no host bar. The cost is $60 for two or $35 per person or $40 per person at the door. For more information call the Cameron Park Community Services District at 530-677-2231.

 

Camp at the lake

The Cameron Park CSD is also having a Cameron Park Community Campout at Cameron Park Lake, 2989 Cambridge Road, on Friday to Saturday, July 20-21, from 4 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday. There will be a barbecue dinner, games, crafts and breakfast. Cost is $35 for a family of four and $10 for each additional member. to attend or for more information call 530-677-2231.

 

Dog day

Author Debbi Preston will be at Pampering Pickle, 320 Main St. in Placerville, on Tuesday, July 17 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. to give a presentation about her books “48 Dog Friendly Trails” and “Dog Friendly Trails for All Seasons.” She will also be available to autograph previously purchased books as well as those purchased at the event. The presentation is free. Registration is required and can be dome by calling 530-344-7451.